Cheriton Fitzpaine lost 14 local men to World War One. Tom Mildon died of his injuries but is not included on the village war memorial because his death occurred so long afterwards. Elly Babbedge tells his sad story.

In the mid 19th Century Crediton had earned a reputation for its many fires. In the second of her reports, Elly Babbedge continues to describe the succession of fires, which describes how inns, cottages and workshops were particularly susceptible to catching fire.

Jean Rhys is thought by many to be one of the greatest English writers. She is best known for her book Wide Sargasso Sea, but not many people realise that she lived for many years in Cheriton Fitzpaine. In 2017 her long-time friend and publisher Diana Athill wrote a short biography of Rhys for Cheriton resident Elly Babbedge. The full version can be bought in the village church. Here is an extract.

The great fire of Crediton in 1743, when most of the High Street was destroyed, has been well documented. But less well known are the spate of fires to hit the town in the mid 19th century. In a two part report, Elly Babbedge describes these fires and asks whether they were accidental or deliberate.

Samuel Dunn started life as a weaver in Crediton, but went on to become an eminent 18th century mathematician and astronomer. He also founded a school in Crediton which played a significant role in the education of young people until it merged with Queen Elizabeth School in the early 20th century. Elly Babbedge explores newspaper reports and other sources to tell the story of Dunn’s School.