We are an enthusiastic group of volunteers
caring about Whimple's past, archiving today's information for
historians of the future and committed to researching, recording
and making available to anyone, information relating to the history
of the village of Whimple, its people, customs, traditions, skills
and trades. The Society opened its Heritage Centre in May 2003
where it has many thousands of photographs and artefacts connected
with village life over the past 150 years
'What' is Whimple?
It is a church, two pubs, a village shop, a hairdresser, a Post
Office, and B&B accommodation. It has men of letters, numerous
artisans, a builder and a brewery -- but sadly no longer
a butcher, baker or candlestick maker. It has some notables
and even more characters but most importantly it possesses a
fine community spirit. For more about Whimple visit the village
web site at www.whimpleonline.net
The Parish of Whimple
In Saxon times, around 600 A.D, Whimple
was set up as three units. At the time of Domesday around the
Church, at Cobden and at Strete Raleigh with 235 residents.
Origins of the name Whimple are believed to be from the Celtic
- Gwyn = White, Pwll = pool or stream. Spelling has changed
many times e.g. Wimple in Domesday Book (1085) and Whymple (1391).
The population grew to 483 by 1801, to 775 by 1951 and then
doubled in the next 50 years.
The 11th century Norman stone church had a tower added in the
15th century. Except for the tower it was rebuilt in 1848. From
1708 school lessons were held in the church and later in a cottage
in The Square, until "Whimple National School" was
built in 1848.
Coaching Inns were established in the 17th century but declined
with the stagecoach in the 1860's when the railway arrived.
For many centuries farming provided the main employment. The
soil and water are ideal for apple growing and commercial cyder
production started in the 19th century. Public Houses were always
plentiful - in 1788 there were 9 Ale Houses!
Other major employers, until the 1980's, have been builders,
farm merchants, butchers, bakers and the railway.
Where is Whimple?
It is situated in east Devon nine miles to the north-east of
Exeter in south west England and lies on the Exeter - London(Waterloo)
railway. For more details on the location please visit the map
site
