Meavy (St. Peter)

MEAVY (St. Peter), a parish, in the union of Tavistock, hundred of Roborough, Midland-Roborough and S. divisions of Devon, 6¼ miles (S. E.) from Tavistock; containing 361 inhabitants. This place was the residence of Sir Francis Drake, of whose ancient mansion there are still some remains. The parish comprises 3351a. 3r. 35p., of which about 2400 acres are profitable land, and the remainder, with the exception of 360 acres of coppice wood, open and unproductive common. The surface is undulated, and the lower grounds are watered by the river Mew, which winds through a valley of great beauty, and on the banks of which the village is situated. The Plymouth and Dartmoor railway passes through the parish. The living is a discharged rectory, valued in the king's books at £13. 5., and in the patronage of the Crown: the tithes have been commuted for £220; the glebe comprises 23 acres. Near the church is a hollow oak of very large dimensions, and adjoining it are the remains of a stone cross.