HISTORY
The Cridford Inn - the oldest pub/inn in Devon and possibly the oldest in England dates back to 825AD. It had previously served as a nunnery and a farm, being originally inhabited by the early Britons/Celts, before the building was remodelled in 1081. In 1086 it was one of the nine small-holdings mentioned in the “Domesday Book” and by then belonged to the Abbey of Buckfast in the Manor of Trusham - a small village that’s nestled in the Teign Valley between Chudleigh, Newton Abbot and Exeter.
With cob walls, a thatched roof and inglenook fireplaces, this traditional Devon Longhouse is approached by passing over a babbling brook, guarded by Willy Catchum and his faithful girl Teresa Green. Why not throw a coin in the lucky wishing well?
This is a quintessential and quietly lovely English country Inn, offering the best locally sourced produce and interesting meals - from traditional pub food, to unmissable experiences, all prepared by skilled chefs who care passionately about food.
Dine in a charming restaurant, (mind your head), rough it in the bar, or, weather permitting, watch the sun go down from one of the numerous outside tables. The Inn is full of interesting artefacts with a great selection a real ales, local ciders and premium spirits and if you can stay the night, it also offers cosy and interesting B&B country accommodation.
During the early 13th-15th Centuries the inn was a farmhouse and the stained glass mullion window in the bar is from this period and is possibly the earliest surviving example of a Medieval domestic window in England. It is also believed that the Cridford Inn is home to two ghosts, one is said to be a Nun from the very early history of the property and a second is a Cavalier from Trusham’s conflict with Ashton, (a nearby village) during the Civil war of 1642-46. In more recent times, the building reverted back to farm use and as a Devon Longhouse was previously known as Cridford Farm, the home of one branch of the Cridford family who have a long history in Devon. Members of the Cridford family still live in Devon.
Trusham is located on the western side of the Haldon Hills, above the river Teign, which forms the Dartmoor National Park boundary and is just over half-a-mile away. The village is accessed via minor roads which are predominately single track with passing places. The A38 passes within 2 miles at Chudleigh. The centre of the village has the O S grid reference SX 854 821 and for sat nav users the postcode is TQ13 0NW.
