Coordinates: 50°59′23″N 3°29′10″W / 50.98974°N 3.48601°W
| Bampton | |
  Bampton
Bampton shown within Devon |
|
| Population | 1,598 (2001 UK Census) |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| District | Mid Devon |
| Shire county | Devon |
| Region | South West |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | TIVERTON |
| Postcode district | EX16 |
| Dialling code | 01398 |
| Police | Devon and Cornwall |
| Fire | Devon and Somerset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| European Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament | Tiverton & Honiton |
| List of places: UK • England • Devon | |
Bampton is a small town in Devon, England close to the south east corner of Exmoor and on the River Batherm, a tributary of the River Exe. It is about 10 km north of Tiverton. Its history is thought to have started with a Roman fort, but it is later Saxon remains that are most easily seen. Some hedges conform to the Saxon furrow measure of 625 feet (later it became a furlong) and traces of their strip farming can be seen to the north east of the castle mound, the remnant of an 11th century Norman castle built on earlier Saxon fortifications. The circular churchyard is also Saxon in origin.
Now Bampton has nearly 100 listed buildings including the Grade 1 listed church, whose tower dates from the 13th century. Parts of the vicarage are said to date from the middle of the 15th century and the Exeter Inn on the edge of the town was originally a farmhouse built in 1495. Because the town was caught up in the English Civil War in 1695 when Royalist from Tiverton Castle burnt the town, few buildings earlier than the 17th century survive.
Bampton fair is held every year on the last Thursday in October[citation needed] This is a popular event, not least for its timing during the school half-term break. As well as a traditional fun fair, there is a street market often very crowded, selling novelties, and west country products. There is also a livestock market.
External links
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