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‘A Thrilling Experience at Culmstock’

by | 2nd August 2023

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Culmstock Church in the background and War memorial in the foreground with crowds of people gathered. There are also several cows. The photo is captioned Culmstock Fair 1947

‘A Thrilling Experience at Culmstock’

This small article appeared in the Tiverton Gazette in the second half of July 1923.

A newspaper cutting about a steeplejack, Mr Larkins, who had a close shave while repairing the tower at Culmstock church. The article includes a quote from Mr Larkin which reads 'I was attacked by a swarm of bees... I had to descend very speedily'

The newspaper cutting is about a steeplejack, Mr. Larkins, who had a close shave while repairing the tower at Culmstock church. The article includes a quote from Mr Larkin which reads ‘I was attacked by a swarm of bees… I had to descend very speedily’. He did secure for himself ‘thirty pounds of excellent honey’ for his troubles.

The British Newspaper Archive, with a paper from Jersey in 1908, shows us that Mr Larkins was also busy at Truro Cathedal just six months after it was finally completed in 1910. He was called from London as the weathercock had stopped working. After a return journey of 400 miles, and a climb of 300 feet, all it needed was a spot of oil! At other times, he also worked on Big Ben and Nelson’s Column.

Culmstock is well represented, and prominently displayed in the Museum. Take a walk through our Yard and Transport Gallery and you can see for yourselves!

A road sign from the museum collection that reads 'B3391 Culmstock, Craddock, Hemyock'

 A sign from an old railway station that reads CulmstockA fingerpost sign for Culmstock

 More tucked away in our photo collection is this photo of the Church and War Memorial on a Fair Day in the 1940s

Culmstock Church in the background and War memorial in the foreground with crowds of people gathered. There are also several cows. The photo is captioned Culmstock Fair 1947

Looking in the Archive section of the Museum’s collection reveals several titles held in our Research Library.  If you are interested in local history or family history in the area, the library is open by appointment and the volunteers are happy to help or advise. For details head to our Research page.

A collection of books about Culmstock

Written by museum volunteer, Sue B.