Shaugh Prior Explained

Coordinates:50.4494°N -4.0544°W
Country:England
Official Name:Shaugh Prior
Population:751
Population Ref:(Census 2001)
Region:South West England
Os Grid Reference:SX5463
Dial Code:01752
Post Town:PLYMOUTH
Postcode Area:PL
Postcode District:PL7
Label Position:bottom
Static Image:Shaugh Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 26212.jpg
Static Image Width:240px
Static Image Caption:Shaugh Bridge, near the village

Shaugh Prior is a village and civil parish on the south-western side of Dartmoor in the county of Devon, England. It is situated about 8 miles north-east of the historic centre of the city of Plymouth. In 2001 its population was 751.[1] The parish stretches from the edge of Plymouth to the high moorland of Dartmoor. The River Plym forms its western and northern boundaries up to the river's source at Plym Head. The higher parts of the parish are rich in Bronze Age monuments such as cists and cairns, and there is much evidence of tin mining. The area of Lee Moor that has been much mined for china clay is within the parish, but outside the Dartmoor National Park.[1]

The name derives from Old English English, Old (ca.450-1100);: sceaga, a copse, and the fact that the manor belonged to Plympton Priory.[2]

The grade I listed church dedicated to St. Edward has its origins in the 11th century, but the present building with its prominent granite tower, dates from the 15th.[1]

Notable people

Joseph Palmer (1716–88), an American general during the American Revolutionary War, was born here; as was John Phillips (1835–97), the founder of the Aller Vale Pottery in Kingskerswell.

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Book: Harris, Helen . A Handbook of Devon Parishes . Halsgrove . Tiverton . 2004 . 147 . 1-84114-314-6 .
  2. Gover, J.E.B., Mawer, A. & Stenton, F.M . English Place-Name Society . viii. Part I. . The Place-Names of Devon . . 1931 . 258 .