Exwick History Society

Traditional Building Stone. From Roman to Victorian times, building stones were often courced locally. Two red stones - one from Heavitree Quarry and the other from Pocombe Quarry - were commonly used. These distinctive local stones can now be found in Exwick's walls and older buildings, or are sometime found buried where old houses once stood.  Could we develop a project to map where these old building stones can be seen, along with other traditional materials such as cob ?

Buried Objects. What lies buried in the gardens and allotments of Exwick ? People keep on finding various small artefacts such as pieces of Victorian or Edwardian pottery, clay tobacco pipes, and small metal objects such as tokens, buttons and coins. None of these are of any great value, but all are remarkable survivors of a by-gone age. Could we develop a project to  record what has been found and encourage other people to start digging ?

Foundation Stone, Exwick Church. The foundation or dedication stone of St Andrew's Church was obscured by vegetation and some of the lettering had worn away. It is now possible to see and read the inscription once more.

We hope to apply for funding over the next year or so, and are looking for project ideas.

Come and see us or drop us a line with your thoughts. We'd love to talk with you about anything that might help improve the neighbourhood if it is either about history, has a history angle, or has a touch of history to it...

... a 'Welcome to Exwick' sign, perhaps on Station Road

... a history information panel about the old village (perhaps on Exwick Hill, at the Parish Hall, or along the Overflow Channel walk)    

...  improvements to 'the green' at The Square

... repair and re-use of out-buildings that have history and character

... a feasibility study into extending the Exe Estuary off-road cycle and foot-path, continuing it past Exwick Mill and then onwards alongside the old mill leat and weir

... marking the 'lost course' of the vilage leat

... tidying-up the old lane behind Farm Hill

.... surveying the old trees of Exwick and making sure they are protected

St Andrew's Church Railings. The railings that enclose St Andrew's Church-yard are a prominent feature of Exwick village but have seen better times. Could we develop a project to clean and repaint them, repair them, and perhaps put back the missing gate overthrow ?

The Exwick Horse-trough. This is known to only a few people since it is hidden-away in dense undergrowth and not situated in a place where it can be visited. Could we develop a project to restore it and move it to a place where it can be seen, perhaps at The Square, Exwick Hill ?

Exwick's War Memorial. A prominent land-mark which was last restored about twenty years ago. It is bearing up well, but is showing signs of  wear. Could we develop a project to restore it; to tidy-up the partly bleached stonework and replace the missing letter ?