Combeinteignhead Explained

Country:England
Static Image Name:Coombeinteignhead - geograph.org.uk - 1105486.jpg
Static Image Caption:Combeinteignhead
Official Name:Combeinteignhead
Population:729
Population Ref:(Haccombe with Combe parish) (2001 Census)
Shire County:Devon
Shire District:Teignbridge
Region:South West England
Constituency Westminster:Newton Abbot
Post Town:Newton Abbot
Postcode District:TQ12
Postcode Area:TQ
Dial Code:01626
Os Grid Reference:SX902716

Combeinteignhead or Combe-in-Teignhead is a village in Teignbridge, South Devon, England. It lies within the civil parish of Haccombe with Combe, between Newton Abbot and Shaldon, about half a mile (1 km) inland from the estuary of the River Teign.

Despite this closeness to the River Teign, the name Combeinteignhead is not derived from it: in the Domesday Book the district contained thirteen manors which totalled an area of ten hides and the whole area was known as the "Ten Hide". This was later corrupted to Teignhead through the influence of the river name. It is one of the longest place names in England, with 16 letters. The name of the nearby village of Stokeinteignhead has a similar derivation.[1]

The village has two historic pubs: the Wild Goose Inn, originally called the Country House Inn, a 17th-century tavern in the centre of the village, and the Coombe Cellars Inn, right on the estuary of the River Teign. Coombe Cellars was an early base for the local fishing industry and was also used by smugglers.[2]

The village church (dedicated to All Saints) has ancient origins: Bishop Bronescombe dedicated two altars here in 1259, and the high altar was dedicated in 1339. The present building dates from the 14th and 15th centuries; it was restored in the 1880s, but retains its 12th century font.[2] Henry de Bracton was rector here for a short time in the 13th century.[3] The pews have fascinating carved bench ends dating from Elizabethan times. These include many well known and obscure saints as well as wild men, animals, St George in armour spearing a dog-like dragon, and some depictions that are difficult to identify. They may be the finest wood carvings in Devon.[4]

The nearby almshouses built of red sandstone were founded in 1620 by William Bourchin.[2]

Combeinteignhead was designated as a conservation area in December 2000.[5]

References

50.5333°N -36°W

Notes and References

  1. Gover, J.E.B., Mawer, A. & Stenton, F.M. (1931). The Place-Names of Devon. English Place-Names Society. Vol viii. Part II. Cambridge University Press. P.459.
  2. Book: Harris , Helen . A Handbook of Devon Parishes. Halsgrove. Tiverton. 2004. 76. 1-84114-314-6.
  3. 3163. Bratton [Bracton], Henry of (d. 1268).
  4. Book: Hilary Bradt. South Devon & Dartmoor (Slow Travel). 2014 . Bradt Travel Guides. 978-1-84162-552-2 . 38–39.
  5. Web site: Conservation Area . Haccombe With Combe . 12 December 2020 .