Return of the Dig
We are pleased to report that the Exeter University Archaeological Department is returning to Ipplepen this summer to resume their dig. As you all probably know the finds so far have been of national importance and are leading to a reappraisal of Roman activity in Devon. The dig will take place between the 6th June and July 1st and there will be an Open Day on Saturday June 25th.
Of course one of the most significant finds so far has been the stretch of Roman road. It got me thinking about some of the documents that we have in our archive. Prior to Arthur French Reg Honeywill was a wonderful recorder of all things relating to Ipplepen and we have his immaculate handwritten accounts from the 1930s and ‘40s. In one of his pieces Reg wrote confidently about an ancient track way coming from Exeter which passed through Sandygate into what is now Kingsteignton and then crossed the Teign in the area known to us as Hackney marshes. The track way then crossed over Wolborough Hill into Abbotskerswell passing through Dainton on its way to Totnes via Combefishacre. The stretch of Roman road just outside Ipplepen would certainly tie in with this route and I am just left wondering where Reg got his information from all those years ago.
AGM July 4th
If you want to know more about the Romans and Ipplepen please come along to our AGM in the village hall on July 4th at 7.30 pm. Simon Hughes from AC Archaeology will be there talking about the finds at the Health Centre during the recent excavations and some of the material uncovered by archaeologists during the course of the building of the Kingskerswell by-pass. Simon is not connected with Exeter University but he may be confirming some Roman presence in Ipplepen whilst telling us a lot about the medieval priory.
Living History Project
Those of you who prefer your history to be a little more recent may alternatively like to come along to one of our Tuesday meetings at the Hub where you can enjoy refreshments and reminisce with others about how Ipplepen has changed. This is a new venture and further details will follow.
From the archive….
I f you are on Face Book you will know that these old photographs of Ipplepen are generating a great deal of interest. Last month’s photo was of North Street in the 1960s and Jean Woon was the first off the mark to let us know. Well for this month you’ve been given the date but see if you can work out from where it is taken. It’s difficult to look at it without reflecting on modern day traffic.
John Marsh
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