The lovely typical Devon village Broadwoodkelly, is just 1 mile away on the way to the larger village of Winkleigh. This picturesque rural village dates back many century's and was the home for the local farm workers employed on the many farms in the area. With several farms and houses mentioned in the Doomsday books, and also in the heart of the South West's events during the Wars of the Roses, the village has a long and interesting history.

In the Center of the village is the wonderful village church (Grade 1 listed). This dates back to the 13th Century and has many interesting features including a Wagon Roof in the porch with decorated bosses and 15th Century Wagon roof in the Nave. The Church is mainly of the Perpindicular period c1350-1539. Another unusual fact is the Organ formally belonged to Lord John Thynne and came from the Cloisters of Westminster Abbey. It was moved to its current home in May 1873, and is still in regular use. There are many interesting grave stones in the grave yard round the church. One in particular dating back to 1647 is for Mr Samules who lived in Colehouse back then.

Round the corner from the church is what is now the village hall. Built in the Victorian times, this used to be the Village school until just after World War 2 when it was closed and its pupils were then sent to the near by village of Winkleigh some 2 miles away. quite a long walk for the children back in those days without cars. Interestingly there are still some village residence that remember going to the school before it closed and have fond memories of it. Sometimes traveling on horse back to school with brothers and sisters all on the one horse having already worked on the farm before leaving home.

A little further down the road from the church is what use to be the village pub. This like many small village pubs, it closed during the war when many of the men who used to work on the farms went to fight in the war.

At the village crossroads is a large white building with the post box in the wall. This used to be the village post office.

Whilst there has been some limited development within the village of new housing in recent years, Broadwoodkelly is still manly a quiet rural village but one that is loved by its residence with an active village community which arrange many village events during the year, including sports days, garden open days, and village gatherings.

Winkleigh Village

The larger nabouring village of Winkleigh is just 2 miles down the road. Still a very traditional Devon village, it has been able to keep many of the village amenities open and thriving. At the center of the village is the market square, with white painted cottages on all sides.



A large village water pump stands at one end next to the Kings Arms pub.

A small narrow lane leads past what was once one of the old in village farms, to the village church. This is much Larger than its nabour village churches reflecting the larger congregation of Winkleigh village.

Down the High Street there is still the local "Mad Butcher of Winkleigh", the local village shop, Post office, Restaurant, a second pub "The Severn Stars", and a Vet's.

Further a field within the village is also the village junior school, 2 garages a hair dresser, betting shop and many other supporting businesses.

Just outside the village is the now disused World War 2 airfield. Whilst not a fighter or Bomber base, this airfield played an important role in dropping secret agents behind enemy lines and other secret missions. The old runways and builds are now only just visible.