Broadwoodwidger is a village and civil parish in the district of West Devon, in the county of Devon, England. The parish lies on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, approximately 6 mi (10 km) north‑east of Okehampton and 14 mi (23 km) west of Exeter.
Geography
The settlement is situated on a ridge of high ground overlooking the River Lew and is surrounded by mixed farmland and woodland. The A377 road runs close to the village, providing links to Exeter and Okehampton.
History
The name Broadwoodwidger combines the Old English elements brād “broad” and wudu “wood”, referring to a broad forested area, with the later addition of Widger, a family name associated with the manor in the medieval period. The manor of Broadwoodwidger was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as part of the lands held by the Abbey of Saint Mary of Tavistock. Throughout the Middle Ages the parish was part of the Black Torrington hundred.
Governance
Broadwoodwidger is administered by a parish council and forms part of the electoral ward of Tamarside within West Devon Borough Council. It falls under the Tiverton and Honiton constituency for the United Kingdom Parliament.
Demographics
According to the 2011 United Kingdom Census, the civil parish had a population of 311 residents. The population has remained relatively stable, with a predominantly rural character and a mixture of agricultural and commuter households.
Landmarks
The parish church of St Giles, a Grade II* listed building, dates primarily from the 15th century, incorporating earlier medieval fabric. Notable features include a Perpendicular‑style west tower, a 14th‑century south aisle, and a 19th‑century restoration by architect George Edmund Street. The churchyard contains several historic gravestones and a war memorial.
Economy and community
Broadwoodwidger’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with some residents employed in nearby towns. The village maintains a community hall and hosts occasional local events, though it lacks a public house or shop within its immediate boundaries.
Transport
Public transport is limited to a rural bus service connecting the village with Okehampton and Exeter. The nearest railway stations are at Okehampton (the terminus of the Dartmoor Line) and Exeter St Davids.
References
- Office for National Statistics, 2011 Census data.
- Victoria County History, Devon, vol. 5, 1985.
- Pevsner, Nikolaus; Cherry, Bridget (1991). The Buildings of England: Devon. Yale University Press.
Note: Information reflects sources available up to 2023 and may be subject to revision with newer data.