Last modified on March 22, 2025 

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Combe Martin Village History Website

Combe Martin's distinctive heritage and history set it apart from other villages. This website bridges the village's rich past with modern heritage tourism, showcasing its unique industrial legacy, cultural traditions, and natural beauty.

Launched in March 2023, this non-profit project is dedicated to preserving the character and heritage of Combe Martin for future generations.

It serves as a comprehensive history resource for visitors, locals, and descendants, inspiring them to share the knowledge.

We trace the village's evolution from a Saxon settlement to an Anglo-Norman manor; onwards to a multi-industrial centre, and its transition to a heritage tourism community.

Related: Combe Martin Museum | Combe Martin Landmarks |What is Heritage Tourism?

Overview

Subtopics:

Historical Background

  • Early History: Combe Martin has historical roots dating back to the pre-Roman Iron Age, with archaeological evidence suggesting its significance in Roman trade.

  • Silver Mining: The village was known for its silver mines from the 1290s through to the late 19th century, contributing economically and socially to the region.

  • Combe Martin's mining activities made it a bustling industrial hub, particularly during the Industrial Revolution (1760-1840).

  • Transition to Agriculture: Following the decline of silver mining in the mid-19th century, Combe Martin's economy shifted towards agriculture.
  • From the 19th century to the mid 20th century, Combe Martin's market gardening heyday included the production and exports of vast quantities of fruits and vegetables, including the finest strawberries.
  • Combe Martin's Notable Personalities>

  • Sir Richard Pollard (1505-1542) was a key historical figure who was granted the manor of Combe Martin by King Henry VIII. 

  • Pollard owned this manor in the 16th century, with responsibility for its administration including overseeing the local tenants and managing the estate's affairs.

  • Pollard also played a significant role in Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries.

  • Benevolent Squire George Ley established the Combe Martin Free School in 1716, and the Ley family educational charity is still operating in Combe Martin today.

  • George Ley also created Combe Martin's "Pack o' Cards Inn", now a national monument, as his townhouse or quasi-manor estate in the year 1690.

  • Terry-Thomas: The actor, known for his comedic roles, is inurned at Combe Martin St Peter's Churchyard.

  • James Norman: The parish sexton who inspired a character in Marie Corelli’s novel “The Mighty Atom”, highlighting the village's literary connections.

Cultural Heritage

  • Artistic Legacy: Combe Martin’s industrial landscape and natural beauty have inspired artists, including J.M.W. Turner, whose works reflect the interplay of nature and industry.

  • Literary Connections: The village has been featured in works by authors such as Charles Kingsley, Marie Corelli, and R.D. Blackmore, contributing to its fame as a tourist destination.

  • The Pack o' Cards Inn, a landmark national monument, was built in 1690 by George Ley.

  • West Challacombe and Buzzacott Manors also reflect the local architectural heritage.

Industrial History

  • Mining and Manufacturing: The area was known for its diverse industries, including silver and lead mining, quarrying, lime-burning, and shipbuilding. 

  • Market Gardening: Combe Martin was known for its fertile soil conducive to agribusiness, particularly the production of strawberries, jams and preserves. These formed a significant part of its economy.

Community and Events

  • Annual events include the Earl of Rone Festival: unique to Combe Martin, celebrating local folklore and traditions.

  • Carnival: The village hosts a traditional carnival featuring floats and community participation.

  • Local Attractions: Combe Martin Museum and Information Point showcases the area's history through artifacts and exhibitions. The museum also serves as a tourist information point for visitors.

Modern Developments

  • Tourism Growth: The transition from an industrial economy to a tourism-centric one has brought challenges, including rising property prices and concerns about preserving the village's character and heritage.

  • Community Initiatives: Efforts are in place to promote sustainable tourism and educate visitors about Combe Martin’s rich history and cultural significance.

Geological and Ecological Features

  • Located within Exmoor National Park, Combe Martin is characterised by dramatic coastlines, cliffs, and a diverse range of wildlife.

  • The Great Hangman, the highest sea cliff in England, is a prominent feature of the landscape.

Accessibility and User Engagement

  • The website is designed to be accessible, with options for users to adjust text size and contrast. It encourages community involvement, inviting locals to contribute photographs and articles about Combe Martin.

Content Usage Rights: License Terms CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

This license stands for Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International. Here’s what it means and how you can use our content:

Attribution (BY): You must give appropriate credit to the original creator, "Combe Martin History and Heritage Project", when sharing or quoting any materials from this website.

NonCommercial (NC): You cannot use or publish our materials for commercial purposes, such as selling, advertising, presentations (public or private), or promoting products or services. This includes any business-related activities where the content is used to generate revenue or support commercial endeavours.

NoDerivatives (ND): You cannot modify or alter our original content in any way.

Important Notes:

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  • Do not imply that the licensor endorses you or your use of our content.

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Attribution:
When sharing or quoting our materials, you must include a link to this website https://www.combemartinvillage.co.uk/ , and to this license: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

Conclusion

The Combe Martin Village History website> is a key resource for local history, showcasing the village's evolution from an industrial hub to a heritage tourism community>.

All content on https://www.combemartinvillage.co.uk/ is subject to License Terms CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

This website celebrates the cultural, social, and environmental features that define Combe Martin. Through continuous research and community involvement, the project seeks to preserve and promote the village's rich legacy for future generations.