Eggbuckland, Plymouth

A Journey Through Time & Unravelling Its Rich History

Nestled in the picturesque County of Devon, within the City of Plymouth, lies the historic village of Eggbuckland. Steeped in history and boasting a rich tapestry of fascinating events and prominent figures, Eggbuckland has much to offer those who wish to delve into its past. From ancient settlements to the age of Elizabethan prosperity, we will reveal some of the most intriguing aspects of Eggbuckland's history, uncovering the stories that make it a unique and captivating part of Plymouth.

Domesday Beginnings

Eggbuckland's roots stretch back to the Domesday period, with the village believed to have been a settlement at the head of the Plym creek. As one of the largest estates in Plymouth, it played a significant role in the region's development. By 1281, the Manor of Eggbuckland was owned by Robert Gyffard, a figure whose influence undoubtedly shaped the community's growth and prosperity.

Drake's Leat & Saltworks

Eggbuckland appears on John Spry's plot of Drake's Leat in 1547, an ambitious project undertaken by Sir Francis Drake to supply water to Plymouth. The leat, a man-made watercourse, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the Elizabethan era. The village was also home to saltworks in the Forder Valley until Medieval times, with the salt industry playing a crucial role in the local economy. The remnants of these saltworks can still be seen today, flowing onto an alluvial meadow a quarter-mile from the church.

Widey Court & Elizabethan Prosperity:

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the village saw the construction of the magnificent Widey Court, built by Yeoman Hale. Widey Court served as a symbol of wealth and prosperity and even hosted King Charles in 1644. In 1590, Sir Francis Drake constructed two corn mills at Widey, demonstrating the importance of agriculture and industry in the area.

Eggbuckland's Military Heritage

Eggbuckland's military history is marked by the construction of Eggbuckland Keep and Bowden Battery, the last forts to be built in the UK. These impressive structures remind visitors of the strategic importance of the region and the nation's commitment to defending its lands.

Church of St. Edward, King & Martyr

At the heart of Eggbuckland's history lies the Church of St. Edward, King and Martyr. The first part of the present church was built in 1430, with its registers dating back to 1653. The church has undergone several changes over the centuries, with an enlargement in 1864 costing £1,800. The church clock, installed in 1901, remains a focal point of the community, requiring manual rewinding twice a week.

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Prince Maurice Pub

The Prince Maurice Pub stands as another testament to Eggbuckland's rich history, with its origins dating back over 350 years. As a gathering place for the local community, it has witnessed countless stories and historical events throughout its lifetime.

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Eggbuckland's historical tapestry is woven with fascinating stories, spanning from ancient settlements to military forts, from saltworks to Manor. This quaint village, once a thriving hub of industry and agriculture, continues to enchant visitors with its charm and timeless allure. As we explore the thoroughfares and landmarks of Eggbuckland, we are reminded of the incredible history that has shaped this beautiful corner of Plymouth, Devon.

Table of Contents

Eggbuckland’s Journey Through History - Poem

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In Devon's fair land, where Plym's waters flow,

Lies Eggbuckland, a village with tales of long ago,

A tapestry of history, woven with care,

Its secrets and stories, we now wish to share.

A Domesday beginning, a settlement grand,

Head of the creek, where the river Plym meets the land,

Robert Gyffard, the manor did hold,

In twelve eighty-one, his story has been told.

Drake's Leat did run, by Sir Francis' hand,

A marvel of water, through Eggbuckland's land,

The saltworks of yore, by the Forder Valley’s grass,

Their remnants still whisper, of a beautiful pass.

Widey Court stood proud, in Elizabeth's reign,

A symbol of wealth, with prosperity gained,

Sir Francis, the mills, at Widey did raise,

A tribute to progress, in those golden olde days.

The Keep and Bowden Battery, the forts of the land,

The last of their kind, in the UK to stand,

A testament to valour, and the power of might,

Eggbuckland's military, a formidable sight.

St. Edward's Church, with its walls strong and tall,

Built in fourteen-thirty, has witnessed it all,

The clock in the tower, installed nineteen-oh-one,

Marks time for the village, at the setting of the sun.

The Prince Maurice Pub, a respite of cheer,

Its stories and memories, spanning three hundred years,

A haven for locals, and travellers too,

Eggbuckland's spirit, in its walls, ever true.

Raise up a glass, to the village we hold dear,

A history as rich, as the ale that flows here,

In Eggbuckland's embrace, let our hearts be entwined,

For the past and the present, are forever combined.

Eggbuckland - Song

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In the heart of Devon, where the Plym River flows,

Lies a village so dear, where our love for it grows,

Eggbuckland, the jewel, in Plymouth's fair crown,

With a history so rich, and a charm all of its own.

Eggbuckland, my dear, you're the place we adore,

Through the ages, your beauty, we won't ignore,

From the days of old Domesday, to the present you’re a delight,

In our hearts, Eggbuckland, you shine so bright.

Drake's Leat, a marvel, Sir Francis designed,

To bring water and life, to the village we find,

The saltworks of old, in the Forder Valley lay,

A testament to the hard work, of an earlier day.

Eggbuckland, my dear, you're the place we adore,

Through the ages, your beauty, we can't ignore,

From the days of old Domesday, to the present you’re a delight,

In our hearts, Eggbuckland, you shine so bright.

St. Edward's Church, with its tower standing tall,

Marks the passage of time, as the centuries fall,

Widey Court, a symbol, of prosperity's grace,

Eggbuckland's story, in every stone we can trace.

The Prince Maurice Pub, where we gather with cheer,

Is a haven of warmth, and a place most dear,

And through its charms, stories and farewells,

It sits next to our church, where we enjoy the bells.

Eggbuckland, my dear, you're the place we adore,

Through the ages, your beauty, we can't ignore,

From the days of old' Domesday, to the present you’re a delight,

In our hearts, Eggbuckland, you shine so bright.

Let's sing to Eggbuckland, our home, you’re alright,

With your history, its charm, loved at first sight,

Together we'll treasure, the people so kind,

Eggbuckland our haven, with much history enshrined.

Photographic Citation

Information

A Journey Through Time & Unravelling Its Rich History

Domesday Beginnings

Drake's Leat & Saltworks

Widey Court & Elizabethan Prosperity:

Eggbuckland's Military Heritage

Church of St. Edward, King & Martyr

Prince Maurice Pub

Eggbuckland’s Journey Through History - Poem

Eggbuckland - Song

Photographic Citation

Photographs & Art Works

Copyright

My Lap Shop Publishers

Keywords: Ancient Settlement, Bowden Battery, Church Of St Edward, Devon, Domesday, Drakes Leat, Eggbuckland, Eggbuckland Keep, Elizabethan Era, Forder Valley, Historic Village, King Charles, Plymouth, Prince Maurice Pub, Robert Gyffard, Saltworks, Sir Francis Drake, Widey Court, Yeoman Hale

Hashtags: #AncientSettlement, #BowdenBattery, #ChurchOfStEdward, #Devon, #Domesday, #DrakesLeat, #Eggbuckland, #EggbucklandKeep, #ElizabethanEra, #ForderValley, #HistoricVillage, #KingCharles, #Plymouth, #PrinceMauricePub, #RobertGyffard, #Saltworks, #SirFrancisDrake, #WideyCourt, #YeomanHale

Created: 15 March 2023

Published:17 March 2023

Page URL: https://www.mylapshop.com/eggbucklandhistory.htm