SHOBROOKE PARK CREDITON, DEVON

I have painted many paintings of this location, Its my favourite park within walking distance from my house and was once the grounds to a fine old English country house, but when the house burnt down it was given to the people of Crediton, in Devon, UK. The historic market town of Crediton is convenient for both Dartmoor and Exmoor, and lies only seven miles from Exeter. It lies in the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty and has a unique climate due to its position relative to Dartmoor. The town was the birthplace in 680 AD of St Boniface, the Patron Saint of both Germany and Holland, who was born Winfrith.

Crediton lies in an area of fertile red land and has been a farming community for most of its history. In the 8th century land was granted for the foundation of a monastery. This was specifically to encourage the Roman Christianity adopted by Canterbury. Celtic Christianity from Ireland, Wales and Cornwall predominated in this area when St Boniface was born. The two forms of Christianity co-existed uncomfortably until the Bishopric of Crediton was founded in 909. Crediton lies only seven miles from the boundary of the bleak and beautiful Dartmoor National Park and not far from Exmoor where one is enthralled by both the wild beauty of the moor and the serenity of the wooded valleys and thatched cottages. This is Lorna Doone country and the area where Henry Williamson wrote of Tarka the Otter. The rugged Atlantic coast is close by and so are the deeply wooded valleys of South Devon. Surrounded by rolling hills and winding rivers, the town has a wealth of history, churches and folklore. Not far away are hidden villages just waiting to be discovered. For those preferring an activity holiday, golf, fishing, riding, rambling, rock climbing, orienteering and water sports are all within easy reach of Crediton. 

Oil on a 16 by 20 inch canvas, framed ready to hang.