The History of North Curry

At the time of the Norman conquest, following William the Conqueror's defeat of Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, North Curry consisted of meadows, pasture and woodland as well as a vineyard.  It was populated by some 195 people, and covered 5819 acres of land, 4 acres of water, 11 acres of tidal water, 14 acres of foreshore, and was described as a vast indeterminate area falling within the King’s demesne (i.e. all land belonging to the Monarch).  After the survey of lands which resulted in the Domesday Book, the Normans sub-divided the land and the King allocated it to his major barons in exchange for military service. The barons, knights and lords, who in turn appointed stewards and bailiffs, administered these estates.Gradually land was reclaimed from the moors in later years. The Church of St Peter and St Paul (right), known as the Cathedral of the Moors has, we can be certain, Norman origins. The Norman kings were superceded by the Plantagenets who embarked upon the Crusades.

For more information on the history of North Curry why not buy a copy of  "North Curry - A Place in History" by Angela Dix.  For details go to http://www.dixuk.com.