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Summary

St James's Weir dates to at least the last quarter of the 14th century. However, it is likely that there was a weir here earlier in the medieval period associated with the priory of St James. The weir was still operational in 2007. By 2013 the condition of the weir is deteriorating.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX99SW/51

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• WEIR (XIV - 1301 AD to 1400 AD)

Full description

Ordnance Survey, 1880-1899, First Edition Ordnance Survey 25 inch map (Cartographic). SDV336179.

'St James's Weir' shown on 19th century map to the northeast of 'Salmon Pool' where the River Exe turns through ninety degrees to the southwest.

Ordnance Survey, 1904 - 1906, Second Edition Ordnance Survey 25 inch Map (Cartographic). SDV325644.

'St James's Weir' is shown on the early 20th century map continuing along the southern bank of the River Exe for circa 80 meters and is up to 6 meters wide.

Clark, E. A. G., 1968, The Ports of the Exe Estuary: 1660-1860, 28 (Monograph). SDV337183.

Jackson, A. M., 1972, Medieval Exeter, the Exe and the Earldom of Devon, 71 (Article in Serial). SDV339439.

St James Weir (now Salmon Pool Weir). This was built in the last quarter of the 14th century and was the cause of repeated flooding and loss of fishing rights.

Griffith, F. M., 1986, DAP/HP, 12-15 (Aerial Photograph). SDV304235.

Weddell, P. J., 1987, St. James' Priory, Exeter, 10-11 (Report - Assessment). SDV347691.

According to Jackson (1972) St James Weir was built by the Courtenay family in the last quarter of the 14th century. However, although the documentary evidence for the sites of the mills associated with the medieval priory of St James, it is likely that there was a weir and leat in use before the late 14th century on the site of St James Weir and following the course of the leat. A 12th century grant specifically mentions land 'in which is made the leat of the water of their mill'.

Best, J. + Woodgate, R., 2007, Archaeological Monitoring at St James' Weir, Exeter (Report - Watching Brief). SDV339440.

Evans, J., 2013, St James' Weir (Correspondence). SDV352062.

St James' Weir has deteriorated substantially during the last month (August 2013). Large new holes have appeared and previous holes are much larger. Application made to have the weir listed, but but is stalled due to lack of information on ownership.

English Heritage, 2014, Reject at Initial Assessment Report: St James Weir, Salmon Pool Lane, Exeter (Report - Assessment). SDV356824.

St James Weir has strong local interest, particularly given the evidence that a weir has existed on this site since the late C14 and its association with the Courtenay family who played an important part in the
shaping of the River Exe and this part of Exeter. However, the alterations which have occurred, in
particular the concrete capping over the weir, means that it is not possible to confirm the extent of
surviving early fabric. Therefore, at present, the structure does not meet the criteria for statutory
designation. See report for full details.

David, H., 2014, St James Weir, Salmon Pool Lane, Exeter (Correspondence). SDV356823.

Following an initial assessment, the Secretary of State has decided not to add St James Weir to the List at this time. The reasons for this decision are set out in the attached report.

Ordnance Survey, 2025, Mastermap 2025 (Cartographic). SDV366286.

Weir marked.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV4302 - Weir to the southeast of St James' Weir

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