Bampton is a small town a few miles south
east of the Exmoor National Park. Its known origins are Saxon, although
the Romans had a fort on the edge of the parish. It is well known in
Devon for three events, its participation in the Britain in Bloom Competition,
Bampton Open Day in August, and Bampton Charter Fair held on the last
Thursday in October.
Bampton is situated on the River Batherm, and the 14th century parish church
of St. Michael and All Angels sits in the middle of the town. The pleasant streets
of stone and rendered cottages, mostly Georgian in style, are adorned with window
boxes and hanging baskets during the summer months. Many of the houses are made
from stone quarried locally. The church is a fine building rich in history and
the ancient yew-trees are encased in stone to protect the livestock which used
to graze in the churchyard. The old stocks can still be seen in the church.
Bampton in Bloom
There is a "Town Trail" guide available locally, giving
you a brief history and walking tour around the town.
This peaceful mid-Devon town lies between Dulverton and Tiverton.
The selection of shops, inns and eating places makes Bampton a
good place to stop for a while. Award winning floral displays, a fine
church with Saxon cross, Bampton Fair is held at the end of October.
The whole of the centre of Bampton is a conservation area,
and there are almost 100 listed
buildings and other objects within the parish.
Bampton in Bloom
In recent times, Bampton has become famous for its floral
displays - Bampton in Bloom. The town has won the national Britain in Bloom
competition no less than six times, the last being in the millennium
year. This has been possible because of the members of the local community
who help every year to make the town spectacularly beautiful with tubs
of plants, hanging baskets, and the themed planting of permanent beds.
St.Michael & All Angels, Bampton
Bampton Charter -
Bampton Fair existed long before King Henry III granted it a Royal Charter in 1258 and it has been held on the last Thursday of October ever since. It is one of the oldest surviving Charter Fairs in the country. Music, crafts, arts, street market and pony fair. An interesting and fun day out for all the family.
www.bampton.org.uk
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