Ottery St Mary

Ottery St Mary
Official name	Ottery St Mary
Country	England
Region	South West England
Os grid reference	SY0995
Post town	OTTERY ST MARY
Postcode area	EX
Dial code	01404
Constituency westminster	East Devon
Shire county	Devon
Shire district	East Devon
Population	8,000
Static image caption	The Parish Church of St Mary, a notable landmark.

Ottery St Mary. A historic market town and civil parish in the East Devon district of Devon, England, situated on the River Otter. Known for its rich heritage, distinctive landmarks, and as the birthplace of the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the town lies approximately 10 miles east of the county city of Exeter. Its character is defined by a mix of medieval architecture, a strong agricultural tradition, and vibrant local customs.

History

The area's early history is evidenced by Iron Age hillforts like Nadbury Castle on the nearby East Hill. The settlement grew around a minster church founded in the 10th century, with the manor later held by Edward the Confessor before being granted to Rouen Cathedral following the Norman Conquest. In 1335, John de Grandisson, Bishop of Exeter, re-founded the church as a collegiate establishment, modelling it on Exeter Cathedral. The town was a rotten borough, returning two members to the House of Commons until the Reform Act 1832. Notable historical figures include Sir Walter Raleigh, who was born at nearby Hayes Barton, and the family of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, whose father served as vicar. The town saw action during the English Civil War, with skirmishes involving forces from Exeter and Royalist troops.

Geography

The town is located in the Otter Valley, within the designated East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The underlying geology consists primarily of Triassic sandstone and mudstone. The River Otter flows through the town, with its tributaries including the Love Lane Stream. Surrounding parishes include West Hill, Tipton St John, and Metcombe. The local landscape features rolling hills, wooded valleys, and fertile agricultural land, with notable elevations such as St Cyres Hill to the south. The climate is temperate maritime, influenced by its proximity to the English Channel.

Landmarks

The dominant landmark is the Parish Church of St Mary, a superb example of Decorated Gothic architecture with its unique double transept plan inspired by Exeter Cathedral. Other significant buildings include the early 14th-century St Mary's Chapel (now a museum), the Tumbling Weir on the River Otter, and the remains of the College of Priests buildings. The town features many fine Georgian and Regency houses, such as those on Broad Street, and the historic Knightstone manor. The Sir John Leman House is a notable Tudor structure, while the Ottery St Mary Town Hall, built in the 19th century, stands in the Silver Street area.

Economy

Historically centered on wool and serge production within the Devon woollen industry, the economy later diversified into malting, paper mills, and linen weaving. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming and arable crops, remains important, with the town hosting a weekly livestock market. Modern economic activity includes light industry, retail, tourism, and services, with several businesses located on the Cadhay Industrial Estate. The town is home to the headquarters of the Westcountry Rivers Trust and has a range of independent shops, public houses, and hospitality venues catering to visitors exploring the Jurassic Coast and Blackdown Hills.

Transport

The town is served by the A30 road, a major trunk road connecting Exeter to Honiton and onward to London. Local bus services are operated by Stagecoach South West, providing links to Exeter, Sidmouth, and Honiton. The nearest railway stations are at Whimple and Feniton on the West of England Main Line, offering services run by South Western Railway and Great Western Railway to Exeter St Davids and London Waterloo. Historically, the town was served by the Sidmouth Railway branch line from Ottery St Mary railway station, which closed in 1967 under the Beeching cuts.

Culture and events

The town is famed for its ancient and unique Tar Barrels event held each Guy Fawkes Night, where flaming tar-soaked barrels are carried through the streets. It hosts the annual Ottery St Mary Carnival and the Ottery St Mary Music Festival. The Coleridge Memorial Trust commemorates the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, with a statue located near the church. Cultural venues include the The Institute hall and the Ottery St Mary Cinema. The town is referenced in literature, including in Jane Austen's novel Sense and Sensibility, and is the setting for R. D. Blackmore's The Maid of Sker. Local sports are centred on Ottery St Mary AFC and the Ottery St Mary Cricket Club.

Category:Towns in Devon Category:Civil parishes in Devon