DUNKESWELL

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)]

"DUNKESWELL, a parish in the hundred of Hemyock, in the county of Devon, 6 miles N. of Honiton, its post town, and 9 S.W. of Collumpton station. A Cistercian Abbey was founded here by William de Brewere, or Bruere, at the beginning of the 13th century; extensive remains of the buildings still exist. Its revenue at the Dissolution was estimated at £298 11s. 10d. The parish is situated among the Blackdown hills, and contains iron. The living is a perpetual curacy* in the diocese of Exeter, value £42, in the patronage of Mrs. M. Graves. The church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, is an ancient stone structure, with tower containing three bells. There is also a district church, the living of which is a perpetual curacy, value £50, in the patronage of Mrs. E. P. Simcoe. The church is situated at Dunkeswell Abbey, and is a handsome modern stone building, with stained-glass windows, tower, and organ. The Wesleyans have a chapel. There is a National school for both sexes, also a school supported by members of the Wolford family. Wolford Lodge is the principal residence, to which is attached a handsome chapel."

"ABBEY WOOD, (or Abbey), a hamlet in the parish of Dunkeswell, and near the village of Dunkeswell, in the county of Devon, 6 miles N. of Honiton. At Dunkeswell Abbey is a handsome district church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and endowed by the late Mrs. Simcoe with £50 per annum. It is a stone building, and has tower, Galilaean porch, and chancel with several handsome stained glass windows. There is a school for boys and girls.