Weare Giffard Hall

 The original horse & carriage entrance

 Stunning house

Inside the church

Friday 13th September  We have been in North Devon 6 years in December 2013 and in that time have heard about a wonderful property in Weare Giffard which had a fascinating history. We saw in our local village magazine that a Merton history society were having a tour of the house which is not open to the public. I emailed the chair-lady who kindly allowed us to join the group with a donation to be made to the local church.

Arrived at 1.45pm sadly it was pouring with rain so a garden viewing was later with a umbrella. Met the ladies & gentlemen from Merton & also the Petrockstowe history society which is another local village.

We were greeted by the gentleman of the property and was given a very interesting talk about the history of the property the Giffards and the Fortescues were among the knights who came to England with William the Conqueror. The Giffards and later the Fortescues controlled local events and were important magnates who built the Hall and developed the area.

Weare Giffard Hall consists of a range with the Great Hall in its centre and two long projecting wings to the south & built in 14th century.

After a brilliant tour and a real treat to have the viewing we did a brief walk around the grounds & a visit into the attached church which we never had been into before.