Selworthy Green - 1

Image: © Trevor Rickard Taken: Unknown

Selworthy Green is part of the Holnicote Estate, managed by the National Trust since 1944. At first glance the several cream-washed stone thatched cottages here seem typical of many ancient settlements in this area, but Selworthy was rebuilt in 1828 by Sir Thomas Acland of Killerton, baronet and Devon MP for almost 40 years. He was a philanthropist and designed this 'model' village himself to provide housing for the aged and infirm of the Holnicote estate. He used traditional designs and materials to create a deliberately old-fashioned village in the picturesque style. Located on the wooded slopes of Selworthy Combe, the village is laid out loosely round a long green and climbs the hill to the 15th century church of All Saints. The cottage gardens are sheltered by the trees Sir Thomas planted in the steep valley and on the hill above. He was probably influenced by his friend John Harford who commissioned John Nash to build Blaise Hamlet at Hembury in 1811 for his aged retainers.

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