Early History & Settlement

Sowton is an ancient parish in Devon, recorded as such in historical and genealogical sources. Parish registers exist from 1560, indicating an established community by the mid‑16th century. 

By the 1850s, Sowton was described as a small village and parish in the valley of the River Clyst, historically tied to the manor of Clist Sackville (also called Bishop’s Clist), which had been associated with the bishops of Exeter since the reign of Edward I (1272–1307). 

The manor changed hands several times, including a transfer in the reign of Edward VI (1547–1553) to the Earl of Bedford. The village church, dedicated to St Michael, has records and structural rebuilding that further confirm continuous occupation through the medieval and early modern periods. 

19th‑Century Description

According to White’s Directory (1850), Sowton had:

• About 1,360 acres

• 382 inhabitants, including those in the tithing of Clist Sackville

• A prominent rebuilt church (1844–45) in Perpendicular style, with stained glass and a tower of eight bells. [devonheritage.org]

By this time, John Garratt, Esq. owned much of the parish and resided at Bishop’s Court, the historic estate on the east bank of the Clyst. 

Listed Buildings in Sowton

Two excellent sources clarify the number of listed buildings:

1. Local Village Source

The village website reports:

• 18 Grade II listed homes

• 1 Grade I listed church (St Michael & All Angels)

• A Grade II listed church gate

• 4 Grade II listed tombs

• A Grade II listed village hall, thatched and possibly the only thatched village hall in Devon and one of 6 potential in England

• A Grade II listed phone box

• A Grade II listed railing over the leat 

This totals 27 individually noted listed structures.

2. British Listed Buildings Database

The national listings page for Sowton and the wider parish area includes a detailed inventory of over 40 listed entries, including:

• Bishop’s Court (Grade I)

• Numerous cottages, farm buildings, tombs, and agricultural structures 

St Michael & All Angels Church

A significant landmark, the church was:

• Rebuilt in 1844–45 by architect John Hayward, funded by John Garratt

• Designed as a rare Victorian Tractarian village church

• Classified as a Grade I listed building