TAWSTOCK (St. Peter), a parish, in the union of Barnstaple, hundred of Fremington, Braunton and N. divisions of Devon, 2 miles (S.) from Barnstaple; containing 1429 inhabitants. It comprises 5000 acres, including 400 common or waste land. The manor-house, which was garrisoned by Sir T. Fairfax, in Feb. 1646, was almost consumed by fire in 1787, but was rebuilt by the late Sir B. Wrey, Bart., except the ancient gateway, which still remains, bearing date 1574. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s books at £69.12. 1., and in the patronage of Sir B. Wrey, Bart.: the tithes have been commuted for £930, and there are 93 acres of glebe. The Independents and Roman Catholics have places of worship.
Source: A Topographical Dictionary of England by Samuel Lewis Fifth Edition Published London; by S. Lewis and Co., 13, Finsbury Place, South. M. DCCC. XLV.
