Lower Blagrove Farm is a traditional Devon longhouse with a slate roof. A fire in 1916 destroyed the property but the outbuildings were saved with help from Tiverton Police and neighbours. A telegram to South Molton Fire Brigade were unable to help due to a scarcity of horses and men: the presumption being that a large number of horses had been sent to the WWI Western Front,
Unlike most similar properties in East Worlington Lower Blagrove Farm is not a listed building which is probably down to the fact it must have been rebuilt after the fire without a thatched roof and a large part above ground is not the original structure.
Farm FireAt Lower Balgrove Far, East Worlington, some two miles from Witheridge, a fire broke out on Tuesday morning about half past ten, and did a considerable amount of damage. The farm is owned by Mr. E. Balman, of Carey Fitxpane, near Taunton; and the tenant is Mr. George Luxton, marrried, and with one sone son and two daughters, all grown up, at home with them. It is supposed that the fire originated from a deffective flue, whence it spread to the thatched roof. The farm is in a lonely situation in a sparsely populated district nevertheless neighbours soon came to help, and did their best to fight the fire and save the furniture. Most of the contents of the house were got out in safety. A telegram asking for the Southmolton fire-engine and brigade elicited the information that owing to the scarcity of horses and men the engine could not be sent. About one o’clock a wire was sent to Tiverton, in response to which Head Constable Mercer with P.C. Perry, started for the scene in a motor-car, taking with them some hose and other fire-fighting appliances. By the time they got there the house was almost destroyed. There was, however, a good supply of water, which had to be fetched from three sources at a distance, and by cutting away thatch and pouring water on the flames Mr. Mercer and his helpers saved the farm-buildings, which at one time appeared doomed, as they adjoin the Mr. Mercer stayed there several hours, and got back to Tiverton about seven o clock. The premises, we understand, are insured.
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Tiverton Gazette 11th April 1916 |
WitheridgeThe farm house at Lower Blagrove, East Worlington, near Witheridge was destroyed by fire last week. Most of the furniture was saved : also the farm buildings thanks to the efforts of Mr. Mercer and the Tiverton Brigade. The owner is Mr. E. Bowerman, of Carey Fltzpalne, near Taunton; and the occupier Mr. Geo, Luxton, married, with soveral chiliren. The fire appears to have spread to the thatch roof from a defective flue. The premises were insured. |
The Devon and Somerset Weekly News 13th April 1916 |
