Burrington lies about twelve miles from Barnstaple and about a mile to the picturesque Taw Valley. It is about 540 feet above sea level. The centre of this quiet village is dominated by the church. Grouped around this are older houses built mainly of cob, many dating back to the early 17th century and were originally thatched. There is still a thatched pub in the village. The oak tree in the square is said to be about 500 years old. A pottery plaque commemorating the centenary of the Parish Council and bearing a picture of the oak tree is in the porch of the Parish Hall.
Burrington appeared in the Domesday Book of 1086, so was obviously a well-established place by the time of the Normans. Numerous small traditional businesses in and around the village include Burrington Brewery, the home of Newt Real Ales. This is a traditional brewery making real ales in the original ways.
Holy Trinity Church was built originally in 1150 by the Abbot of Tavistock Abbey. It was cared for by the Benedictine monks until the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The building was extensively restored in 1869. The porch is 16th century but the door arch is much older. The door itself is of oak with Tudor decorations. The remains of shot, which can be seen in the door, are said to have come from the muskets of Cromwell’s men. The unusual granite arcade and the impressive carved roof date from the early 16th century.
There seem to be some old pagan connections with this ancient church. Above the door, usually in shade so not easy to spot, is a Green Man. Not far from the door is a Green Man waterspout which was originally a gargoyle on the South East corner of the roof. Other Green Men can be seen inside the church. Also inside is what is known as an impossible triangle carved on the screen.