Alphington, Devon

Alphington is a former manor and village, now a suburb of the City of Exeter in Devon. The ward of Alphington has a population of 8,250 according to the 2001 census, making it the third largest in Exeter, with the village itself accounting for about a quarter of this figure. The ward population increased to 8,682 at the 2011 census. It is surrounded on two sides by countryside, with the Marsh Barton trading estate to the east and Exeter City to the north. The Alphin Brook passes around the Northern edge of Alphington. Alphington is on the Southwestern side of Exeter.

Most of the fabric of the parish church of St Michael and All Angels originates from the 15th century, including the rood-screen. The north aisle screen is of a different style and design and possibly comes from another church, whilst the screen at the base of the tower was put together from the remains of the 1625 Jacobean gallery, demolished in 1875. Saint Apollonia was depicted on one of the panels but this has been badly disfigured. The 12th century Norman font according to Arthur Mee (1965) is "believed by many to be the finest in Devon". It is sculpted from local Beer stone, and a fibreglass replica cast is currently (January 2016) in storage at Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum.

In 1749, a peal of eight bells was hung in the church, having been cast by Bilbie of Cullompton. It was then the largest peal in the county. These eight bells were re-cast from the original five hung prior to 1550. The current incumbent is the Rev. Stephen Bessent.

Cartwheels is a typical 15th century Devon cob and timber farmhouse near the church, overlooking the Rectory. Mile End Cottage, on the main road through the village, is the house that Charles Dickens rented for his parents in 1839. Gidley's and Gidley's Cottage in Ide Lane are reputed to be the oldest dwelling in the village. There are numerous other thatched cottages including Pixies cottage (close to the church), and Laurel cottage (in Ide Lane), dating from the 17th century onwards as well as a Victorian prison building, recently renovated.

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