Moreleigh

Moreleigh or Morleigh (formerly Morley) is a village and former civil parish, now in the parish of Halwell and Moreleigh, in the South Hams, district, in the county of Devon, England. In 1961 the civil parish had a population of 102.

Throughout the village history it has been recorded with various spellings, listed below in chronological order, newest first.

It is currently officially known as Moreleigh. An early 20th century directory of Cambridge University alumni spells it this way in its reference to a long-standing rector.

It is still known and spelt as Morleigh by local inhabitants as evidenced at the New inn several websites and on various older road signs.

It was also known as Morley for very long periods, and is the name used by Viscount Bovington when he was to be elevated to an earl.

There are references to Morleygh in 15th-century historical documents, and to Morlei in Domesday Book.

Morleigh was part of Stanborough Hundred one of the 32 ancient administrative areas of Devon.

In Domesday Book it was recorded as having nine households and being within Diptford Hundred. Alfred de Breton (AKA Auvrai Le Breton) was the tenant in chief. one of his descendants Richard le Breton went on to kill Thomas Becket