Village History

A Village with Stories to Tell

Longdown and Holcombe Burnell isn’t a museum piece preserved in aspic – it’s a living community with nearly a thousand years of documented history, where ancient buildings and traditions continue to serve modern village life.

Saxon Origins

The origins of worship in Longdown stretch back to Saxon times, when our ancestors first gathered to pray on this site. While the current church building dates from the Norman period, archaeological evidence suggests continuous Christian worship here for over a millennium.

The Norman Church

St John the Baptist

The Church of St John the Baptist stands at the heart of our village, a magnificent Grade I listed building that has witnessed generations of village life since Norman times.

Key features include:

• Easter Sepulchre: A rare and precious example dating from the 15th century
• 15th Century Font: Still used for baptisms today
• Stone Carvings: Medieval craftsmanship throughout the building
• Atmospheric Interior: Ancient and modern elements in harmony

The church isn’t just a historical monument – it remains an active place of worship with regular services, weddings, baptisms, and funerals continuing the traditions of centuries.

Victorian Era & Village Hall

The Victorian period saw the establishment of the village hall, originally built to serve the growing community’s need for a social and administrative centre. Over the decades, it has hosted everything from parish meetings and wartime gatherings to wedding receptions and children’s parties.

Modern Heritage

The Village Hall Trust

In recent years, the Village Hall Trust has undertaken significant modernisation work, ensuring that this Victorian building continues to serve 21st-century needs whilst respecting its historic character.

Recent improvements include:

• Complete kitchen modernisation
• Updated facilities throughout
• Enhanced accessibility
• Modern audiovisual equipment
• Preservation of historic features

Community Continuity

What makes Longdown special isn’t just the age of our buildings, but the continuity of community life they represent. The church that welcomed worshippers in 1124 still serves that same purpose today. The village hall that hosted Victorian gatherings continues to bring neighbours together.

Living in History

A Modern Village with Historic Roots

Today’s Longdown residents live surrounded by history whilst enjoying modern amenities:

• Proximity to Exeter: Easy access to city employment and services
• Railway Access: Longdown Station providing convenient connections
• Rural Setting: Beautiful Devon countryside on the doorstep
• Modern Infrastructure: Updated facilities in historic buildings
• Active Community: Continuing the tradition of neighbourly cooperation

Place Names & Local Heritage

Longdown

The name “Longdown” reflects the village’s position on the long ridge of downland that characterises this area of Devon. The open aspect and elevated position have made this an attractive settlement location for millennia.

Holcombe Burnell

The parish name comes from “Holcombe” (meaning “deep valley”) and the Burnell family, who held land here in medieval times. The parish encompasses not just the main village but the surrounding farmland and hamlets that have always been part of our rural community.

Preserving Heritage, Building Future

Learn More

To explore our village’s history further:

• Visit the Church: View the ancient stonework, Easter Sepulchre, and medieval font
• Church History: Detailed history available on the church page
• Village Hall: See how Victorian architecture serves modern community needs
• Talk to Residents: Long-time villagers have stories and memories to share

Historical Research

If you’re researching local history or have historical information about Longdown and Holcombe Burnell to share, the Parish Council and Village Hall Trust would be pleased to hear from you.