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James Plumpton originated from Cullompton in Devon. The Plumpton family were well known in the 1800's through to the mid 1900's having a successful Engineering company and taking part in local sports, such as bowling and cricket. They also participated in local council, fire brigade and fund-raising events. James and William played the organ in St. Andrews Church - Cullompton.
Cullompton - just off the M5 in Devon
James Plumpton originated from Cullompton in Devon. The Plumpton family were well known in the early to mid 1900's having a successful Engineering company and taking part in local sports, such as bowling and cricket. They also participated in local council, fire brigade and fund-raising events. James and William played the organ in St. Andrews Church - Cullompton.
Escott, 25 Higher Street, Cullompton
Escott, 25 Higher Street, Cullompton
This Grade 2 listed house was the Plumpton family home. Peter & Emma Plumpton had four children. Including James, William, Emma & Elizabeth. Census Records show them living at this address.
James Plumpton would have lived here until he left for boarding school in 1892. When he married in 1920, he moved into 'The Walronds' in the centre of the town.
The front door to Escott - 25 Higher Street
I wonder who was the last Plumpton to shut this door.
James Plumpton went to 'West Buckland School', formerly known as Devon County School. I contacted the School through their website and received an email confirming that James had attended the school during 1892-93.
I was thrilled to receive a photo of an old programme for a nautical themed event which included James in the Orchestra. Also in the email was a photo of the School Cricket Club which perhaps includes a young James Plumpton.
It struck me how the event had a distinct nautical theme. When James left school, he ended up spending his entire life at sea. I wonder what made him decide on this for a career when he possibly had a job for life in the family business. Perhaps he was inspired to be a sailor by a teacher or even this event at the school..
When James left school, he joined Mssrs. Brown & Co. for a four year apprenticeship on one of their sailing ships .
James' brother William attended the school from 1899-01.
Devon County School Cricket Club
Devon County School Cricket Club
This photo was labelled - 'Mid 1890's - Stradling front second from right'
We can see that 'Stradling' was one of James Plumpton's contemporaries as both their names appear in the Concert Programme below. There is a fair chance that James Plumpton, being a keen sportsman, is in the photo.
Top Row for comparison - James Plumpton later in his life.
Bottom row - potential candidates?..perhaps the first two..
As my Father observed, the 'lounging' student in the front row (2nd from left), with his skiffed cap, shows that he had some 'attitude'! Taking that into consideration that and the visual resemblance to my photos of James, I am convinced that this person is James Plumpton. I am about 80% certain but hope to proved right one day!
Awaiting photo!
A literature prize given to James Plumpton at Devon County School in the 1890's, this family heirloom has survived and currently being looked after by my Uncle.
This is an image of a concert programme kindly sent to me from West Buckland School. James Plumpton played in the orchestra in this Nautical Themed Concert. "2nd do. in Gondoliers"
I was informed by the school that W. S. Abell was one of the schools fallen soldiers in the First World War.
This is notebook sketch which my Father drew when visiting West Buckland in October 1990.
If you have any information to add or any comments, please drop me an email: jamesplumpton.history@gmail.com
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