Another Snapshot of History

This is a much belated follow up to a post made almost two years ago.  That was about Samuel Poole who pioneered commercial photography in Teignmouth and established his family business here around 1859.  This lasted for almost 50 years during which time other Victorian photographers came and went.  Photographic technology continued to evolve and

The Shadows Flee Away

Three friends faced tragedy at Teignmouth’s beach. Ignoring warnings, they bathed in a hazardous area, swept away by the strong sea. Two were rescued, but Robin Brown tragically drowned. The accident sparked debate on beach safety. The community mourned his loss, reflecting on his promising future and the need for greater awareness.

Death at Sea

The great storm of 1987 and the violent storms of 1886 left a lasting impact on the UK. The 1886 storm led to tragic consequences in Teignmouth, with boats and crew lost at sea. Walter George Horn Hooper, a fisherman, lost his life in the storm. His body, along with others, was found in a shocking condition, and the community mourned their loss. The storm’s impact on art is evident in works depicting the violent weather. These events continue to be remembered through historical accounts and artwork.

Death in the Docks

In 1894, Thomas Watt Linklater, a bosun on the Comorin cargo ship, met a tragic end at Teignmouth’s docks. Crushed between trucks while loading clay, he succumbed to his injuries despite medical aid. An inquest deemed it an accidental death, spotlighting the hazards of working conditions. Linklater’s epitaph, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour,” serves as a haunting reminder.

Triumph and Tragedy

A few weeks ago Jacqui, one of the dedicated group of volunteers of Friends of Teignmouth Cemetery, discovered and uncovered a grave in section HH of the cemetery.  Her first reaction was “There’s a story here”.  That instinct was not wrong but she had under-estimated.  There were three stories – people buried in different parts

Shocking Traction Engine Accident

A couple of weeks ago Jacqui, one of the dedicated group of volunteers of Friends of Teignmouth Cemetery, discovered and uncovered a grave in section HH of the cemetery.  Her first reaction was “There’s a story here”.  That instinct was not wrong but she had under-estimated.  There were three stories – people buried in different

Caught In Flagrante

There have been some quirky stories associated with Teignmouth Old Cemetery such as: This latest story was inspired by a local Facebook post from the group “Dawlish History”. Setting the Scene As you walk along the main avenue of Teignmouth Old Cemetery from the Higher Buckeridge Road entrance you pass, on the left-hand side, section

A Romantic Tragedy

Lives may be cut short in untimely fashion.  Their stories may be short; sometimes made more poignant by that brevity.  This is one such story. Background On the 21st June 1890 the East and South Devon Advertiser reported “Fatal Carriage Accident at Teignmouth”.  Mrs Elizabeth Lewarn of Plymouth had been staying in Teignmouth with her

Thomas Miles Bloomfield (known as Miley)

Introduction Graham White is another follower of the Friends of Teignmouth Cemetery who contacted us again after the post about our “Celebrating Five Years”.  He has done considerable research into the lives of his grandparents, Thomas Miles Bloomfield and Mary Ann Phillips Bloomfield.  There is remarkable resonance between Thomas’ story and that of Samuel Brokensha,

Visualising Progress

In our newsletter at the end of July I mentioned one of our achievements: “Five years ago we were confronting what seemed an incredibly daunting task but, looking back, it is amazing how much a small group of hard-working volunteers has been able to achieve in that time ….. In our 12 acre site where