Lily Farm
Scroll down to find out more
Click on Charmouth Home to return back.

In the nineteenth century the following advertisement appeared in Lyrne.

Thomas Willment died in 1849 aged 80. The epitaph on his tomb in the churchyard ran "Remember me as you pass by As you are now, so once was I As I am now so you must be Prepare for death and follow me"
The farmhouse originally stood higher up the slope, nearer the Old Lyme Hill, the present building was erected in recent years. Grange Mead extended from the farm to Old Lyme Hill, Hutchins in his History of Dorset describes "Grange" as a retiring place of an abbot, but there is no reason to suppose that it was ever a residence. The word "Grange" in French simply means a bam, was commonly applied to a farm, where the abbot and monks deposited their corn. Dr. Anton Fagersten says that this may have been the case in Charmouth where the place name "Grange" appears also at the bottom of the Street. In pre-reformation days the manor was held by the Abbots of Forde Abbey.
W. Travers being the farmer. The first sod of the waterworks was cut on June 15th by Mrs. Norris, the wife of Dr. H. E. Norris. A band was in attendance and the village was decorated with flags. The company repaired to a field, where wine and beer were distributed to drink success to the undertaking. Dancing afterwards commenced and was kept up with much spirit for some time. The waterworks were a great benefit to the place and the thanks of the inhabitants were expressed to Mr. John Hawkshaw, Lord of the Manor, for coming forward so liberally in the matter. (Pullmans Weekly 29 June, 1865). Taps were placed by the side of the Street for the use of those who did not possess a well and pump. Only two sites are visible today; on the Axniinster Road in the wall of Springfield garden and outside the Doctor's house. Elsewhere they were at the foot of Lyme Hill; outside "Omega" - opposite Charmouth House; outside "The Court"; below the Manor House; in the lane leading to the stables; in the hedge of the builder's yard where the bank is now situated; and two others further down. Water was gradually introduced into the houses.

Edward Copleston (2 February 1776 – 14 August 1849) was an English churchman and academic, Provost of Oriel College, Oxford from 1814 til 1828 and Bishop of Llandaff from 1827.
1823 "A very desirable Farm, called Lily, situate close to the high road, consisting of Farm house, and out buildings and about 60 acres of good meadows, pasture and arable land, now and for many years past in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Willment. Lily Farm is admirably situated for building Villa Residences, having a S.E. aspect and abutting upon the high road from London to Exeter."
The Rt Revd Edward, Bishop of Llandaff 2 Thomas Willmont of Charmouth, yeoman 3 John Honeywood Townsend of Honiton, Devon, gent 1 to 2 Property: part of a meadow called Lilley Meadow or Grange Mead (33p), parcel of Lilley Farm, Charmouth Consideration: 201, 2 Dec 1834D-1344/2/1

Edward Coppleston (1776-1849) was Bishop of LLandaff and bought it from William Drewe in 1824. He leased it to Thomas Willment from 1834.In 1836 He gave £10 towards rebuilding Church in Charmouth.
1884
SURVEY OF THE MANOR OF CHARMOUTH : made October 1564
Thomas Bassall alias Best holds by copy dated 23 Apr 1526, 29 acres out of the lord’s demesnes; viz; 3 closes of pasture called Lylleyes (23 a), Lylleyesmead (3 a), & Groveland (3 a); also Commons of pasture for 15 sheep in Rodehorne Common; to hold for life; fine 40s, rent 53s 4d. The reversion of the premises granted to William Bassall alias Best, for life by copy dated 15 Sep 1550.
The same Thomas Bassall alias Best holds by copy dated 8 May 1538, a cottage with curtilage or orchard, (1 a) for the lives of himself, Thomasine, his wife (dead) and George his son (dead); fine 40s, rent 2s 9d. Reversion granted to William Bassall alias Best and Margaret Rawe, - Jul 1570

SURVEY OF THE MANOR OF CHARMOUTH : 1783
Lilly Farm owned by William Drew Esq.
186.Little Moor (£2-15-1d) 2a 39p
187. Cow Leaze (£8-17-8d) 7a 2r 36p
188. House & Orchards (£3-0-0d) 1a 3r 39p
189. Spring Close (£3-17-9d) 3a 18p
190. Alms House Meadow (£8-8-7d) 7a 1r 13p
191. Lilly Mead (£8-18s-7d) 8a 2r 1p
192.Stoney Close (£8-9-0d) 8a 1r 32p
193. Hill Close (£15-8-3d) 15a 1r 26p
194. Little Hill Close (£2-19-1d) 2a 3r 33p
Lilly farm - 57a 2r 37p

Description
A
R
P
No.
Grange Mead
Meadow
7
-
11
102
Water Close
Meadow
3
-
34
103
Orchard
Orchard
-
3
18
104
House & Garden
-
-
1
35
105
Orchard
Orchard
-
2
-
106
Lilly Mead
Meadow
9
1
18
107
Yonder Stony Close
Arable
5
-
2
109
Middle Hill
Arable & Pasture
3
3
12
110
Hanging Close
Arable & Pasture
3
-
12
111
Barns Close
Pasture
8
-
15
112
Sandy Close
Pasture
2
2
8
113
West Hill
Arable
5
-
-
134
Middle Hill
Arable
4
1
21
135
Lily Farm in 1841 when it was owned by Rev. Edward Copleston, Bishop of LLandaff and rented by Thomas Willment
1841 Tithe Map
1887 Map
1926 Map
 
 
25th July 1867
   
   
13 July 1850 - Exeter and Plymouth Gazette
John Hodder on the right with his wife milking at Lilly Farm in Charmouth. The Chap on the left with the Milk buckets must be his brother judging from the likeness.
The same view of Lilly Farm showing more of the cattle.
John Hodder is here riding one of the first grass cutting machines on Lilly Farm in Charmouth.