About Modbury

History

The earliest documented history of Modbury is found in the Domesday book. One of five manors it was known as Motberia. There is evidence of Modbury existing before the 11th century. The Saxons moved into Devon between the years 658 and 722 and it is likely that Modbury took its present shape during the eighth century. The Saxon meaning of Modbury is ‘Moot Burgh’ or meeting place.

Modbury Today

Modbury today is a picturesque market town, surrounded by rolling hills and the pastoral countryside of the South Hams. It is full of interesting historical landmarks. Many people just pass through Modbury and enjoy the steep hills, pretty houses, shops and pubs but there is so much more to the town. You can take a walk around Modbury and see panoramic views of both Dartmoor and the Sea.

Around the town

Nearly all the shops in Modbury are small independents where a warm welcome can be expected. You will find different and unique gifts as well as gourmet foods, pubs, cafes and takeaways. The town has a multitude of small businesses including a gym, a Gallery, picture framers, a carpet shop, hair and beauty salons and many more. There are some wonderful facilities in Modbury, a Memorial Hall with a performance stage, badminton courts and short mat bowls, a Recreation Ground with further sports facilities, tennis courts and a pavilion called the Queen Elizabeth II Pavilion. There is a doctor’s surgery, a veterinary practice, a dentist and an optician. There is a thriving school and some fabulous play parks. The town is adopting practices to become more environmentally and sustainability conscious.

The town is working hard to make the best use of it’s green spaces to encourage wildlife and ‘growing your own’ with many allotment spaces avaialable around the town.

A new way to explore

The Rooster Ramble has been installed through the spring and summer months to encourage passers-by to Stop, Shop, Eat and Explore instead of just passing through. 

Modbury Traders: Our Mission

Along with the Parish Council and the various groups around Modbury, we are working towards becoming a sustainable town and have many examples of enterprising business.

There is a Modbury In Bloom team who are responsible for keeping the planters and green area in top form using only peat free compost. A Modbury Wildlife Action Group responsible for monitoring the wildlife and ensuring that there are wildlife habitats around the town, that green spaces are managed and verges are kept neat but not tidy to encourage pollinators. The litter picking team do an excellent job keeping the town clean and free of litter and have provided the primary school with pickers to encourage the young to be proud of their school grounds and the place they live. Marigold Day is fast becoming an annual event encouraging everyone in the town to clean up their patch incentivised by free Marigold Gloves and a cream tea at the end of the day. The flood defence work that was undertaken has had a positive impact, visually and in terms of reducing the flooding which caused major devastation a few years a go , flooding shops, houses and workplaces. The parish council work tirelessly at improving the town, filling potholes, adding bus shelters and responding to the needs of the town. The Recreation Ground has also had a complete overhaul, the MUGA ( multi use games area) has new flooring made from recycled tyres. Improvements have been made to stop the field flooding, and the lighting has been improved, maximising the use of the facilities.

As traders, we are adopting sustainable measures, we have been plastic bag free since May 2007, when Modbury became the first town to go plastic bag free in the country. Most of the traders sell sustainable products, plastic free alternatives, eco friendly packaging and takeaway receptacles. We have a leading sustainable hair studio, green energy company, a play company making equipment out of recycled plastics and many, exciting projects.

Adopting sustainable measures is not just important to shops and businesses; residents and visitors can help by shopping, eating and relaxing locally.

Our hope is that people will Stop, Shop, Eat and Explore everything that Modbury has to offer.