Yarcombe combines church architecture with traces of village and landscape history. The Church of St John the Baptist dates mainly from the 15th century; earthwork banks and ditches from a medieval field system are visible south-east of Northams Farm. Also of interest are the history of the former Yarcombe Inn, local traditions and a view south across the Yarty Valley from the A30. Architectural history, historic land use and landscape therefore stand alongside one another as distinct themes of a visit.
Church Architecture and Contemporary History
The Church of St John the Baptist dates mainly from the 15th century. Its most recent building phase may date to the early 16th century. The church was restored from 1889 to 1891, when the chancel was rebuilt. Its cruciform plan includes north and south aisles, a west tower and a south porch. This allows the church’s building phases and spatial layout to be considered as two distinct aspects.
Yarcombe Baptist Church is dated to 1829 and was renovated in the late 19th century. The two churches point to different periods: one dates mainly from the 15th century and may have an early 16th-century building phase; the other is dated to 1829. Yarcombe therefore offers more than a single architectural history for those interested in church architecture.
Village and Landscape History
The Yarcombe Inn was an inn for travellers on the site of the former church house. It was originally built as accommodation for visiting monks from Otterton Priory. Fragments of the former church house may be incorporated into the building. This history connects earlier travel with the site’s older religious use, without making any assumption about the inn’s current operation.
South-east of Northams Farm in Yarcombe, remains of a medieval field system are visible on a west-facing slope: earthwork banks and ditches. Here, the focus is not on the architectural history of individual buildings, but on another historical trace in the landscape. Together with the churches and the former inn, this offers a broader view of Yarcombe’s past.
Landscape, Cycle Route and Local Traditions
The parish of Yarcombe lies within the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From the A30 near Yarcombe, there are views south across the Yarty Valley. This adds a specific landscape perspective to the area’s historical connections, without requiring a longer excursion.
The Churchinford–Yarcombe–Stockland–Upottery cycle route passes through Yarcombe. Extra care is required when crossing the A30 on section 8. If you plan to follow this route, check the latest route information before setting off and take the crossing at Yarcombe into account.
Local traditions include pig and terrier racing, barrel rolling and throwing metal balls. The East Devon Sheep Dog Trails were held in Yarcombe for several years in July. This date refers to past events and is not a current schedule. The different topics can therefore be considered separately: local traditions on the one hand, and an event that historically took place repeatedly in July on the other.
Discover more destinations: Sampford Courtenay, Buckfastleigh, Upottery, Cheriton Bishop, Chulmleigh, Dunsford, Wick, Washfield
For the main travel overview: Devon.
