History of Liverton Village Hall

Origins and Legacy

The land on which Liverton Village Hall stands, along with a significant portion of the building’s original cost, was gifted in memory of Miss Mary Elizabeth Divett of Bovey Tracey. Miss Divett, who passed away in 1913, had owned the land for many years and was known for her generous contributions to the parish. She bequeathed her estate to her cousin, Mrs Gertrude Caroline Phillpotts.

The Early Years

The land was later donated by Captain Phillpotts (formerly of Whimple), who had moved to Rora House, in memory of both his mother and her cousin, Miss Divett. The building, originally known as ‘Liverton Hut’, was completed in 1926.

Soon after its construction, the hut became a well-used community space. It hosted a boys’ club, a number of South Devon Hunt Balls, and became the home of the newly formed Liverton Women’s Institute in 1929, which has met there ever since.

Before World War II, the Workers’ Educational Association used the hall for drama rehearsals. One particularly memorable performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was held in the nearby copse behind the hall, providing a magical setting for the play.

Wartime Role

During World War II, the Liverton Hut became the headquarters of the local Home Guard platoon. It was also a venue for dances organised by staff from the American Forces Hospital at Stover Camp, and by American soldiers stationed at Cummings Cross.

Throughout the war years, the hall was in use nearly every evening for whist drives, dances, and community gatherings. During the day, it was adapted for use as a junior school for children evacuated from London, and it also served as a distribution point for food parcels donated by the British Empire and the USA, which supplemented local wartime rations.

A Gift to the Community

Following the death of Captain Phillpotts in 1950, ownership of the hut and the surrounding estate passed to his widow and family. In a generous act, they gifted the hut and its site to the local community. In March 1953, the property was formally conveyed to Ilsington Parish Council, a permanent public body, for the nominal sum of £1.

Improvements Over Time

In 1975, facilities were upgraded through a combination of community fundraising and support from Teignbridge District Council, adding a kitchen and toilet block to better serve users.

The Hall Today

Liverton Village Hall is now managed by a volunteer Management Committee, made up of members elected at the Annual General Meeting and representatives from local organisations.

Recent improvements carried out in 2024 and 2025, funded by grants and the hall’s own revenue, have included a new roof, new doors, solar panels with battery storage, air conditioning, and full redecoration both inside and out.

The hall remains a vibrant hub of village life, regularly used by a wide variety of local groups and organisations. The committee also hosts two lively quiz nights and a free community Christmas event each year. The hall is operated as a registered charity, governed by the Charity Commission, and exists for the benefit of the whole community.

Location

Liverton Village Hall, Ley Close, Liverton, TQ12 6HW

Contact Us

LivertonVHBookings@gmail.com