SOUTH ZEAL is a straggling village, on the high road, half a mile S. E. of the church, and is described as a borough in ancient records, and as having a market and two fairs, granted in 1298 by Robt. de Tony, then lord of the manor. It has still a cattle fair on the Tuesday in the week after the festival of St. Thomas-a-Becket, (July 7th.) Its ancient chapel has been long used as a school, […].

Baring-Gould, S. A Book of the West. Vol I. DEVON. London: Methuen, 1899. p. 215.

Another interesting excursion may be made to South Zeal. The old coach-road ran through this quaint place, but the new road leaves it on one side. A few years ago it was more interesting than it is now, as some of the old houses have recently been removed. It, however, repays a visit. Situated at the opening of the Taw cleave, under Cosdon Beacon, it is a little world to itself. The well-to-do community have extensive rights of common, and of late have been ruthlessly enclosing. None can oppose them, as all are agreed to grab and appropriate what they can. This has led to much destruction of prehistoric remains.

[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]