The Globe Hotel was purchased by Denys and Ann Price in 1978. For Denys and Ann, originally farmers from Wiltshire, it marked a considerable change of life but one that has proved enduring. The Globe continues today, more than 30 years on, as a successful independent family business.

In 1978, The Globe was just one of number of Topsham’s many public houses. It offered neither accommodation nor a restaurant. It did, however, have both a public and a lounge bar, with two totally independent beer cellars.

The Prices restored The Globe to its former status as an hotel, refurbishing 6 bedrooms in the main inn, all with en-suite facilities (a modern innovation in 1979). Accommodation was expanded with the purchase of the buildings around the courtyard and the creation of the Maltroom, which opened in 1987.

The former lounge bar was converted into the Elizabethan Restaurant which today can serve 45 covers.

Year on year, the Globe goes from strength to strength. We are definitely one of the most popular places in Topsham to relax and enjoy quality food and drink, and friendly company, for both visitors and locals alike.

Brief history of The Globe

The Globe was definitely in existence as an English inn from 1700 and almost certainly dates from well before this time. At the moment, work is being carried out to investigate further into the pre 1700s.

Liz Hodges takes up the story:

During the prosperous trading times from the mid 17th century when Topsham was the port for the city of Exeter, serge cloth was exported to Portugal, Holland and other ports. Thus Port Wine was imported from Portugal which leads us to the ‘Globe’ as it  was the sign of the Portuguese Wine Traders. This is why there is and has been a “Globe” in most coastal settlements of Devon and Cornwall.

From about 1790  to 1870,  three generations of the Harrison Family owned The Globe. Many changes must have occurred during this time. We believe the Harrisons may have been responsible for building the Georgian façade that you now see, and for giving the inn its grand title of ‘hotel’. In earlier times The Globe would have had a thatched roof. It was given a slate roof about 1900 when it was known as ‘Radford’s Globe Hotel’.

In the 1830s, The Globe was a true coaching inn. Coaches would start from Topsham at The Globe, travel to Lyme Regis, onto Salisbury and arrive finally in London. The horses would have been stabled in the Globefields to the rear of the Inn.  When times were hard in the 1870s, the fields and buildings were gradually sold off. These ‘out buildings’ served a variety of purposes such as a Masonic Hall, builders’ merchants, corn store, and, in more recent times, a carriage clock factory (by Royal Appointment, no less). Over the past twenty years, most of these buildings have been brought back into the ownership of The Globe. Globefields itself now provides sheltered and private housing.

This is only a the most cursory overview of the history of The Globe. On the 22nd August 1300 Topsham was granted its Town Charter by Edward I, so there is still much historical detail to find! During the course of the year 2000,  Topsham celebrated its 700 year history through various events, with each month concentrating on a different century in Topsham’s past.

Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, visited the town and its Museum with his wife The Countess of Wessex to unveil a copy of the Charter and a plaque.

The Topsham Museum is open from April to October where you can see the Charter plus many other fascinating items.

Having now passed more than 30 years at The Globe, we are hoping to do more research and learn about our inn in greater detail. In the meantime, if you’d like to know more, please ask us!

• Liz Hodges