Land in South Devon, which was once the subject of a "scandalous bout of fisticuffs" in Elizabethan court, is to be auctioned next month.

The land at Trill, Musbury, near Axminster was originally part of the historic estate of Ash, which was owned by the ancient Drake family.

"The Drake family gained notoriety when Sir Bernard Drake of Ash rejected Sir Francis Drake’s claim to be related, leading to a scandalous bout of fisticuffs in the court of Queen Elizabeth I," explains Ross Willmington, partner of Symonds & Sampson, the agency auctioning the land.

"More recently the land has been owned by the Rutter family, late of Trill and Ash Farms since 1921 and enjoys one of the best views over the pretty Axe Valley."  

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This is a rare opportunity to buy a block of 43.92 acres of productive arable/pastureland in the Axe Valley with two small areas of coppice for sale in two lots - which come with a fascinating history.

Lot A is a 14.78 acre arable field and it has a guide price of £150,000.

Lot B is 29.14 acres of arable/pastureland with an attractive, traditional stone linhay that may have the potential for alternative uses, subject to planning permission. Ancient features on the land include a stone bridge and former sheep dip. This lot is guided at £300,000.

Both lots are for sale by auction with Symonds & Sampson in Axminster on June 8.