In search of the Simcoe Family

Event details

Saturday 13 August, starting at 10.15

Join SPAB Devon for a day of visits to sites in Devon with a connection to the Simcoe family.

Wolford Chapel is the resting place of anti-slavery pioneer and British commander, John Graves Simcoe. Simcoe was the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada and the founder of Toronto. The chapel was given to the people of Ontario in 1966. 

The Abbey of Dunkeswell, founded in 1201 by Cistercian Monks, is an ancient scheduled monument of national importance, its ruinous state was brought to the attention of The SPAB in the early 1920s. Being part of the Wolford Estate the Abbey Church was rebuilt in 1842, designed by Benjamin Ferrey. The glass and interior furnishings were designed and produced in their own workshop by the Simcoe sisters. 

Located in Hemyock village, Hemyock Castle was built in 1380 now ruined following orders from Charles II. A scheduled ancient monument, Hemyock Castle was home to John Simcoe who, in the early 19th century, remodelled Castle House in the "Gothic" style. Over the last 40 years the present family have re-discovered the ruins of the medieval castle and sensitively brought back into use the surviving buildings.

Places are £11 per person, which includes refreshment but not lunch. Please bring cash with you on the day to pay for your tickets - exact change preferred!

Please bring a picnic or arrange lunch in Hemyock - If you would like lunch at The Catherine Wheel, Hemyock (opposite the Castle) please book direct 01823 680224 and quote SPAB.

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.

Image credit: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons