Colebroke (St. Mary)

COLEBROKE (St. Mary), a parish, in the union and hundred of Crediton, Crediton and N. divisions of Devon, 4½ miles (W.) from Crediton, on the road to Oakhampton; containing 878 inhabitants. The weaving of serges is carried on by hand-looms in many of the cottages. The hamlet of Coplestone, in the parish, formerly had a chapel, and, according to some, a mint and prison; there are still the remains of an ancient cross. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king's books at £20; net income, £200; patrons and appropriators, the Dean and Chapter of Exeter. The church is an ancient structure, with a very handsome tower. In the north-east angle is a screen of carved oak, separating a sepulchral chapel, which formerly belonged to the Coplestone family; and projecting from the centre of the south aisle is another chapel, attached to the Horwell estate: many of the ancient seats of richly-carved oak are remaining, but much mutilated. Near Wolmstone is a well, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.