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Branscombe

Branscombe photos (10 available)

Old photo of Branscombe

Branscombe maps (2 available)

Old map of Branscombe

Branscombe books (17 available)

Branscombe memories

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You can also read memories of nearby places in Devon below.

Devon memories

East Steet (Renamed Dolphin Street)

Colyton, Queen Square 1907

My Uncle Henry Haskell Hooper, owned Ivy House, East Street, the adjoining premises was his shop and yard. He was the local painter and decorator. I was born in Ivy House December 2nd 1940. My mother was the sister of Lillian Hooper (Nee Cooper)

David Broughton
A memory of Colyton contributed by David Broughton

Yank Worked At Harbour Inn 1965

Axmouth, The Harbour Inn c1955

As an 18 year old boy from Atlanta, Georgia (USA), I worked at the Harbour Inn during the summer of 1965.  That's among my fondest memories, and one of the most enjoyable times in my life.  I have fond memories of the Rodmores (who owned the Inn), Henry (head bar tender), Old Herbie, and the many fine people who visited the pub and lived there and in Seaton.  I revisited Axmouth and Seaton in 1972 while enroute home from an 18 month tour in Thailand.  I shall never forget the warm welcome I received as a "left-tenant" in the US Air Force ... I could not pay for a drink, or even my hotel room, becasue you wanted to say "thanks" ...read more here
A memory of Axmouth contributed by Tom Lokey

Quieter, carefree days.

Axmouth, the Bridge c1955

I am Pauline Morgan (nee Real) and I am the little girl standing by the boat, whilst my brother Cliff is wading through the water. The cabin cruiser on the opposite side of the river is 'Silver Swan' owned by Gilbert Hazel of Castle Cary and looked after by my father, Rock Real. Our family spent so many happy hours on and in our beloved river Axe, as did the Sea Rangers to whom I belonged. Now in my mid 60's I still love to row or outboard up the river and enjoy the solitude still on offer there - with just the birds for company and the river, gently slapping the hull of my boat.
This ...read more here
A memory of Axmouth contributed by Pauline Morgan

Heather and Gorse Clog Morris at the Sidmouth Folk Festival

Sidmouth, looking West 1924


Each August huge numbers of dancers and musicians head to Sidmouth for the annual folk festival - a week long event which celebrates our national heritage of music, dance and song.

This year I was able to play my piano accordian at the festival for the first time for many years as our local morris side - Heather and Gorse Clog Morris from Combeinteignhead - went along to dance on the "prom" on the traditional Sunday outing for local performers.

We were so lucky with the weather as our dancers began at 11 am for a morning session, followed by a lunchtime break in the pubs, and then an early afternoon seesion soon after 1pm. It ...read more here
A memory of Sidmouth contributed by John Howard Norfolk

Extracts From Branscombe & Devon books

Exmouth, the Esplanade 1898

This view was taken from the building at the very end of Morton Crescent. To the immediate left is the Imperial Hotel, seen in its original architectural design, changed now after the fire in the 1970s.
An extract from from"Exmouth Photographic Memories".

Exmouth, the Esplanade c1955

By the middle of the 20th century we see something resembling the modern scene. There is the more familiar red telephone box on the traffic island, a modern post box, and Belisha beacons to aid pedestrians wishing to cross the road. In the centre of the photograph is the white tower of the Pavilion Theatre. Much of the street furniture was removed by the start of the 21st century, leaving a more traffic-dominated Esplanade.
An extract from from"Exmouth Photographic Memories".

Exmouth, from the Pier 1906

The construction of a substantial sea wall, seen here in section to the right, led to Exmouth’s prosperity as a seaside resort. Before the wall was built, much of the sea front was marshland and sand dunes, and subjected to constant flooding. The first section of the wall was completed in 1842, paid for by the local landowner John Rolle. It was 1,900 feet long and constructed from Devon limestone. The designer was John Smeaton, a veteran engineer and the designer of London Bridge.
An extract from from"Exmouth Photographic Memories".

Exmouth, from the Beacon 1922

This fine view looks across the clock tower and Morton Crescent to the estuary of the River Exe, with Starcross and the Haldon Hills in the distance.
An extract from from"Exmouth Photographic Memories".

Exmouth, the Esplanade c1955

The wall was designed to deflect the waves that so often come up the English Channel from the south-west on stormy days. This scene has changed little in fifty years, though now a shelter from the wind stands on the position of the nearest bench in the photograph. It was donated by local resident William Frederick Stokes in 1964.
An extract from from"Exmouth Photographic Memories".