Hand Painted Transferware Plate Rural English Cottages Cockington Forge Torquay

$26.99

Brand Crown Ducal

This picturesque black transfer ware plate depicts a quintessential English village lined with thatched cottages on either side. Wildflowers bloom in the foreground. The platter has a nice embossed border of scrolls and plumes with a golden brown outline.

Measures: just under 9"

Condition: No chips or cracks, there is crazing

 This idyllic village is hidden in a deep valley just one mile from the bustle of Torquay. Cockington and is easily accessible from the seafront by bus or car, or alternatively by horse-drawn carriage in keeping with the history of the area. Visitors find themselves transported to a magical land, so peaceful you can almost hear a pin drop. Narrow winding lanes open out onto beautiful chocolate box cottages, old English gardens and thatched gift shops. These sell locally produced crafts and Devonshire Cream Teas.

Cockington court has 450 acres of parkland, woodland and lakes to explore. The lakes themselves are thought to have been created by monks living at nearby Torre Abbey, to supply them with fresh fish and were restored by local landowner, Richard Mallock before he died in 1900.

On the edge of the woods is Cockingtons famous Gamekeeper's Cottage dating back to the 16th century. The Gamekeeper was entrusted with raising pheasants, hares, duck and rabbits and keeping the area free of poachers. Today the cottage is the meeting place for many guided woodland walks.

In the centre of Cockington amongst the pretty thatched cottages stands Cockington Forge. This is one of the most photographed buildings in the country, and dates from the 14th century. In fact, the oldest postcard featuring the village was of the Forge taken in the 1890's. It was unusual for that time as it was taken in winter. Unfortunately, no longer a working forge, it is now home to the famous miniature horseshoe.