MAGPIE

https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=677044.0

There's a picture of Magpie Bridge here:
http://www.dartmoorcam.co.uk/cam/previouswalks/2011-1-26_MagpieBridge/MagpieBridge.htm

Where it says:
Bedford or Magpie bridge over the River Walkham, built 1822. There was a tall white building to the right, which was the King's Arms in 1850 but Crossing knew it as The Magpie Inn. Nearby Magpie Mill produced violin strings.


Another site says: Magpie Viaduct was named after a pub called the Magpie Inn. The pub is no longer there. (Source: information board at Bedford Bridge)

http://johniesmeanderings.blogspot.com/2011/10/magpie-and-grenofen-bridges-river.html

1851 census listed as Magpie Kings Arms.  HO107; 1883; 106; Page 2
Robert Newcombe listed as Carpenter age 41 but looks like 61 b. North Lew Devon
Susanna Newcombe, wife, age 60, b. Walkhampton, Devon
Mary Newcombe, daughter, age 25, b. Whitchurch, Devon

1841 census.  HO107; 240; Book 7.
Something unreadable? Inn. (doesn't look like Magpie or Kings Arms   ) Bedford Bridge.
Ages dont match with 1851 but 1841 ages are often unreliable due to age rounding
Robert Newcombe, carpenter and publican, age 40
Susan Newcombe, age 40
Robert Newcombe, age 15
Mary Newcombe, age   15
Richard Newcombe, age 13

TITHE MAP - BUCKLAND MONACHORUM

31 - Ellis Farm - Kings Arms Inn Etc - currently "Walkham House"
32 - Ellis Farm - House Etc - currently The White House - but with the hanging sign frame. Known locally as "The Magpie"
33 - Ellis Farm -  Garden
34 - Knighton's Harwood Estate - Plantation

Magpie is a discrete, official area of Yelverton. Try searching for magpie yelverton in the Royal Mail Postcode Finder.

Rootschat to do with Magpie Inn, Horrabridge 

1851 census listed as Magpie Kings Arms.  HO107; 1883; 106; Page 2
Robert Newcombe listed as Carpenter age 41 but looks like 61 b. North Lew Devon
Susanna Newcombe, wife, age 60, b. Walkhampton, Devon
Mary Newcombe, daughter, age 25, b. Whitchurch, Devon

1841 census.  HO107; 240; Book 7.
Something unreadable? Inn. (doesn't look like Magpie or Kings Arms  > LONDON, see below) Bedford Bridge.
Ages dont match with 1851 but 1841 ages are often unreliable due to age rounding
Robert Newcombe, carpenter and publican, age 40
Susan Newcombe, age 40
Robert Newcombe, age 15
Mary Newcombe, age   15
Richard Newcombe, age 13

Thank you for your suggestions and information. I have managed to get the census sheets mentioned by Jool, thankyou for the pointer! I can't read the name of the inn on the 1841 sheet either, even having enhanced the image. The painting of Magpie Inn, attached, was the catalyst for our trying to find out more. It is supposed to date from 1830... your comments please!

"London Inn" would be most likely.

I was brought up in the area and often played by the river here. My recollection is that there was an ancient-looking whitewashed building near the the bridge, possibly one of the buildings still standing in the vicinity. Most likely, the original name of the bridge was Bedford Bridge (it was always interchangeable even in my own childhood) and Magpie Bridge took its name from the inn, not the other way round. The Duke of Bedford would have been the source of the name. That's just from memory - you may need to verify these as facts.

p.s. Just checked 1841 census on disc set which I have, and which is crystal clear. it does say 'London Inn'

Have just started researching Edward Doidge and Charlotte Arthur m 1824, Tavistock, Devon. Occupation Innkeeper Residence Tavistock. When his first 2 daughters were born late 1825 and early 1827 his occupation was listed in the parish baptisms register as Innholder, residence Magpie Inn in the Parish of Buckland Monachorum. Shame that the building no longer exists. He is still an innholder in 1828 & 1829 but residence is listed as chipshop. By 1832 Edward is a farmer at Walkhampton.