The name of Chivelstone is derived from Coefel's farm, whilst the name of East Prawle is most likely derived from Præwhyll, which is an Anglo-Saxon term for a look-out hill.[2]
History
The names of the villages in the parish were first recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086.[2] The 1086 survey recorded three manors in the future Chivelstone parish, all of which were held by Juhel de Totnes (died 1123/30).[3]
It is generally believed that the country was divided into ecclesiastical parishes around 1200. The church parish of Chivelstone was focused on the church dedicated to St Silvester, the only church dedicated to that saint in Devon, which is the mediaeval dedication to St Mary.[4]