Exmouth’s Rolle College had its origins in Southlands School, which moved to Fairfield, a large house on the Douglas Avenue site, around 1902. The school grew over time and took over the former residences of Brockhurst and Eldin. Dame Elisabeth Frink, the sculptor, was one of Southland’s most famous alumnae. Southlands closed in 1942 and… Continue reading Rolle College
Author: DJWadmin
Mona Island
The Historic Exmouth Plaque erected by the Exmouth Society states: “This was the location of Pratteshide (Pratt’s landing place) from where the ancient ferry to Starcross, with royal concession, operated for many centuries. Nearby stood Douste’s House, built by Roger Douste prior to 1240 AD, where all shipping dues and ferry rents were paid. In… Continue reading Mona Island
Exmouth Railway Station
There have been three distinct Railway Stations serving Exmouth. The first station was some distance South of the present building, based on two residential buildings fronting onto Imperial Road. It opened in 1861. The second station opened in 1924 to handle increased demand. This station included two new platforms, bringing the total to four. The… Continue reading Exmouth Railway Station
Cinemas
At one time Exmouth had four cinemas. Only one survives today, the Savoy, managed by Scott Cinemas. The Savoy Cinema on Rolle Street was previously the Public Hall. The Forum Cinema on the Parade opened as the New Picture House in the 1920s on the site of the Little Theatre. It closed in the 1960s(?),… Continue reading Cinemas
Gas Works
The Gas Works were constructed on Fore Street in 1842 and the Exmouth Gas, Coke and Water Company (Limited) was formed in 1844 and became the Exmouth Gas and Coke Company in 1865. By 1880 it was carbonising 1000 tons of coal a year and in 1900 produced around 40 million cubic feet of gas.… Continue reading Gas Works
Clock Tower
Exmouth’s Jubilee Clock Tower was erected to the design of architects Kerley and Ellis to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The Hon. Mark Rolle provided most of the £350 needed for construction and Lady Gertrude Rolle laid the foundation stone on the 15th of September 1897. The clock was originally hand wound by a council… Continue reading Clock Tower
Seafront Swimming Pool
Exmouth’s open air swimming pool opened in 1932 on the seafront site of what is now Ocean at the end of Carlton Hill. It originally used water pumped from the sea and was the scene of many galas and home to the Exmouth Swimming and Life Saving Society, who previously had had to use the… Continue reading Seafront Swimming Pool
B & Q
The Exmouth B & Q DIY store closed on the 7th of November 2015 with the loss of 50 jobs. The Liverton Business Park outlet closed as part of a national downsizing exercise by the Kingfisher Group, which owns B & Q, following news of a rent increase by the owners of the site, Clinton… Continue reading B & Q
Pankhurst Engineering
Once one of Exmouth’s largest employers, Pankhurst Engineering, closed in September 2008. The Littleham Industrial Estate factory at its height employed around 300 workers. Plans were submitted in 2013 to use the site for 50 residential units, which included 20 affordable homes. The factory made farm equipment and special dies, tools and jigs related to… Continue reading Pankhurst Engineering
Clarks Shoe Factories
The first Clarks shoe factory was located in the centre of town, across from the “First and Last” pub close to the Exmouth Post Office. This opened in January 1961. (Thanks to Art Hine for this information). The next factory was on the site of the Salterton Road Tesco Store. The final factory was built… Continue reading Clarks Shoe Factories