Welcome to the the Council, a central pillar in the fabric of Burlescombe and its neighbouring areas, such as Canonsleigh and Westleigh. Our Council is wholeheartedly committed to serving our local community, with a keen focus on enhancing services and voicing the interests of our residents. Our goal is to significantly improve the quality of life and well-being for everyone within our jurisdiction.
Our responsibilities extend beyond the confines of the village of Burlescombe. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable community across Mid Devon, contributing positively to the wider growth of the South West region. This dedication is reflected in our efforts to bolster the connections, capacity, and character of our local community, ensuring it remains a thriving and inviting place for all.
The Council prides itself on its collaborative approach, working closely with various sectors including private, public, and voluntary organisations. Our role in community affairs is pivotal, as we strive to represent the interests of all those who live, work, and visit our area, reaching across and even beyond boundaries.
The Civil Parish of Burlescombe
The Council is the local government for a diverse range of areas, and ensures that each receives the attention it deserves. Our administration extends from Fenacre in the north to Leonard Moor Cross in the south, and from Maidendown in the east to Holbrook in the west. This includes:
- Appledore
- Ayshford
- Burlescombe
- Canonsleigh
- Fenacre
- Holbrook
- Junction 27 of the M5
- Leonard Moor Cross
- Maidendown
- Southdown
- Tiverton Parkway
- Waterloo Cross
- Westcott
- Westleigh
At the heart of our mission is the growth and prosperity of Burlescombe and its community. Every decision we make and every action we take is guided by the principle of serving the best interests of our residents. We are here to ensure that Burlescombe not only flourishes today but continues to thrive for generations to come. Join us in our journey towards building a brighter, more prosperous community for all.
Archives and Heritage
Tithe Maps and Apportionments
ithe maps and apportionments are vital records for understanding the history and layout of a parish. These documents detail land ownership, usage, and cultivation, and are often the earliest comprehensive maps available for parishes. Originally, tithes were contributions made in kind to support the church and clergy. However, the 1836 Commutation Act changed this to a monetary system.
Following the Act, a detailed survey was conducted across England and Wales to define parish boundaries and calculate the tithe owed for each land parcel. This led to the creation of tithe maps for each parish and accompanying apportionment books that listed each plot of land. It’s important to note that in some instances, a parish might not have a tithe map if its lands were exempt from tithes.
A higher resolution copy of the Tithe Map is available to view on Devon County Council’s website.
More records are available by visiting the Devon Archives and Local Studies.
Ordnance Survey Maps
Ordnance Survey maps are essential tools for geographic planning and analysis, offering detailed and precise cartographic representations of the country’s landscape. These maps originated in the 18th century for military purposes but have since evolved to serve a wide range of civil functions. They are highly valued for their accuracy and detail, encompassing everything from land contours and urban layouts to rural footpaths.
Ordnance Survey provides a variety of map scales suitable for different uses, from large-scale local planning and building to broader regional navigation and exploration. These maps are indispensable for professionals in fields such as urban planning, environmental management, and outdoor activities like hiking and orienteering.
You can view some of these maps held by the National Library of Scotland through the website Old Maps Online.