Holwell
Holwell was listed in the 1842 Tithe Map as being owned by widow Rebecca Tozer born in Greenwich around 1793, she was living in Topsham with her in-laws.
Apart from the land she owns, here is no obvious connection with Shebbear by her, her husband or in-laws.
There were 3 dwellings in one section where the Mill family lived and worked and a pair of semi detached cottages located exactly in the front garden of what is now The Manse.
The 1851 census shows George Mill and his family running the Devonport Inn from Holwell, with is father Robert P Mill living next door running a farm. It’s not clear if the third dwelling of the terrace was inhabited or was the pub.
By the time of the 1871 census, 78 year old Robert P Mill, was still living in Holwell with wife Betsy (Elizabeth) and their daughter, Jane Land who was estranged from her husband. Robert died at the end of the following year.
There are two families living in a property called Holwell Cottage, this may well be The Manse front garden building, but no confirmation is available.
The Bible Christians had a meeting in 1906 to discuss buying the Holwell land, during the meeting they tell us that the buildings have long since gone. They then built The Manse on the land for one of their Minister’s.
Smoky House
More details to follow.
Poor Houses
More details to follow.
Lovacott
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Southcombe Farm
More details to follow.
Last updated on 17 March 2025 by Paul Watts