Taken from Cox's "DEVONSHIRE" published in 1738:

(The original spelling has been retained)

"North Tanton from which the whole Hundred hath its name. The chief manor of this place belonged to a branch of the Valletorts, whose moated mansion, adjoining to the churchyard, yet appeareth. Here is a pit of a large circumference, and ten foot deep, out of which sometimes springs up a little brook or bourn, and so continues for many days. The common people believe it is a forerunner of some public calamity, as Wooburn Mere in the North is said to be."