The Manor of Dalditch (spelt 'Daylidgh' in the first Ordnance Map of 1809), the smallest of the five Budley Manors, is thought to have existed in an area from Hayes Wood over the hills to where Dalditch Farm now stands. Ancient litigation records the boundary line "to lie as far as the wood of Roder de Daylidgh, and the land of Jordan de Todwilla", who owned the Manor of Tidwell.

Dalditch farmhouse is very old, and it is possible that it might contain part of the original Manor house, In 1977, during building alterations, ancient panelling was revealed with a fresco painted in mediaeval colours, depicting a monk-like figure with a halo. In the Parish records of 1388, the Vicar of East Budleigh Church was authorised to conduct a service in St. Leonard's Chapel, Dalditch.

The Manor passed through many families.  It was first owned by one Roger De Daylidgh who adopted its place name as his own, a common practice in those days.  His deeds were registered in 1212. One of his four daughters married Roger De Pole, and inherited the ancient Budley farm now known as Pulhayes.

Among subsequent owners of Dalditch Manor are families whose names are still familiar in the district today, such as Copplestone, and Cowd.

The manorial mill was situated across the lane from the farmhouse, by the stream which runs down from the Common, through Knowle and Little Knowle, and down the main street of Salterton into the sea.

From ancient times it was the only source of fresh water in the village, except for a few wells, and remained such until the end of the 19th century.

Author: Elizabeth Campbell. Extracted from Sketches on local History – The Lower Otter Valley © 1984 Otter Valley Association. See publications page of web site for full list of publications available for purchase.

References
Dennys, Joyce & Daniel, Betty (1961) Budleigh Salterton Past and Present. (Album compiled for the W. I.; in Budleigh Salterton Public Library and Fairlynch Museum)
Gibbons, Maria (1887) Budleigh Salterton in 1809. (Transcript in Fairlynch Museum)
Pigot, J. (1830) Directory of Cornwall and Devon. (Pigot & Co.)
Polwhele, R. (1797) History of Devonshire. Reprinted in 1977 from 1797 ed. by Cadell (Kohler & Coombes)
Risdon, Tristram (ca. 1714) Survey of the County of Devon. Reprinted 1811 (Rees & Curtis)
Sheppard, Lilian (1972-77) Historical Jottings; in East Budleigh Parish News.
White, W. (1850) History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devonshire. (Simkin, Marshall & Co.)
White, W. (1878-9) History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devonshire. (Simkin, Marshall & Co.)

Other Documents at Fairlynch Museum: Morris & Co.'s Commercial Directory of Devonshire 1870; M. Billing's Directory and Gazetteer of the County of Devon 1857; Kelly's Directories of Devonshire 1890 to 1914; diverse Guide-Books for Budleigh Salterton.

I would like to thank the Misses Joy and Elizabeth Gawne for all their help in my research, and to express my gratitude for the facilities available for it at Fairlynch Museum.
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