Poltimore (St. Mary)
POLTIMORE (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of St. Thomas, hundred of Wonford, Wonford and S. divisions of Devon, 4 miles (N. E.) from Exeter; containing, with the hamlet of Ratslow, 264 inhabitants. It is situated on the river Clist, and comprises 1616 acres, of which 109 are common or waste; the soil is clay and sand, and the surface level, and in some parts subject to inundation. There are mines of manganese. The living is a rectory, with that of Huxam united, valued in the king's books at £15. 15. 5., and in the gift of Lord Poltimore: the tithes of Poltimore have been commuted for £297, and the glebe comprises 65 acres. The church, which is principally in the decorated English style, with an elegant wooden screen, was built by John Bampfylde, who died in 1390, and to whose memory it contains a slab. A school is supported by subscription; and there is an almshouse for four persons, founded by a female member of the family of Bampfylde about the year 1595, and endowed at different times by Sir Amias Bampfylde and several of his descendants. Poltimore gives the title of Baron to the family.
Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.