MEM24594 - The Sportsman's Inn, Exmoor (Building)

Summary

The inn is first mentioned on the 1851 census.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

The first mention of the Sportsman's Arms at Sandyway was not until the 1851 census. It relinquished its licence for five years due to lack of trade until 1956. [1] A long linear building with some small extensions around its plan is shown facing the road to the southeast at SS 7932 3325. It is labelled "Sportsman's Inn" and has a benchmark indicated on the northeastern end of the southeastern elevation. [2] The building is shown on the 2018 MasterMap data and has been extended to the rear. It is still labelled "The Sportsman's Inn (PH)". [3] In 1911 (monograph updated in 1939) it was written that "The Sportsman" is the only survivor of three inns opened on the outskirts of the free suitors' allotments in the southeastern portion of the moor. [4] The Sportsman's at Sandyway was described as a lonely but hospitable pub, run by Joe Osborne (from London) from 1961. It had been closed for some time before he took it over and revitalised the business. It had been a pub since 1940 and Mr Osborne thought it was connected to the Knights in some way. It was said to have begun as a shepherd's hut and became an inn before the Acland Arms was built. [5]

Sources/Archives (5)

  • <1> Monograph: Orwin, C.S. + Sellick, R.J.. 1970. The Reclamation of Exmoor Forest. David and Charles Limited. 2nd Edition. 234.
  • <2> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500.
  • <3> Map: Ordnance Survey. 2018. MasterMap.
  • <4> Monograph: MacDermot, E.T.. 1911. The History of the Forest of Exmoor. Barnicott and Pearce, The Wessex Press. 436.
  • <5> Serial: Exmoor Society. 1959-present. Exmoor Review. Volume 12 (1971), Two Inns of Exmoor, p93-4 (SH Burton).

External Links (0)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7932 3325 (39m by 34m)
Map sheet SS73SE
Civil Parish EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Related Articles (1)

Record last edited

Oct 4 2021 3:20PM

Feedback?

Your feedback is welcome. If you can provide any new information about this record, please contact us.