It is a transcript of the will of Richard Heardinge of Buzzacott, proved 13 Oct. 1641.
Richard was a Church Warden hence the description in the 2nd para. of 'my parishioners'.
The land for Church House and what is now the George and Dragon was given to the parishioners of Combe Martin in c1450 by an earlier incumbent of Buzzacott.
What this will clearly shows is that by 1641 the property had become redundant as a Church House, Pastry House, and Ale house, and Richard left money in his will for 'his parishioners' to turn it into an Alms House which it subsequently became. In 1740 it became a Workhouse but was still owned by parishioners
English Heritage have the building listed as being built in 1790 (given to them many years ago by a Mr. Passmore). The date 1790 given by Passmore was when a second storey floor was added to Church House where the Vestry meetings (early parish council) were then held.
Uploaded by Trevor Dunkerley
on 18 May 2011
Photo ID: 13913
Building ID: 101106803
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