Kingsbridge is a market town and popular tourist hub in the South Hams district of South Devon, it has a population of about 5,800. It is situated at the northern end of the Kingsbridge Estuary, which is a textbook example of a ria and extends to the sea six miles south of the town.
There are several really good walks to take in around the area with splendid scenery both seascape and landscape.
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The town formed around a bridge which was built in or before the 10th century between the royal estates of Alvington, to the west, and Chillington, to the east, hence giving it the name of Kyngysbrygge ("King's bridge"). In 1219the Abbot of Buckfast was granted the right to hold a market there, and by 1238 the settlement had become a borough. The manor remained in possession of the abbot until the Dissolution of the Monastries, when it was granted to Sir William Petre. Kingsbridge was never represented in Parliament or incorporated by charter.
Kingsbridge is in fact a combination of two towns, Kingsbridge and Dodbrooke. Dodbrooke was granted its own market in 1257 and had become a borough by 1319. While Dodbrooke was originally considered to be the dominant of the two, Kingsbridge later expanded to include it. The town consists of two ecclesiastical parishes: St. Edmund's in the west and St. Thomas Becket at Dodbrooke in the east. St. Edmund's Church, in mainly perpendicular style, retains some 13th-century features including a font, but was enlarged and reconsecrated around 1414 and was mostly rebuilt in the 19th century. The parish church of St. Thomas Becket displays a particularly well-preserved rood screen restored in 1897.
The Prince Regent (the future King George IV) considered building his pavilion above nearby South Sands beach before finally settling on Brighton.
During the 19th century the town had an active coastal shipping trade, shipbuilding, a tannery, other industries and a large monthly cattle market. The chief exports were cider, corn, malt, and slate.
The town centre retains many 18th and 19th century buildings. The Shambles, or market arcade, was rebuilt in 1796 but retains its 16th century granite piers. The former grammar school, now a museum, was founded and built by Thomas Crispin in 1670.
Kingsbridge has been the main market town in the area for centuries. Being situated within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and its proximity to the spectacular south Devon coast and sailing venues, such as Salcombe, Kingsbridge has developed into a popular tourist destination. Its attractions include several restaurants, pubs, a cinema housed in the town hall building, and museum.
The town has good shopping facilities with several larger supermarkets and many other smaller shops and well known outlets.
The town is linked to Plymouth and Dartmouth by the A379 and to Salcombe and Totnes by the A381.
A very comfortable apartment within a converted country residence (Halwell House). An ideal base for couples or a young family to discover the beautiful South Hams, with its wonderful beaches and coastal walks.To see the owners 'You Tube' vid...
New for 2012The Malt Mill is a small, private development of apartments just a short walk from central Kingsbridge (off Ebrington Street) with its array of shops, restaurants and leisure centre. Kingsbridge is the ideal base from which to explore the...
Buckland Court is a delightful development of 19th Century listed buildings arranged around two lawned quadrangles set in a sheltered valley in the pretty hamlet of Goveton, just 2 miles from the market town of Kingsbridge. The beautiful South Devon ...
The Mole Hole is one of a row of picturesque cottages dating back to around the 16th century. The cottage has been sympathetically refurbished, retaining much of its original character, combined with clean and contemporary interior design.
A beautifully converted barn in a rural location next to the owner's home. Reverse level accommodation with the living area upstairs to enjoy the views.
Buckland Court is a delightful development of 19th Century listed buildings arranged around two lawned quadrangles set in a sheltered valley in the pretty hamlet of Goveton, just 2 miles from the market town of Kingsbridge. The beautiful South Devon ...
Offields Farm is located only 1/2 mile from the village of Churchstow with its 13th Century church and popular pub, The Church House Inn. The pretty village of Bantham with cob and thatch cottages leading down to the sea, popular local inn (The Sloop...
New for 2012Blackbird Barn is a beautifully furnished holiday cottage, one of seven barns set in delightful rolling countryside in a tiny Devon hamlet. Furnished in contemporary country style by an interior design company it is a beautiful haven of c...
New for 2012Tower Cottage is a cosy and comfortably furnished property, presented and equipped to a good standard throughout. The accommodation is on two levels and is ideally located for families or couples (with or without dogs) looking to explore...
A very well presented and recently converted barn over three floors set within a pretty development (of six barns in total) and adjacent to the original farmhouse. The barn has been decorated and tastefully furnished and is ideally suited to family ...
Crabshell Quay is a development of recently constructed luxury apartments on the banks of the Kingsbridge/Salcombe estuary, the perfect holiday destination for families or couples and just a few minutes walk from Kingsbridge's shops, boutiques an...
New for 2012Crabshell Heights is an elegant new development of apartments with a Mediterranean style arrangement of steps, patios and pergola-covered walkways. The reconstruction includes the sensitive re-development of a former Victorian, stone cust...
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