The Serlo Family of High Bickington
Master Serlo is listed as the rector of St Mary's Church in High Bickington, from
the year 1202 and was succeeded by Gilbert de Roffa in 1277, although it is not known if he was rector for all this 75
year period.
A news article which appeared in the 'Daily Western Times' on Friday June 6th 1902 read as follows:
A correspondent writes:-
In the interesting notes on the Bishop of Exeter, which are appearing weekly in
the 'Western Times', the fact was mentioned a week or two back that Bishop Brewer created the office of Dean of Exeter, and
appointed one named Serlo to fill that position. It is perhaps not generally known that High Bickington gave Exeter its first
Dean. The list of Rectors of High Bickington dates from 1202 and the first name which appears in the list is 'Master Serlo'.
In those days the presentment to the living belonged to the crown and Serlo who was probably something of a favourite at court
was made rector of High bickington by King John. A few years afterwards he became Dean of Exeter and according to the fashion
of the time, very likely retained the living of High Bickington.
