Abbotsfield Hall has stood for generations, witnessing the rise of industry, the impact of war, and the evolution of care. From its origins as a residence for a mining magnate to its role in wartime refuge and now a nurturing home, its story is one of resilience, transformation, and significance.
Abbotsfield Hall - Our history - A House Built on Mining Wealth
Abbotsfield Hall, just outside Tavistock, was built in the mid-19th century as a residence for Thomas Morris, the on-site director of the Devon Great Consols—one of Britain’s most successful copper mines.
A House Built on Mining Wealth
The Hall’s origins are tied to the Morris family, who financed copper prospecting in Blanchdown Woods. Their investment led to the formation of the Devon Great Consols in 1845, bringing immense wealth. To ensure close oversight of mining operations, the company built Abbotsfield Hall for Thomas Morris, a key shareholder and resident director.
A Centre of Industry and Administration
More than a family home, Abbotsfield Hall functioned as an administrative hub, linking the prosperity of the mine to its management. At its peak, the mine employed hundreds of workers in harsh conditions, extracting copper that fuelled industrial growth.
Decline and Changing Purpose
As copper reserves dwindled in the 1870s, the mine's profitability collapsed. William Morris, who briefly held a directorship, distanced himself, selling his shares to pursue artistic and political interests. With the mine’s decline, Abbotsfield Hall lost its industrial role and transitioned over time, adapting to new uses.
Abbotsfield Hall during WW2
During the Second World War, Abbotsfield Hall played a vital role in both military operations and the local war effort. From July 1943 to May 1944, it served as the headquarters for the U.S. 29th Infantry Division under Major General Charles H. Gerhardt. As part of V Corps, United States 1st Army, the division was preparing for the historic D-Day invasion of Europe.
Tavistock became a hub of military activity during this time. Whitchurch Down was transformed into a temporary military base, complete with tents, vehicles, a field hospital, and even a landing strip. American soldiers integrated into local life—playing baseball in the Meadows, socialising at the club on West Street, and visiting the White Hart on Brook Street. Many local women married U.S. servicemen, becoming "GI Brides," and children were often delighted by gifts of chocolate and bubblegum from the friendly troops.
Echoes of D-Day
A momentous event in Abbotsfield Hall’s wartime history occurred in April 1944, when it hosted a meeting between Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower and Overall Land Commander, Lt General Sir Bernard Montgomery. A plaque above the fireplace still marks this historic occasion.
As D-Day approached, the 29th Infantry Division left Tavistock in late May 1944, marching silently through the town en route to Omaha Beach in Normandy, where they would face some of the fiercest fighting on 6th June 1944.
Beyond its military role, Abbotsfield Hall also played a crucial part in supporting the local community during the war. The house was repurposed as a refuge for evacuees fleeing the bombings of major cities, offering a safe haven for displaced families. Additionally, parts of the estate were used for agricultural production to bolster wartime food supplies, helping to sustain the local population during rationing.
After the war, Abbotsfield Hall continued to serve in various capacities, including housing German prisoners of war in 1945 and later operating as a large Youth Hostel. Today, it stands as a residential care home, but its rich history remains—its walls echoing the stories of soldiers, evacuees, and those who shaped one of the most defining moments of the 20th century.