Kingsteignton

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Map sources for Kingsteignton at grid reference SX8773

Kingsteignton (IPA: [kɪŋˈsteɪntən]) is a village in Devon, England. It lies to the west of the Teign Estuary and Teignmouth.

Kingsteignton is purportedly the largest village in England with a population of over 11,000 with more inhabitants than many towns in Devon. The location of the village, next to the larger town of Newton Abbot, saw a decline in the village identity and, as such, in 1982 the parish council decided the village should become a town. The decision to change its status angered many residents^{[citation needed]} and a village referendum restored the village status.

[edit] History

Founded in the early eighth century as the centre of a vast Saxon estate between Teignmouth and Manaton, Kingsteignton was a key settlement providing resources for Danish raiders who invaded in 1001.

Medieval prosperity funded the rebuilding of the parish church in the 15th Century, its 85 foot tower being constructed in the 1480s. From the medieval period to the mid-19th Century the parish church held an important position as the mother church of Highweek and Newton Bushell.

The Fairwater Leat, fed by the springs at Rydon, superseded the Honeywell Spring as the established water supply in the Middle Ages. A drought is said to have given rise to the annual Ram Roasting fair. With insufficient water to baptise a child, a ram was sacrificed to the gods of the local spring. Water sprang forth and a ram has been roasted ever since at the fair, held each Whit Monday.

In 1509 the Manor of Kingsteignton, which had been a crown demesne until the 13th century, passed into the hands of the Clifford family who still hold the title of Lord of the Manor.

[edit] Geology

Fine quality ball clay beds lie on the eastern edge of the Bovey Basin near Kingsteignton, created some 30 - 40 million years ago. Their exploitation was boosted in 1791 when Josiah Wedgewood first purchased Kingsteignton clay. Over the past 200 years clay mining has brought continued employment and prosperity to the village.