The next article in our series about West Devon heritage looks at the Pimple; a small, three-sided folly that catches the eye on the grassy mound of Whitchurch Down, Tavistock.
Small as it is, it has a big story: designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it guards the entrance to a former underground reservoir that once served new homes on Down Road. Today, it’s a favourite stopping point for walkers and families, offering sweeping views across Dartmoor and into Cornwall.
This Grade II listed, triangular gateway building is built from local Hurdwick stone, a distinctive greenish volcanic stone quarried just north of Tavistock and used in many of the town’s historic buildings. The roof is made from historic Delabole slate and is finished with a distinctive finial, the “pimple” that gives the structure its nickname.
Sir Edwin Lutyens, best known for landmarks such as Castle Drogo and the Cenotaph in London, set ‘The Pimple’ on a circular base that doubles as seating; turning essential infrastructure into something welcoming and beautiful.
The Pimple shows Lutyens skill at small scale too, shaping a small structure into something that lifts a public place. Sitting on its earthwork mound, the underground reservoir long since fallen out of use, is recorded in Devon’s Historic Environment Record. The folly however remains eye‑catching for locals and visitors.
It is a reminder that West Devon’s heritage isn’t only castles and viaducts. This little lookout links engineering, design and a love of landscape. That blend of practicality and beauty is part of what makes local heritage so special.
If you have a favourite photo, family story or a sketch from a windy walk on Whitchurch Down? We would love to hear from you. Share on social media using #WestDevonHeritage and tag us. Your contributions help bring local history to life for everyone.
This spotlight forms part of an ongoing series with an invitation to wander, wonder and share.
Look out for future spotlights as we celebrate the people, places and stories that make West Devon a brilliant place to live and visit.
