The Square

The Square was originally a grass covered 'towne place' around which the invading Saxons sited their settlement, circa 700AD.

Square, 1930s

The Square in the 1930's.

Today the great quadrangle, measuring 150 yards by 50 yards, has been easily adapted to modern needs.

By arrangement with the Parish Council, Devon County Council assumed responsibility for the maintenance of the Square in 1961, when it was also given a tarmac surface.

Square, 1960s

The Square, viewed from the church tower in the 1960's.

Situated on the Square are a war memorial, a pump-house, a bus shelter and a telephone kiosk.

Village Parking
At the recent meeting of the Parish Council it was reported that the Chief Constable of Devon had granted the Council permission to prescribe an area on the village square, within the limits of which cars will be allowed to park without lights at night during the hours of public lighting. Major E.J.W. Spread was deputed by the Council to supervise the marking out of the area for parking. (June 1939)

Presumably not a lot came of this, because the Parish Council later reported that:

Village Parking
The Chief Constable of Devon had granted permission for the whole area from the Jubilee Pump to the south end of the Square to be used, when adequately illuminated, for the parking of cars without lights. (March 1949)

Square, 1980s

The Square full of cars in the mid 1980's. Notice the old bus shelter is still there.

The first trees were planted on the Square by the Coronation committee in 1913.

These were replaced by Mr. Elliott in 1936 with 3 Cornish Elm trees.

Protective palings were erected at the same time.


Square, 1995

The Square, viewed from the church tower in 1995. This was taken during the VE Day celebrations - hence the 'V' of the tables.

A road enters the Square at its south-east corner, runs along the east side of the Square past the Inn and a number of houses, then continues out of the north-east corner of the Square.

Another road crosses the Square just below its north-east and north-west corners.


Square, 1959

The edge of the Square with the War Memorial and the road leading to Lower Village in 1959.

The Square is bounded to the north, west and south by shops and houses.



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