Northlew

Victor and Luisa moved to the small, friendly village of Northlew, Devon, in March 2023. Some six miles to the north-west of Okehampton, and lying between Dartmoor to the south and Devon’s rugged north coast, the village was home to just 782 people at the 2021 census, just the right size to be a real community.

The old part of the village clusters around one of the largest open squares in Devon, reflecting its Saxon origins. Close by stands the fifteenth-century church of St Thomas of Canterbury, and the Hebron Methodist Chapel. Both chapel and church host regular services and activities.

Together with the village primary school, Green Dragon pub and Post Office, they are at the heart of this community, together with the many activities in the Victory Hall. A principally farming community, surrounded by fields, narrow lanes and stunning views, Luisa and Victor have found it to be an idyllic location for those who enjoy a rural life with all its benefits.

Northlew News

In 2024 Victor was invited to edit the village newsletter on behalf of Northlew Parish Council. He has found it to be a fascinating voluntary task, introducing him more closely to village life, the fascinating lives and skills of the residents, and the rich variety of activities to be discovered in a relatively small village.

Artwork, photos, articles or news related to the village are warmly welcomed. Contact Victor via the Comment Tab on the About page.

Click below on any Northlew News magazine cover to browse the contents.

Village Media

During the early 1960’s Sir John Betjeman filmed a number of documentaries about West Country towns and villages. One of them compared Northlew with Swindon and the effect of the railway on both locations. He is famous for describing Northlew as “a village, which almost became a town”. You can watch the Northlew section of the documentary on the Northlew YouTube playlist.

Other videos on the channel include a moving 2014 all village remembrance of those who lost their lives in WWI, a few short documentaries about the village, some made by school children, a folk-song commending the Northlew bell ringers, and even a satirical children’s video explaining why ‘the village is so scary’!

Useful Links:

Northlew Parish Council Local information and some village history.

Northlew & Ashbury Primary School A small friendly school with a playground that must have one of the best views in Devon!

Northlew Victory Hall Build just following WWI the victory hall is home to many recreational activities and the annual Produce and Craft show. It is also available for private functions.

NorthMoor Team Ministry (Including St Thomas Becket Parish Church, Northlew).

Okehampton Information Hub Facebook page

West Devon Methodist Circuit (including Northlew Methodist Chapel)

More links, events and information can be found on the Information pages of the latest edition of Northlew News.