Combe Martin's Notable People
Notable people associated with Combe Martin, from medieval clergy and Tudor officials to Victorian artists, botanists, actors, and later cultural figures.
A museum heritage record is attached.
View a List of Personalities This list is not exhaustive. ▼
Medieval & Tudor Figures
- Martin de Tours (11th c.–d. before 1086) — "Martinus of Combe"; Norman knight awarded the manor after the Conquest of 1066 (Martin's Combe).
- Robert FitzMartin (d. c.1159) — Expanded the Martin estates; major church benefactor.
- Sir William Tracy (d.1322) — Rector of Combe Martin; not the assassin of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170.
- Sir Richard Pollard (c.1505–1542) — Controversial Tudor commissioner; awarded the Manor of Combe Martin by King Henry VIII.
17th–18th Century Figures
- Squire George Ley (late 1600s–early 1700s) — Traditionally known as the builder of the Pack o’ Cards Inn.
- George Ley, Schoolmaster (18th c.) — Founder of the Combe Martin George Ley Educational Charity.
Religious Scholars & Reformers
- Thomas Harding (1516–1572) — Combe Martin–born Catholic scholar. Known for his long-standing dispute with John Jewel, Bishop of Salisbury.
- Bishop John Jewel (1522–1571) — Leading Protestant apologist from nearby Berrynarbor.
Artists, Writers & Cultural Figures
- J. M. W. Turner (1775–1851) — Sketched Combe Martin in 1811.
- George Wolfe (d.1890) — Painted Combe Martin, Devonshire (beach scene, 1855).
- James Norman (c.1844–1898) — Combe Martin sexton and model for Marie Corelli’s character “Reuben Dale” (1896).
- Clara Ethelinda Larter (1847–1936) — Noted botanist who lived and worked in Combe Martin for a decade.
19th–20th Century & Modern Figures
- Sir Henry Irving (1838–1905) — First knighted actor; visited Combe Martin in 1899.
- Terry‑Thomas (1911–1990) — Actor; ashes interred at Combe Martin St Peter ad Vincula Church graveyard.
- Petula Clark — WWII evacuee to Combe Martin.
- Bill Bailey — Long-standing links with North Devon; completed a 100‑mile charity walk to Combe Martin.
- Damien Hirst — Artist linked to the area; creator of the Ilfracombe landmark statue Verity.
- The Roses (2025) — Movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman. The dramatic cliffs of Combe Martin were used for exterior shots around the Roses’ striking modern home. Travel and production write‑ups identify Combe Martin's dramatic, wind‑carved cliff scenery standing in for Northern California.
- The Earl of Rone — Folkloric figure of the village’s unique May Bank Holiday festival.
Medieval clergy and administrators
Throughout its long history, Combe Martin has been a crossroads for prominent figures. Our story is told through the marks left by its residents and visitors.
From the 11th-century Martin de Tours, the Norman Lord who established this manor, to Sir Richard Pollard, the Tudor 'King’s Remembrancer' and high-stakes 'fixer' for Henry VIII, Combe Martin has been shaped by figures at the heart of English power.
Beyond the halls of power, the attached document introduces the diverse array of scholars, artists, and public figures who have called this valley home.
Explore a list of notables who transformed a rural manor into a vibrant centre of innovation, charity, industry, and the arts.
Tudor administrators and their influence
Combe Martin is often known for its mining history, the legendary Earl of Rone, and its stunning coastline.
However, our village's true depth comes from the people who lived, worked, and thrived here.
These historical figures add a new dimension, revealing the human stories behind the landmarks and events.
Learn about the individuals who fostered the growth and culture of Combe Martin over generations.
Botanists, artists, and public figures
After learning about these influential individuals, we encourage you to delve deeper into Combe Martin’s story.
Clara Ethelinda Larter (1847-1936) was a pioneering botanist who spent some of her most productive years in Combe Martin. The village was her base for fieldwork shaping modern understanding of Devon’s plant life.
Plan a visit to Combe Martin Museum to see artefacts and exhibits. Take a walk through the village with a new appreciation for its past.
Combe Martin Museum
Heritage Record
"The stories of Combe Martin's famous people bring the village's history to life!"
A visitor to Combe Martin Museum, May 2026
Last modified on May 20, 2026