The Old Church House Inn: Centuries of History in Torbryan

Ancient Origins and Medieval Foundation

The Old Church House Inn stands as one of Devon’s most historically significant buildings, its ancient stones bearing witness to over thirteen centuries of English history. Located in the peaceful hamlet of Torbryan, this remarkable structure represents a unique convergence of architectural heritage, royal connections, and literary associations that few buildings in Britain can match.

The inn’s origins are extraordinarily ancient, with archaeological evidence suggesting some foundational elements date back to approximately 700 AD, making it contemporary with the earliest Anglo-Saxon settlements in Devon. However, the main structure as it exists today was constructed during the 13th century, built by the same master craftsmen who erected Holy Trinity Church directly across the road. This shared construction heritage created an unbreakable bond between the two buildings that has endured for over seven hundred years.

The Village of Torbryan and the de Bryan Dynasty

The village itself holds considerable historical importance. First mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Torre Brianne, Torbryan was held by the powerful de Bryan family for over 250 years. The most notable of these was Sir Guy de Bryan, later created 1st Baron Bryan, who served as a distinguished knight under King Edward III during the 14th century.

Sir Guy de Bryan held extensive lands across Devon and was granted free warren over his estates in 1350, giving him considerable power and influence in the region. The de Bryan family’s long tenure at Torbryan meant that The Old Church House Inn operated under consistent patronage for centuries, allowing it to develop its unique characteristics and maintain its important role in the community.

Ecclesiastical Connections and the Secret Tunnel

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of The Old Church House Inn’s history is its documented connection to Holy Trinity Church via a secret underground tunnel. This passage, built by the same craftsmen who constructed both buildings, suggests the inn originally served multiple purposes beyond simple hospitality. In medieval England, such church houses often functioned as hospitiums - guest houses providing accommodation for pilgrims, visiting clergy, and those seeking sanctuary.

The tunnel served practical purposes during turbulent times, allowing clergy to move safely between buildings during periods of unrest and enabling the discreet transport of church treasures when needed. The original Holy Trinity Church, built by Sir Guy de Bryan, reportedly burned down around 1360, leading to the construction of the present church around 1400. The tunnel’s survival through this reconstruction demonstrates its continued importance to both religious and secular authorities.

Royal Connections and Tudor Splendour

The Old Church House Inn’s historical significance was elevated during the Tudor period when it is believed to have hosted King Henry VIII. While the exact date of this royal visit remains uncertain, several pieces of evidence support this claim, including indentures from Henry VIII that hang within the inn today. The presence of such official documents suggests formal recognition of the inn’s importance and possibly commemorates a royal stay.

During this period, the inn acquired one of its most distinctive historical features: wood panelling salvaged from ships of the defeated Spanish Armada of 1588. This panelling, installed behind the bar, bears the scars of naval warfare and carries an almost mystical significance. Guests have reported seeing faces appearing in the wood grain - faces that some believe represent the souls of Spanish sailors who perished in the Channel. Two marks on the panelling show where keys were hung, marking an arc as they swung with the ship’s motion during its final voyage.

Literary Associations and The Hound of the Baskervilles

The inn’s connection to literary history emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries through its association with journalist and author Bertram Fletcher Robinson. Robinson, known locally as ‘Bertie’, was a regular patron who would come to write whilst enjoying the inn’s hospitality. It was here that he worked on a supernatural tale concerning a giant black devil dog that hunted down and wiped out a family.

Robinson’s association with the inn took on greater significance when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, also became a frequent visitor. The two men would discuss Robinson’s work over drinks, and it is widely believed that these conversations at The Old Church House Inn directly influenced Doyle’s writing of “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” arguably his most famous Sherlock Holmes story.

This literary connection carries a dark undertone, as some researchers suggest that Doyle may have appropriated Robinson’s original idea for the supernatural hound story. Robinson died mysteriously young, and local legend suggests foul play. He is buried in nearby Ipplepen churchyard, reportedly in a lead-lined coffin. Requests to exhume the body to investigate these claims have been consistently refused by authorities, adding to the mystery surrounding this literary controversy.

Architectural Marvels and Historical Artifacts

Beyond its connections to royalty and literature, The Old Church House Inn houses several remarkable historical artifacts. The building contains one of England’s oldest surviving bread ovens, a testament to centuries of continuous use as a place of hospitality. The oven represents the inn’s role not just as accommodation but as a vital part of the community’s daily life.

On the exterior wall, visitors can still observe the Sun Life badge, indicating that the inn was insured against fire and was entitled to the services of a private fire engine - a rare privilege in earlier centuries. The corresponding Sun Life certificate hangs in the lounge, alongside the Tudor indentures and other historical documents that chronicle the inn’s remarkable past.

The building’s interior reveals the accumulated history of centuries through its collection of artifacts: wooden skittles hanging from ancient beams, now weightless with age; shell casings pushed into the woodwork, marking the inn’s past as a resting place for hunters; and everywhere, the patina of age that only genuine antiquity can provide.

Preserving Living History

Today, The Old Church House Inn continues to operate as it has for centuries, welcoming guests and maintaining the traditions of English hospitality that have defined it since medieval times. The inn’s transformation into a private venue accommodating up to 24 guests allows visitors to experience this living history intimately, sleeping in rooms where centuries of travellers have rested and dining where kings, writers, and countless ordinary folk have shared meals and stories.

The continuing operation of The Old Church House Inn ensures that this remarkable repository of English history remains alive and accessible, its ancient stones still serving their original purpose whilst preserving the memories and mysteries of over thirteen centuries of continuous use.