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Knowle St Giles

Knowle St Giles maps

Historic maps of Knowle St Giles and the local area, hand-drawn by Ordnance Survey and Samuel Lewis.   View all Knowle St Giles maps

Knowle St Giles area books

Displaying 1 of 11 books about Knowle St Giles and the local area.   View all books for this area

Memories of Knowle St Giles

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Somerset memories

Ilminster Grammar School


I started at the school in 1961 as a day boy. The school also had boarders who lived at what had been the original school building off Court Barton which was also the girls school in my day. Looking at the photographs in this collection, the school was very much the same when I was there. Now it is a first school called Greenfylde. the school was founded in 1549 so it was a very old institution indeed. When I look back I am glad I was able to go to the school.

The Five Dials

I used to live at the Dials in the 1970s. I remember the Steers and the Layzell names, went across the road to school and later to the 'new' school at Broadway. The A303 was right on our doorstep! I remember going to Langs Corner to watch milk tankers going through the flood waters.

Combe St Nicholas School During The Second World War Period

My father and mother-in-law lived in Combe St Nicholas during the Second World War. My father-in-law taught at the local school. He then went to war and was a prisoner of war in Japan. My mother-in-law had evacuee children and was involved in village life. l have some history souvenirs of that time and would be interested to hear from anyone living in the village during the war years. Their names were Mr Ronald and Mrs Nancy Comber.

York Parade

Anyone remember York Parade, where my wife was born in 1938? I have also posted more info on Dagenham comments page. Please contact me before she falls off the perch,,,,Thanks Ian and Yvette

Village Memories.

The Post Office And Cross c1955
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This is a view of the top of West Street with the Post Office on the left. The Postmaster then was Mr Herbert Winn. Opposite is Tetts Farm with the milk churns awaiting collection outside. The farmer was Henry Best. The lady coming along the pavement is Mrs Louisa Stoodley. She was widowed in the First World War and herself lost an arm while working at nearby Lopen factory.

Names of People And Buildings.

Here we are looking down West Street with the village school visible at the end. On the left is Tetts Farm with the milk churns, while next is Manor Farm, farmed by Reg Newick. The thatched building before the school is Old Farm, farmed by Rhesa Warry, with a little sweet shop next door. All these farms are now private houses. Behind the village cross can be seen the shop window of the Post Office while the large gabled building is the 15th century George & Crown Inn sadly burned down in 1960. The ladies outside are Mrs Evelyn Best from Tetts Farm, and on the right is Mrs Stenner who lived in West Street. West Street was once the main through-road but was closed in the 18th century when Lord of The Manor Earl Poulett enlarged his Park. A new road was made following the turning to the right at the cross.

A Village Celebrates

In 1953 the village was chosen by Picture Post to feature in their Coronation special edition under the heading "A village celebrates". On the Sunday nearest the Coronation there was an open air inter-denomination Service held at the Cross; there were square dances in the Stables of Hinton House; a fete and handicraft show in the grounds; a revue starring most of the village which was written by Keith Johnson, and featured Colin Winn and Jack Irish (painter and decorator); Joyce Aldridge (Male), Cissie (?), Grace Aldridge, Terry and John Aldridge, Mary Warry........and Jean Mirehouse sang the closing "Rule Britannia". A fireworks display provided by Picture Post was the finale.
The George and Crown's landlord was Alan Newick, brother of Reg. It was then taken over by the Winns who built up a reputation for good food rather than just a pub. The waitress was Joan Prior. When it burnt down in late 1960 fire-engines from seven towns attended the blaze but were hampered... Read more

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