Lost in the mists of time, is the founding of the hamlet of Eworthy. Worthy or wortha is generally thought to be of Anglo Saxon derivation but was used through to the early middles ages. Ew part is understood to be a shortening of yew but it’s up for discussion as Devonians are notorious for changing place names due to their dialect. Worthy means a single dwelling often a farmstead, near woodlands and surrounded by marsh and moorland.

Possibly earlier, but definitely by mid-Victorian times, Eworthy was the working centre of the parish with most people beholden to the squire for work and the male population working on the land. Eworthy could boast a carpenter’s workshop, a smithy as well as a farm, plus other skills needed to work the land. During the 1950’s, when death duties forced the Spry family to sell much of their land, there were three farms in the centre of Eworthy with a few small holdings scattered in between. Farming was heavily supported after the Second World War and the land flourished. However by the two thousands, the needs and diets of people had changed and foot and mouth put an end to dairy farming, until now, in 2021, there is only one farm based in Eworthy, concentrating on cattle and sheep.

The population of Eworthy has fluctuated over the centuries. The first censor was taken in 1840 and every ten years the population decreased until the 1980’s when a few extra people came to live in the area enticed by cheaper housing as well as the tranquillity of the parish. Typically, in a rural area, many young people leave for study or employment and this trend continues. However, as the younger generation moves out, older people have moved in, appreciative of the rural life. The hamlet changes according to the needs of the people and it will change again in years to come as the hamlet moves forward into the 21st century. The internet, has been a boon for people with online businesses and Eworthy can boast two currently working from their homes with their own businesses. Managing change can be difficult but all agree that to be tucked into this tiny spot of Devon is one of the best places to live.