East Down since 1900

East Down since 1900

By 1906 the Rectory living had reduced to £304 per annum, but still with residence and an increased glebe land of 104 acres.

The population had reduced to 326. The population figures shown on the below table, taken from the national census, show that East Down's population was at its peak towards the end of the 19th century. It steadily dropped until 1961, and since then it has started to slowly increase.

Year      Population

1801     311

1851     455

1901     326

1931     249

1961     213

1981     219

1997     237

2012     192

2021     274

The school and village hall.

During the first half of the 20^th century, the school also functioned as the village hall, providing a venue for community events. When the school closed in 1945, and pupils were moved to Berrynarbour school, the school was transferred to a board of trustees. This community asset is still managed by trustees to this day.

The Pyne Arms

Originally a farm building owned by the Pyne family, the building operated as a post office until 1945. It first opened as an inn in 1950, the old farmhouse forming the bar, and the shippon became a skittle alley and games room. Previously villages had walked to Blackmore gate or Muddiford for their ale.  Having undergone many changes and refurbishments over the years it is now an awarding winning pub restaurant In the heart of the village.