Kenton, Devon

Description
Kenton, a village and a parish in Devonshire. The village stands in the valley of the Kenn, 1 mile W of the estuary of the Exe, 1 1/2 NW of Starcross station on the G.W.R., and 6 1/2 miles SSE of Exeter; was once a market-town, and has a post and money order office under Exeter; telegraph office, Starcross. Acreage, 5182 of land and 300 of water; population of the civil parish, 1901; of the ecclesiastical, 939. A pleasure fair is held on Shrove Tuesday. The manor belonged formerly to the Heles, the Hungerfords, the Duke of Albemarle, and others, and belongs now to the Earl of Devon. Oxton House is a seat in the neighbourhood. Great Haldon Hill extends along the W, and a tract called Cuttridge, with a population of 20, lies detached. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Exeter; gross value, £300 with residence. Patrons, the Dean and Chapter of Salisbury. The church is of the time of Edward III., comprises nave, aisles, and chancel, with pinnacled tower, and contains a very beautiful screen. The tower was restored and the bells rehung in 1893, and in the same year a carved reredos was erected. The chapelries of Starcross and Cofton are separate benefices. There is a Wesleyan chapel, and there are also almshonses and clothing and coal clubs.