Oxenham Arms Inn
Upon venturing forth, quite without forethought of such a wonder, we stumbled upon a place that fairly beggars belief. Imagine, if you will, a beautiful, historic monastery, dating back to the grand old 12th century, no less. But h old, for the marvels do not cease there. Within itshallowed walls, a Neolithic standing stone stands sentinel, a silent witness from a staggering five millennia past. And as if that weren't enough to set one's mind agog, a Roman pillar too graces its precincts. Truly, a confluence of history so profound, it verges on the delightfull mad. Now, for the balm to a weary traveller's soul: a vast beer garden, stretching forth with a generous welcome, offering a relaxing vista over the very moors themselves. 'Twas a place of such profound peace and beauty, one might almost forget the march of time. And as one sat there, pint in hand—a Merry Monk Ale for myself, which, I do declare, went down a treat, as did my companions Jail Ale—one's thoughts couldn't help but wander through the countless ages of history that had unfolded upon that very ground. To think. Even a curious hen, with a saucy flick of her tail, sauntered by, as if to remind us of the simple, enduring life that thrives amidst such antiquity. An experience, I tell you, truly amazing, almost insidious in its power to captivate. The fellow behind the bar, a friendly and chatty sort, added to the convivial air, making one quite forget that this magnificent edifice was, in fact, also a hotel. A truly excellent find, my dear chap, one that warms the cockles of the heart and expands the very boundaries of one's imagination.
P&P
Background....
What a truly remarkable establishment with a rich and extensive history that spans millennia.
Ancient Origins: The most striking feature of the Oxenham Arms is the South Zeal Menhir Standing Stone, a massive granite monolith estimated to be 5,000 years old, predating Stonehenge by approximately 1,000 years. This ancient stone, believed to have been a site of pagan worship, is still visible within the inn's Snug Bar and extends down into the cellar and up into the room above. Its foundations have never been reached, despite attempts to dig to its base.
Monastery and Manor House: In the 12th century, Benedictine monks constructed a nine-room, two-story granite and oak monastery around the standing stone. Much of this original monastic structure remains intact, with areas like the Monastery Restaurant once serving as the monks' kitchen and refectory.
By the 14th century, the monastery and its estate were acquired by the Burgoyne family, who transformed it into a grand manor house, adding the beautiful granite façade seen today. The initials "B" and "V" (for William Burgoyne and Margaret Vielle) are still visible above the coach house doors.
Transformation into an Inn: In the late 15th century, the estate passed to the Oxenham family. Recognizing its strategic location on the main road between Exeter and Plymouth, they obtained a license in 1477 to operate the manor as an inn, thus giving birth to The Oxenham Arms. The original 1477 bar continues to serve patrons today.
Notable Connections and Visitors: The inn has a captivating connection to Captain John Oxenham, a famous sea captain and the first documented pirate, born there in 1530. He served with Sir Francis Drake and was the first English sea captain to navigate the Pacific Ocean. His exploits are even immortalized in Charles Kingsley's novel "Westward Ho!".
Over the centuries, The Oxenham Arms has welcomed a host of distinguished guests, including:
Charles Dickens, who is believed to have stayed and written much of his Pickwick Papers here.
Sir Francis Drake
Admiral Lord Nelson
Reverend Sabine Baring-Gould, who wrote the hymn "Onward, Christian Soldiers," and used the Chagford Room as his summer residence.
King Charles III
The Rolling Stones
David Bowie
Lord Kitchener (who visited his nephew and wife who lived at the inn in the early 20th century).
Modern Day: Today, The Oxenham Arms Inn & Hotel is a Grade II Star Listed building, recognized as the oldest CAMRA Heritage Inn in Devon and Cornwall. It continues to operate as an inn, hotel, and AA Rosette accredited restaurant, offering individually decorated rooms (some with four-poster beds) and retaining its historic charm with low beams, flagstone floors, and open fires. It is also rumored to be one of the most haunted places in Devon, with the restless spirit of Captain John Oxenham said to return to his birthplace.
