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Pinhoe is a village on the north-eastern outskirts of Exeter, which was incorporated into the city boundary in 1966. The 2001 census recorded a population of 6,108 people resident within Pinhoe Ward [1] (one of 18 wards comprising the City of Exeter). The population in 1901 stood at 952 and in 1801 it was 351.
Historically Pinhoe formed part of Wonford Hundred. It falls within Aylesbeare Deanery for ecclesiastical purposes. A parish history file is held in Pinhoe Library.[2]
Pinhoe is mentioned as 'Pinnoch' in the Great Domesday Book compiled in 1086. [3]
There have been several significant archaeological finds in the village over the past 100 years. These have included Roman coins and what is known as 'the Pinhoe hoard' of Bronze age metalwork found in 1999.
In 1001, the Danes, having landed at Exmouth, marched to Exeter, which they besieged, but unable to take the settlement, they laid waste the surrounding country. At Pinhoe, they were confronted by Cola, the Saxon King Ethelred's commander-in-chief, with a hastily assembled force: the Danes were victorious. [4] The actual site of the battle is said to be in or near Mincimore copse. The day after the battle, the invading Vikings burnt Pinhoe, Broad Clyst, and other neighbouring villages. In 2001, the battle was commemorated in the village by a series of military re-enactments, a Viking-themed children's parade and summer fete.
The local community centre - America Hall [5]- is linked to a more recent conflict. It was built with funds donated by the families and friends of American Service persons who were stationed in and around Pinhoe during the Second World War in recognition of the community's hospitality. The National Blood Service runs blood donor sessions at America Hall several times each year. [6]
Overlooking the village sits St. Michael and All Angels church [7], in its current form, largely dating from the 15th Century. It is set in a neat church yard with an attractive 17th Century, thatched lychgate and a good view of Exeter. Exeter's oldest regular bell-ringer, Major Jimmy James, 94, rang a full peal at the church on Christmas Day 2006 - as he has done for almost 80 years.
The village's other amenities include two pubs, recently rebuilt primary/junior school [8], popular pre-school, doctor's surgery, several shops, an estate agency, sub Post Office, pharmacy, part-time bank, take-away (Chinese), restaurant (Chinese), and two hairdressers. The bank installed an external 'cash machine' (ATM) during the Autumn of 2007.
For several years, the annual Great West Run (half marathon) has extended out to Pinhoe. The toughest part of the course used to be the uphill section along Chancel Lane, the most easterly part of the course, which competitors had to tackle twice during the race. The change to the route in 2006 retained the 'Pinhoe loop' but only as part of the first lap.[9] To the relief of most runners, the route now goes down Chancel Lane.
Pinhoe lies on the main rail route from Exeter St. Davids station to London Waterloo and has its own unstaffed station. During the Autumn of 2007, much of the undergrowth behind the Eastbound (Honiton/London) platform was cleared to improve station security. Journey times to London are typically around 3 hours 20 minutes.
A link road costing £3.9m opened in December 2006; this provides a quicker and more convenient route to the Met Office [10], Sowton Industrial Estate and onwards to junction 29 of the M5 motorway and Exeter Airport.
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(Source: Wikipedia) |