ROBIN Langhorne, who taught History at Queen Elizabeth’s School for more than 50 years has died.

Born in 1927 in West London, he married Jean who died in 2011. They had been married for 55 years and had two sons.

They had moved to Crediton in 1958 from Abingdon, Robin to teach at QE. He and Jean said the move to QE was an adventure, admitting that at the time they were "as poor as church mice but wonderfully happy."

Their first home at Crediton was on Threshers for seven years with a £14-a-month mortgage.

As well as life surrounding the school, Robin joined the cricket and rugby clubs.

In 1965 they took over St Martin’s, part of the QES boarding establishment and this included 11 and 12 year-old boys who had never left home before.

After 12 years there, they moved to People’s Park Road where Robin and Jean lived for the rest of their lives.

Robin was church warden at the parish church for some years, elected a Governor in 1976.

He was a member of Downes Crediton Golf Club since it began in 1975 and honorary secretary for two years.

He had been a very active local historian and was a founder member of Crediton Area History and Museum Society, serving a term as chairman, sharing his knowledge of education and the Crediton area.

He was Trustee of Crediton Area Development Trust and a long-serving member of Crediton Probus Club.

He would give guided talks about Crediton Parish Church and had stitched a kneeler for the church to mark the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion.

One former student said of Robin: "Robin is a true historian and focuses his efforts on local history. No trip to his house would be complete without him bringing out maps or documents or armour that are at least 300 years-old."

On their golden wedding anniversary one comment of Robin and Jean’s was that the kindness and friendliness of the people in Crediton had made their life together a joy.

Whenever anyone met Robin there was always a cheery smile and welcome, always a comment. He was a person whose personality and knowledge will be much missed.

After a private cremation, a service to celebrate Robin’s life is to be held at Crediton Parish Church at 1pm on Wednesday, May 16.

Family flowers only are requested but retiring donations would be welcomed for the Crediton Church Roof Appeal or via A White and Sons, Albert Road, Crediton EX17 2BZ.

Robin Langhorne.