KENTON, a parish in the hundred of EXMINSTER,
county of DEVON, 8 miles (S. S. E.) from Exeter, containing
1891 inhabitants. The living is a vicarage, in the
archdeaconry and diocese of Exeter, rated in the king's
books at £34. 13.4., and in the patronage of the Dean
and Chapter of Salisbury. The church, dedicated to
All Saints, is a handsome structure in the later style of
English architecture, and has a rich wooden screen,
on which is inscribed the Creed, in Latin. There is a
chapel of ease at Star-cross, in this parish. The river
Ex is navigable for large ships along the eastern boundary
of the parish. Kenton was once an ancient borough,
and had a weekly market and an annual fair.
Courts leet and baron are held annually by the lord
of the manor. A curious custom prevails here regarding
tenancy, by which the heirs of a tenant, retaining their
occupancy for three descents in succession, establish
their claim to the inheritance.