Look out for the walls which were built to prevent horses from plunging into the sea on sharp bends. The drive was built by out-of-work fishermen. The story goes that when the carriage way was completed the labourers looked so dejected at the prospect of unemployment; Baring promptly ordered them to make it three feet wider. This extravagant gesture was typical but short-lived.
Under his leadership Barings Bank collapsed and, unlike the bankers of today, he was held personally responsible and had to sell Membland Estate, his land, home and possessions.
His legacy however is still evident today, so as you drive along the lanes make sure to lookout for lodges, farms and outbuildings he built in a distinctive, romantic style.
Warren Cottage
As you walk along the Revelstoke Drive towards Noss Mayo, you’ll come across Warren cottage. This was once the home of the Membland Estate warrener, who would have been responsible for breeding rabbits for meat and fur.
It was later rebuilt as a summerhouse and luncheon stop for Lord Revelstoke’s carriage parties; he entertained the future King Edward VII here.
Gunrow Signal Station
During the late eighteenth century, from 1793 onwards, Britain was continuously at war with post-revolution France and the Admiralty decided to establish a chain of signal stations to warn of approaching enemy fleets. In south Devon these included stations at Mount Edgcumbe, Gunrow's Down, Scobbiscombe, West Soar and Prawle Point.
