The man they couldnt hang

One of the questions in last nights quiz concerned John 'Babbacombe' Lee remembered as the man they couldnt hang, after attempts to hang him for murder at Exeter prison failed after the trap beneath his feet failed to open on three occasions. What may not be so well known is a story that I once heard that, following his eventual release from prison, he once came to Silverton with a group of friends and played Darts at the Lamb Inn.

Other celebrities who have passed through the hostelries of Silverton at various times include the actor who played Tom Forrest in the long running radio soap 'The Archers' (Three Tuns) and the late actor and comedian, Arthur English who visited the then New Inn in the 1970s. The author, Ian 'Emma' Blair was also, of course a regular at all three establishments for a number of years whilst living in the village. I am sure that others could be added to the list.