Ottery St Mary Through Time

Ottery St Mary is famous as the birthplace of poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. However, there is much more to it than this. Sitting in the beautiful River Otter Vale, it is dominated by the eye-catching parish church, modified in 1342 to look like Exeter Cathedral. Its streets, lined with historic houses, meander and narrow to naturally slow the pace of traffic. It is a town proud of its heritage, where traditions old and new thrive. Tar Barrel Day sees teams running through the streets carrying burning barrels, while on Pixie Day the streets are filled with mischief as the pixies attempt to kidnap the church bellringers. In true carnival spirit, the residents of Ottery St Mary always offer a cheerful welcome. Ottery St Mary Through Time explores the history and character of this charming town in delightful old and new photographs.