Ilsington, Devon

Rock Inn

This was always known as Rock Inn, Haytor when I visited. I got to know a few of the local families, most of which are long gone. Courtier, Clifton, Morrish, Middleweek, Ford to name but a few. The Rock Inn was always very popular in the summer, cars often parked more than half-way up Inverness Hill at Sunday lunchtime.

There... [more]

I worked there!

It was a Trust House Hotel when I worked there in the bar for a few years up to 1964. By that time it was very much larger than the photograph shows. The manager was Mr. Trew. It never made any money due to the short season. When it burnt down about 1967/8 it was left almost derelict for many years... [more]

Morris Dancing at the Star Inn

It was a lovely warm August evening and a small gathering of 'bikers' stood around in the car park of the Star Inn - a typical Devon pub in Old Liverton.  They were enjoying looking at each others bikes but soon got a surprise when the Morris dancers arrived!

We met for the dance performance at 8pm. I brought... [more]

Lemnos

I was born in Bovey Tracey in 1952, on a Wednesday afternoon, the eleventh of June. I arrived in the middle of a garden party being held at 'Grey Gables' a house owned by a Mrs Pedrick (I do not remember her husband, but we children called her Aunty Lottie). My parents, my older sister and I lived in a house... [more]

Racing

I worked in a racing stables in Manaton, we used to exercise up on the moor. 3 other girls were there too and it was great fun. The yard moved to Somerset after and I went with it, wonderful days. Hi Sam, Hi Brian.

The Heath

Memories start in 1953 when Elizabeth became our Queen. I remember all the windowsills were decorated. I was 4 at the time. As I grew up with my sister and 3 brothers we had many a happy time in Gales Crest on the green playing hopscotch, marbles and looking for 4-leaved clover! The heath was our domain - making camps and... [more]

Chudleigh Knighton Cider Memories

I lived in Chudleigh Knighton when I was 11 years old until I was 15. That was 1932 till 1936.  I was taught at the lovely school there. The head mistress was Miss Gill and her assistants Miss Bray and Miss Parkhurst. My family had broken up and I lived with my grandparents Mr. William Thompson and Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson who... [more]

Sparnham house

Whether or not Sparnham House was an old coaching inn (I doubt it) or not, it is noteworthy of being the long-time residence of John Hannibal (or sometimes Henry) Foaden and his wife Elizabeth nee Husson. They were married in the summer of 1867 and moved to Sparnham House shortly after. They had at least six children; two sons and four... [more]