Wembury
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  Map sources for Wembury at grid reference SX518484
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Wembury is a village on the south coast of Devon, very close to Plymouth Sound. The village lies in the administrative district of the South Hams. The South West Coast Path goes past the coastal end of the town. The National Trust has taken an active role in maintaining the scenic and historic characteristics of the village and its surrounding area.
The beach is well known for its rockpools. Wembury Marine Centre educates visitors about what they can find in the rockpools and how they can help protect and preserve them. The centre is managed by Devon Wildlife Trust and was refurbished in 2006.
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[edit] History
Wembury was visited by mesolithic man as evidenced by flint implements found on local sites. Some Roman coins are also found.
The name 'Wembury' probably derives from Saint Werburgh, a Saxon saint. Saxons colonised South West Devon during the 7th Century, and founded agricultual settlements here.
[edit] Wembury parish
The parish of Wembury was divided into four manors; Wembury, Down Thomas, Langdon and Alfelmeston. According to Lyson's 'Devonshire', published in 1822, the manor of Wembury originally belonged to Plympton priory. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 it went into private ownership. Wembury House, the (rebuilt) mansion on the estate, remains in private ownership.
[edit] The Mewstone
A distinctive feature visible from Wembury Beach is the Mewstone.
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This is a triangular island which is currently uninhabited. However, it has served as a prison and a private home, as well as a refuge for local smugglers.
[edit] External Links
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