Bere Ferrers, (Beerferris), a parish in Devonshire, between the rivers Tamar and Tavy upwards from their confluence, 7 miles N by W of Plymouth, and 8 from Tavistock, It has a station on the L. & S.W.R., and contains the town of Beer-Alston, formerly a parliamentary borough returning two members, and the village of Beer-Town. It has a post office under Beer-Alston (R.S.O.), and a telegraph station. The area is 6176 acres of land, and 935 of foreshore and water; population, 1911. The greater part belongs to the Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe; the manor of Ley, now belonging to Sir F. Drake, was long held by a family of its own name, one of whom was created Earl of Marlborough. Much of the surface is picturesque, and many spots command fine prospects. Very large quantities of fruit are produced here, especially black cherries and strawberries. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Exeter; net value, £500 with residence. Patron, the Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe. The church is Decorated and Perpendicular English, and very picturesque; consists of nave, aisle, chancel, and transepts, and contains Crusader monuments of Ferrers and Champernoun, and one to Major Bayley, who fell at the storming of Sebastopol. There is a chapel of ease at Beer-Alston, and there are Congregational, Wesleyan, United Free Methodist, and Bible Christian chapels. Stothart, the artist and antiquary, was killed at Bere-Ferrers church while sketching the E window.
