Devon Group: Visit to Knowle Quarry

Event details

Saturday 20th January
10.45am

A rare opportunity, we are invited by our host, Andy Gray, to visit Knowle Quarry. Recently reopened, it is a critical source of stone for historic houses in Devon and West Somerset.

During our visit Dr Kevin N. Page, Geoheritage and Geodiversity specialist, will talk about the stone and its relevance to historic buildings.

Background

Exeter volcanic trap is a highly valued material, and was widely used from cottages to cathedrals.  Records indicate that stone from Knowle Quarry was extracted as early as 1590s, and from the buildings around, it appears to have been much earlier, but gradually all previously existing quarries ceased production by the early twentieth century.  

After being closed for 130 years, in 2021 Planning Permission was granted to re-open Knowle. This was supported by the National Trust, Exeter Cathedral, Crediton Church, Clinton Devon Estates and many other stakeholders in heritage buildings.

Practicalities

Meet at the Quarry at 10.45am on Saturday, 20th January. 

Directions: the quarry is found just off the A377 about 4 miles, (10 mins) north of Crediton.  At Quarry Bank Cross turn right and the quarry entrance is on the right. Meet 10.45. Postcode EX17 5PD.

What Three Words: skills.passages.outcasts.

Parking: available inside the entrance on the left of the track, from there it is a short uphill walk to the quarry.  Disabled parking available at the top of the hill.  Warm clothing and stout footwear are recommended.

Lunch: can be pre-booked online with your ticket (by 12th January) at The Lamb Inn at Sandford.   Pay the pub directly on the day. Lunch will be followed by an optional guided/self-guided walk looking at the Listed buildings, barns and walls around the village and the use of stone in their construction.

Accessibility

Please contact the Group Organiser before booking to discuss any special access requirements.

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Multiple bookings
As long as there is space on the event, we usually allow you to book for both yourself and a guest. When completing the booking form, you will be asked to select the number of people and put in your own details on the first page, then to put in your second person's details on the next page. The event fee shown on each of these pages is for the individual person - you will be shown the total amount due once you get to the summary page.

About the Devon Regional Group
The Devon Group was one of the first Regional Groups to be formed, over 20 years ago by Jane Schofield. Since then we have had a steady programme of between three and five events a year. We have a large mailing list with an enthusiastic core of supporters, including several members from other counties who often take a short holiday to include our visits. All ages are welcome to events which are arranged on a Saturday wherever possible and consist of a morning and afternoon visit to buildings with a similar theme, with a suitably interesting pub for optional lunch, if one can be found. Over the years we have visited open hall houses, Dartmoor longhouses, military buildings including the Citadel and Royal William Yard in Plymouth, follies such as Haldon Belvedere, castles, new cob cottages and industrial sites such as the mines of Exmoor or the granite quarries of Dartmoor.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Accessibility: please contact the Group Organiser before booking to discuss any special access requirements.