White's Devonshire Directory (1850) says
"SANDFORD, a straggling village, in three detached portions, called East and West Sandford and New Buildings, in the vale of the small river Creedy, from 2 to 4 miles north of Crediton; has in its parish 1998 souls, and 7770 acres of fertile land, including many scattered farm-houses, &c. . . . The manor of Combe Lancelles was anciently held by the Lancelles family, but has been possessed more than two centuries by the Davie family, one of whom was created a baronet in 1641. Sir H.R.F. Davie, Bart., the present owner of this manor and of Ruxford and other estates, resides at CREEDY PARK, . . . Dowrich House belongs with a large estate, to its present occupant, E.I. Clayfield, Esq., . . . The Church (St. Swithen,) is a neat Gothic structure, with a tower and five bells, and has recently been new seated and enlarged, . . . The church was built at the beginning of the 14th century, and has a beautiful font of Caen stone, and several memorials of the Dowrich and Davie families. The parish was formerly a chapelry of Crediton, and derives considerable benefit from Crediton Church Corporation Trust, . . . The Rev. Chas. Gregory is the present incumbent, . . . "