Welcome to the Ottery St Mary Town Council Website
Achieving Quality Town Council status demonstrates that a Council has met certain minimum standards expected from an effective representative and active Town and Parish Council.
The Quality Council Certificate Presentation was on the 4th January 2012 to the Mayor, Councillor Glyn Dobson by the Chairman of the Accredition Panel - Mr Martin Harvey.
Also present the Vice Chairman of East Devon District Council Councillor Mrs Frances Newth
OTTERY ST MARY PARISH
is one of the oldest and most historic towns in England, sheltered by rolling hills and surrounded by picturesque villages - ALFINGTON, ESCOT, GOSFORD, FENNY BRIDGES, FAIRMILE, METCOMBE, WIGGATON, TIPTON ST JOHN and WEST HILL.
The Parish occupies mainly the valley of the Otter from which it takes its name, but it reaches East and West to higher ridges from which there are superb views over a luxuriant countryside. William of Orange dined here in Ottery in 1688 on his way to London to claim the throne from James II.
In 1645 Ottery St Mary became a busy garrison town under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax. History books indicate that Oliver Cromwell visited and stayed in our town when the came to survey the progress of his Army in the south west of England. During his stay Fairfax and Cromwell set up their campaign headquarters in Ottery's Chanters House.
Ottery St Mary has proved to be inspiration for a host of literary greats down the centuries Of course Samuel Taylor Coleridge,was born here in in 1772 and spent most of his childhood here. His Father was both a Vicar and a School Master here in Ottery St Mary
Samuel Coleridge
Chanters House
Ottery St Mary is also the setting for a large part of William Makepeace Thackeray's famous novel "Pendennis".
Larksbeare, a residence in the parish of Ottery then occupied by his stepfather, is where Thackeray used to spend his holidays when at Charterhouse, and may be taken as the "Fairoaks" of the story. Thackeray became an honorary Otteregian and was also a friend of the Coleridge's.Escot, nearby is probably "Clavering Park" whilst "Clavering St Mary" is Ottery itself. Ottery St Mary has also featured in the Harry Potter books as Ottery St Catchpole.
The Town offers a variety of goods and services to surrounding areas. A large part of the town is included within the Conservation area which includes parkland.
Ottery St Mary Parish Church was modified from its original structure in 1337 by John de Grandisson, Bishop of Exeter. This was originally of Norman design and was extended and modified so that it looked like a "mini replica" of Exeter Cathedral. The Weathercock is over 500 years old and is believed to be the oldest situated in Europe.
Ottery St Mary has a purpose built Sports Hall and a variety of recreation facilities. Other facilities include a Library, the King's School, Coleridge Medical Centre and Hospital.