The Coombe Family
Molly Coombe (1929-2007) was the only child of Philip (1891-1970) and Grace Coombe née Loud (1898-1983). The Coombe family have left an incredible mark on the village of Bishopsteignton. From memories of Molly as a home-owner and landlady to streets of houses built by Philip, the Coombes remain a part of many households in the village.
Here, the compilation and presentation of information about this family is dedicated to the memory of Molly Coombe who’s legacy has been put to fine use in developing the Bishopsteignton Heritage Project for the benefit of the whole community. In these articles I hope that the long-silent voices of Molly, her parents and relations, can again be heard telling stories of life in Bishopsteignton and sharing the humble and steadfast love for this village which emanates from every record in the family archive.
The Heathman Family
Memories of Rachael Heathman and her evacuation in Bishopsteignton 1939-1940.
The Blogg Family
When Phyllis Blogg’s children were evacuated to Bishopsteignton from London, she came to visit them and ended up staying on. They were billeted with Kit and Jack Ward, who ran the butcher’s shop in Fore Street, opposite the Manor Inn.
The Ward Family
Kit and Jack Ward were very popular in the village, taking in Phyllis Blogg and her family as evacuees during World War Two. They still have relatives living in the village, who have kindly filled in some gaps in their story.
The Hope Family
Just after Bishopsteignton Heritage opened its doors to visitors at the HUB in the Community Centre, we were visited by a gentleman who, it turned out, had been evacuated to the village in 1941. His name is John Hope, and he was the nephew of Phyllis Blogg.
The Cross Family
David, Pat and Ted Cross were London evacuees staying in Bishopsteignton from June 1940 – January 1942.This is their story as described in a letter to Dick Searle, then the curator of Bishopsteignton Museum.
The McGregor Family
John Harvey McGregor (known as Jack), his wife Audrey Pamela (Pam) Brooke lived mainly in Surrey with their two sons John (b. 1937) and Richard (b. 1939). In September 1940 they moved to Devon to escape the blitz, and it was then that they came to live in Bishopsteignton.
Blacksmiths of Fore Street
A record of the occupants of the Blacksmith’s Forge in Fore St., Bishopsteignton, from 1841 onwards.
Tainton 1524 – 1600s Family Names
A short history of the Parish of Bishopsteignton including a summary of surnames that appear in official records for Bishopsteignton from the time of Henry VIII. From a copy held by the Bishopsteignton Museum, first compiled in 1978. Transcribed and updated 2014.