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Lower Blagrove Farm is a traditional Devon longhouse with a slate roof. Date of construction is unknown but assumed to be late 18th or early 19th century, possibly on the site of an earlier building. A fire in 1916 unfortunately destroyed much of the main house (see below) but the outbuildings were saved with help from Tiverton Police and neighbours. The nearby South Molton Fire Brigade were unable to attend 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,
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Of the original internal features only the inglenook fireplace and some scorched floorboards remain. |
Unlike most similar properties in East Worlington Lower Blagrove Farm is not a listed building which is probably because it was rebuilt after the fire without a thatched roof and a large part above ground is not the original structure.
Farm FireAt Lower Blagrove Farm, 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 Fitzpaine, near Taunton; and the tenant is Mr. George Luxton, married, and with one son and two daughters, all grown up, at home with them. It is supposed that the fire originated from a defective 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 house and are covered with thatch. 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 |
