Otterton is believed to be Saxon in origin. The Manor of Otterton belonged for centuries to the Abbey of Mont St Michel in France. At the time of the wars with France, Henry V confiscated it, and granted it to Syon Abbey. At the Dissolution (1540), it was purchased by Richard Duke from Henry VIII, and was owned by the Duke family until 1786. The last male Duke was going to build a house in Otterton Park, east of Clamour Bridge. The entrance pillars are still visible in Park Lane. But sadly he fell off his horse and died before the house was built. The Manor was then purchased by the Rolle family.
