The Story of the Manor Inn and its People – Part 4

by Colin Back | Places, Fore Street

For those who enjoyed a pint or two in the old pub, or much later in its story and had purchased a pasty from the ‘Pasty Mine’ may not be aware of the long and interesting history encompassing the building known as the Manor Inn on Fore Street, Bishopsteignton. Following on from Part Three this article continues in from 1956 when George and Phyl Johnson became the new licensees.

1956,1960,1965,1967,1975

1956

George and Phyl Johnson became the new licensees when they moved into The Manor Inn with their two sons, Barry and Brian, both boys attended the local school.

Landlords of The Manor Inn, George & Phyl Johnson

George and Phyl maintained the darts and euchre teams as well as introducing coach outings and other social activities that husbands and wives could enjoy together.

They added a servery bar to the lounge.

Photograph of Bishopsteignton residents taken on a Manor Inn outing

Manor Inn outing. Front kneeling L-R: U/K, George Ware. Behind kneelers: George Passmore, Mark Gill. Standing in Front L-R: Phyl Johnson (Landlady), Gwen Back, Ivy Gill, Mrs Apps, U/K. Remainder at back: U/K

AnotherManor Inn outing. L-R: U/K, Phyl Johnson, Ivy Gill, Ellen Lavinia Knapman, Francis Ware, Jean Knapman, U/K, U/K, U/K, May Mole, U/K, U/K, Larry Knapman, children are Albert Heal, Barry and Brian Johnson Kneeling: Mark Gill, George Ware.

Photograph of the Landlady and patrons of The Manor Inn

The Manor Inn Lounge. Stood U/K. Sitting L-R: Landlady Phyl Johnson, U/K, Doris Gurr, U/K, Fred Gurr. (Fore Street butcher). In 1960 the Johnson family moved to The Fox House, Newton Abbot.

1960

The Robbinsons were tenents during this time, about which we know very little at present.

1965

Francis (Frank) and Doris Walsh, with their family, moved back to Bishopsteignton to take over the management of the Manor Inn in January of 1965. Frank and Doris had lived at 10 Fore Street before moving to Kingswear in 1955. The family left the Manor Inn in 1967 but remained living in Fore Street. Frank died 1967. In 1976 Doris married Barry Bailey, eventually retiring to Cockhaven Close.

1967

Sam Shepherd (Sam) and Doris Ridd moved from Teignmouth where Sam worked as a carpenter on the docks, to take over the management of The Manor Inn. They were a popular couple who moved to 4 West Town Meadow in around 1977.

Sam became the Captain of the Bishopsteignton Bowls Club and was awarded a ‘Life Membership’ in testimony to 25 years as a dedicated member. He spoke in true Devon brogue with his favourite saying of “Hello me old boodie.” Sam died in 1999 just two months short of his 84^th birthday.

Photograph of Bishopsteignton Bowls Club 1974

Bishopsteignton Bowls Club 1974 with Sam Ridd (Captain), placed centre of photo.

1975

Heavitree Brewery closed the Manor Inn in 1975 and on the 6^th April 1976 the licence was transferred to Murley Grange. In July 1980 Heavitree applied for planning permission for change of use from Inn to a shop, before selling to Tim and Ros Hay for £22,500 in May 1981.

Tim and Ros went on to create “The Pasty Mine” – which opens a whole new chapter of the story…

Do you have any memories or photos of times at the Manor Inn? Or anything else in Bishopsteignton! Please do not hesitate to get in touch!