About the Oxenham Arms, Okehampton, Devon

The Oxenham Arms is one of the oldest inns in England.

The Inn is owned and personally run by Paul and Janet Lucas. We are open all year and look forward to welcoming all visitors to our most unique property, which is also canine friendly.

The Oxenham Arms is undoubtedly one of the oldest inns not only in Devon, but in England. The inn is believed to have been built in the latter part of the twelfth century by lay monks, and later became the Dower House of the Burgoynes whose heiress carried it to the Oxenham family, after whom the inn is named. It is believed that John Oxenham was the navigator for Sir Frances Drake.

First licensed in 1477, The Oxenham Arms is a unique inn with romantic associations. Situated just off the main Exeter-Okehampton road (A30) it lies in the valley on the old coaching road, in the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of South Zeal, midway between the north and south coast of Devon.

Famous novelists have been kind to The Oxenham Arms. In The Beacon, Mr Eden Phillpotts described the arrival at The Oxenham Arms of Elizabeth Densham (the new barmaid and future heroine of the book). In John Herring, Mr Baring Gould placed some scenes of rich comedy at The Oxenham Arms; indeed much of the action of that story passes at South Zeal. Again, in Westward Ho! we read of the Oxenham family and their legendary white-breasted bird.

It is also a fact that Charles Dickens stayed at the Oxenham Arms for approximately one month, and whilst snowed in was inspired to write some of his classic stories. It is also alleged that Lord Nelson stayed at the inn whilst travelling from London to Plymouth.

ABOUT US
It is legendary that we have friendly ghosts. A monk and lady have been seen!

A very interesting part of the house is the small lounge behind the bar. In this room, set in the wall, is a monolith and the theory of archaeologists is that the monastic builders placed their house around this prehistoric stone shaped by man 5,000 years ago. Notwithstanding deep digging, its foundations have never been reached.

In the residents lounge there is the old granite fireplace of great beauty. The fine old dining room with the granite pillar supporting the beams is also of much interest.

Whilst retaining its picturesque and time-worn features the inn has been unobtrusively modernised, and although fully centrally heated throughout, open fires are still in use. The bedrooms have bath en-suite, direct-dial telephone with modem connections, and colour televisions.

The building is scheduled as an Ancient Monument inside and out and is full of historical and architectural interest.

At the rear of the inn there is a fine beer garden with panoramic views of Cawsand Beacon and the surrounding valley. Many a weary traveller has enjoyed an alfresco lunch or dinner with a glass of real ale in the garden, which is a natural sun trap, weather permitting!

The Oxenham Arms - 12th Century Inn
HOW TO FIND US
How To Find Us
How To Find Us
The Oxenham Arms is located in South Zeal, Devon
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Content last modified 29 June 2004