Many of the tourist signs around East Devon point to "Colyton - Devon's most rebellious town". One can be forgiven for expecting to find a bunch of rowdy and uncivil townsfolk. Nothing can be further from the truth! Whilst proud of their rebellious history the locals are friendly and welcoming. In fact the town is known locally as 'the small town with a big heart and a warm welcome'.

  

 

 

The history of Colyton is more than the infamous rebellion. The first records of Colyton indicate it was a Saxon settlement and suggest that a Saxon parliament was held in Colyton in 827AD.  Following William's invasion of 1066 the land was bestowed to the Lord of the Manor. In 1546, following a dispute with Henry VIII, the then Lord of the Manor, Henry Courtenay, was executed and the land was confiscated by the crown. A deputation of local merchants and farmers travelled to London and petitioned the crown for the return of the land. The group were successful and in return for a substantial payment the community recouped the land under a Deed of Enfeoffment. The caveat being that an assembly of Feoffees would be established to ensure that all the income from the land was spent on the community. 

 

The "rebellious" label attached to Colyton following the Monmouth rebellion. The Monmouth Rebellion of 1685, also known as the Pitchfork Rebellion, was an attempt to overthrow James II, who had become King of England at the death of his elder brother Charles II. James II was unpopular because he was Roman Catholic and many people were opposed to a "papist" king. James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, an illegitimate son of Charles II, claimed to be rightful heir to the throne and attempted to displace James II. The rebellion ended with the defeat of Monmouth's forces at the Battle of Sedgemoor on 6 July 1685. Monmouth was executed for treason on 15 July, and many of his supporters were executed or transported in the "Bloody Assizes" of Judge Jeffreys, the infamous "Hanging Judge Jefferies". No town in Devon provided more volunteers to the rebellion than Colyton thus earning Colyton an entry in Chancery records as "the most rebellious town in Devon".

 

Today Colyton is a wonderful small town that is well worth a visit. Located in the centre of the town is St Andrews Church. The 15th-16th century main building contains many historical features making it well worth a visit. The magnificent west window installed in the 19th century replaced a plain glass 15th century window. An unusual 8 bell hexagonal lantern tower sits on top of the 12th century Norman tower.

 

 

 

 

Considering its size, Colyton boasts a wealth of facilities including two small supermarkets, a chemist, three pubs, a library, a hardware Store, an antiques and collectable shop, a butcher (selling prize winning sausages and pies), a post office, an antiquarian book shop, a charity shop and a garden centre. In addition there is a cycle shop where bicycles are a available for hire.

 

If you are arriving by the Seaton Tramway it is well worth the short walk to explore the winding streets and local stores not to forget the multitude of photo opportunities

 

References and more on the history of Colyton:

 Anstis, John. [Collections relating to Colyton]. Manuscript. [1850?] 121p. [Westcountry Studies Library - sB/COL 7/0001/ANS]

 

Barber, Chips and Barber, Sally. Around & about Seaton and Beer - featuring Colyton, Colyford and Branscombe. Pinhoe, Obelisk (1993). ISBN: 0946651779

  

Burnham, E.J. A Guide to Seaton and District: Including Axmouth, Colyford, Colyton, Beer and Branscombe. (1912) [Westcountry Studies Library, Devon & Exeter Inst., Plymouth Central Library]

  

Collier, Mary. Colyton and its past. Devon Life vol. 10 no. 80 (1973) pp.30-31.

  

Cresswell, B.F. Colyton the church and people in past times. Honiton: Dimond & Co (1930) 16p.

  

Gosling, Ted. Colyton and Seaton in old photographs. Stroud: Sutton (1994) 160 pp. ill., ports.

  

Haynes, Colin. The Most Rebellious Town in Devon. Coly Publications, Colyton, EX24 6PG (2003) pp. 147. [ISBN 0-9546432-0-8].

 

 Pulman, George P.R. The Book of the Axe. Bath: Kingsmead Reprints (1969) pp. 783-835. (Reprint of 3rd edition, 1875.) [Lookups]

  

Reichel, Rev. Oswald. The Hundreds of Colyton and Clyston in Early Times. The Devonshire Association. Extra Volume. Torquay (1934) 53pp.

 

 White, Reginald G.C. The History of the Feoffees of Colyton 1546-1946. Lyme Regis: Lyme Regis Print (1951) 49p, plate: ill. [Westcountry Studies Library - B/COL 7/0001/WHI]

 

 Wilson, Walter George. The church and parish of Colyton, S.E. Devon: a short guide. [New ed.]. Gloucester, British Publishing (1971) 3-19 pp. illus. ISBN: 0714005991. [Exeter Univ. Lib.]

 

The plague reconsidered, a new look at its origins and effects in 16th & 17th century England. Matlock: Local Population Studies (1977) 145p: ill, map.