Pinhoe

Pinhoe is a village on the north-eastern outskirts of Exeter, which has been absorbed into the city boundary. Historically it formed part of Wonford Hundred. It falls within Aylesbeare Deanery for ecclesiastical purposes. A parish history file is held in Pinhoe Library.[1]

The Danes beat the Saxon King Ethelred's army in a major battle at Pinhoe, in 1001, when the city and other surrounding villages were badly burnt by the invading Vikings. The actual site is said to be in or near Mincimore copse. In 2001, the battle was commemorated in the village by a series of military re-enactments, a viking-themed children's parade and summer fete.

The local community centre - America Hall [2]- is linked to a more recent conflict. It was built with funds donated by the families and friends of American Service persons who were stationed in and around Pinhoe during the Second World War in recognition of the community's hospitality.

Overlooking the village sits St. Michael and All Angels church [3], in its current form, largely dating from the 15th Century. It is set in a neat church yard with an attractive 17th Century, thatched lychgate and a good view of Exeter. Exeter's oldest regular bell-ringer, Major Jimmy James, 94, rang a full peal at the church on Christmas Day 2006 - as he has done for almost 80 years.

The village's other amenities include two pubs, recently rebuilt primary school[4], popular pre-school, doctor's surgery, several shops, an estate agency, sub Post Office, pharmacy, part-time bank, take-away (Chinese), restaurant (Chinese), and two hairdressers.

Pinhoe lies on the main rail route from Exeter St.Davids station to London Waterloo and has its own unstaffed station. Journey times to London are typically around 3 hours 20 minutes.

A new link road opened in December 2006; this provides a quicker and more convenient route to the Met Office [5], Sowton Industrial Estate and onwards to junction 29 of the M5 motorway and Exeter Airport.