See important guidance on the use of this record.

If you have any comments or new information about this record, please email us.

Summary

Settlement recorded on the Great Mew Stone in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Location

Protected Status

• Registered Park or Garden (II) 1000695: LANGDON COURT HOTEL

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX54NW/95

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• SETTLEMENT (XVIII to XIX - 1701 AD to 1900 AD (Between))

Full description

Larn, R., 1974, Devon Shipwrecks, 41 (Monograph). SDV741.

Larn refers to a settlement on the Great Mew Stone founded by a criminal condemned to live there. His daughter and her husband remained there in 19th century.

Berry, N., 2006, Archaeological and Historic Landscape Survey of Wembury Point and The Mewstone, Wembury, Devon, 8-10, 21-22 (Report - Survey). SDV345992.

It is not known at what date the Mew Stone became part of the manor (of Langdon, which included Wembury Point), but it had probably been part of the landholding for hundreds of years, and early occupation as the retreat of a hermit or monk's cell is a possiblity. The first documentary records refer to drownings taking place between the Mew Stone and the mainland in the early 18th century, and in 1744 a local man was sentenced to be transported there for seven years. It is not known if he lived in the Folly or built another structure, or whether he remained there after his sentence was over, but his daughter remained behind, married and had three children on the Mewstone. In the later 18th century the Flynn family were warreners on the island, and in the early 19th century the Folly and cottage were occupied by Sam Wakeham and his family until he was removed because of smuggling activities. During his occupation he cleared a small field, improving the soil with sand and seaweed, and kept pigs and poultry. He also carved out a pair of stone 'thrones' on the island's peak and landing steps on the eastward side of the island to provide easier access. The Mew Stone subsequently was uninhabited, and after World War II it was bought by the Ministry of Defence, as it was in the line of fire from HMS Cambridge, the naval training school at Wembury Point. Other details: Figures 7-9, 22-23; Appendix 1; site inventory 066-077.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV4959 - Survey of Wembury Point and the Mewstone, Wembury, Devon
• EDV4960 - Building Recording of the Folly and Cottage, Great Mew Stone

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.