Bring the past to the present
The Exmouth History Group toured historic Hemyock with visits to the Church Rooms built in 1897, St Mary’s Church with first recorded instituted Rector from Episcopal Register in 1267 but church building founded much earlier and Hemyock Castle founded by Sir Richard de Hydon in 1272.
Historic tours can be arranged on request from this web site.
Hemyock Castle is a privately owned scheduled Ancient Monument & residential site, normally only opened to the public during special open days on Bank Holiday Mondays (2 to 5 pm) between Easter and September. On our open days, visitors can view the substantial remains of Hemyock Castle’s towers, walls, moat, grounds; and visit its display areas.
The remains of a moated, rare late 14th century castle surround a much older manor house. During the 17th century English Civil War, the castle was garrisoned for Parliament. The Royalists attacked twice, eventually besieging and capturing Hemyock Castle. Afterwards, the castle was slighted (destroyed). Subsequently the site evolved to become a farm, and later a private home. Former outbuildings have also been converted into homes.
Hemyock Castle is set in the Culm Valley amongst the now tranquil Blackdown Hills in Devon England, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just a few miles from the M5 Motorway and Taunton. Although situated in the heart of Hemyock village, the castle site is screened by trees and walls, so surprisingly little can be seen from the road. The whole site is enclosed by substantial walls, fences and gates.
Notice to local history groups in the Blackdown Hills area.
Sampford Peverell Village Hall – Thursday 27 September at 7.30 pm.
History Talk by Ian Mortimer
Ian Mortimer is giving a talk on his latest book ‘The Time-traveller’s guide to Restoration Britain’ which you are invited to attend. The event is organised by the Sampford Peverell Society – all are welcome (non-members £2 entrance charge).
Dr Ian Mortimer is a well known historian and author, with a keen interest in Devon history. He also writes historical fiction as James Forrester. The Guardian review of his Restoration book says:
“It’s in the details of daily life that Mortimer’s book excels. This wonderfully human history captures the experiences of Restoration Britain, including insults (“you white-livered son of a Fleet Street bumsitter”), street food (pies are fine “if you don’t mind the gristle inside the pastry and the flies on the outside”), personal hygiene (“Pepys does not immerse himself in water for the whole 10‑year period of his diary”), and how to post a letter (envelopes had not yet been invented but a letter to France will cost you one shilling). History at its most entertaining.”
Hemyock History and Archiving Association are pleased to announce that the first of our new series of talks will be at the Church Rooms on Thursday September 20th starting at 7.30pm.
The illustrative talk will be given by Dr John Allan of Exeter University on
The Building of Exeter Cathedral.
With a new project starting in the Autumn on 2 of our early Bishops – Leofric and Gradisson
and run by Exeter University and the Cathedral this will be an opportunity of hearing about
the early days of our local Cathedral.
Everyone welcome to join us for an interesting and informative evening.
From: Mike Walker <info@woodsidebooks.co.uk>
Subject: Devon Books
I am reluctantly downsizing my house and books The books, all postage-free, are on my website at www.woodsidebooks.co.uk
Please do look at this website which displays a fantastic selection of historic books of our area.
Many no longer in print.
