I came back to this post having done a bit of research to discover the Shaw family home in Tavistock. I’d always understood it was Bannawell Street, home to many of the town’s tradesman, but in fact the address on the 1901 census is 2 Tor Villas in Watts Road. These are still grand Victorian houses, elevated above the town and with extensive views across to Dartmoor. The family had a housekeeper and a maid and many of these houses still have their ‘downstairs’ accommodation. They would certainly have been considered an upper class family in the town. I shall go for a wander along there soon and see if I can find Tor Villa and now I’m wondering where young Dod went to school.
I really enjoy these rabbit holes that research can take us down. Let me know if you find Tor Villas. I will likely revisit Dod’s early life in a future post. Thank you for reading again, Grace 🧡
I’m going to do some more research so will let you know. It seems they would have lived here until his death in 1905. The town library has a wonderful old-fashioned microfiche of all the local newspapers going way back so I’m wondering if I’ll find anything in there. I’ve always been intrigued about the fact she lived here for a while. I’m assuming her surgeon father left on board ships from Plymouth, but they also lived yards away from the town’s cottage hospital.
Oh… spending a few hours with the library’s microfiche sounds like a great idea. I’m envious! I have lots of research here on her early life, so will take a look back at it. And thank you so much for your subscription. Have a lovely weekend - particularly if it’s at the library 🧡
Thank you. I love Dod Proctor's work. Just a mention for this wonderful portrait of Dod herself by Munnings. I always try to see it at the Russell Cotes when I visit Bournemouth. https://images.app.goo.gl/Et8zfrkDiYEiFKnX9
I came back to this post having done a bit of research to discover the Shaw family home in Tavistock. I’d always understood it was Bannawell Street, home to many of the town’s tradesman, but in fact the address on the 1901 census is 2 Tor Villas in Watts Road. These are still grand Victorian houses, elevated above the town and with extensive views across to Dartmoor. The family had a housekeeper and a maid and many of these houses still have their ‘downstairs’ accommodation. They would certainly have been considered an upper class family in the town. I shall go for a wander along there soon and see if I can find Tor Villa and now I’m wondering where young Dod went to school.
I really enjoy these rabbit holes that research can take us down. Let me know if you find Tor Villas. I will likely revisit Dod’s early life in a future post. Thank you for reading again, Grace 🧡
I’m going to do some more research so will let you know. It seems they would have lived here until his death in 1905. The town library has a wonderful old-fashioned microfiche of all the local newspapers going way back so I’m wondering if I’ll find anything in there. I’ve always been intrigued about the fact she lived here for a while. I’m assuming her surgeon father left on board ships from Plymouth, but they also lived yards away from the town’s cottage hospital.
Oh… spending a few hours with the library’s microfiche sounds like a great idea. I’m envious! I have lots of research here on her early life, so will take a look back at it. And thank you so much for your subscription. Have a lovely weekend - particularly if it’s at the library 🧡
Victoria, thank you. Its very well written, short but gives a good picture of her life and work.
Thank you, Daniel. 🤎
Thank you. I love Dod Proctor's work. Just a mention for this wonderful portrait of Dod herself by Munnings. I always try to see it at the Russell Cotes when I visit Bournemouth. https://images.app.goo.gl/Et8zfrkDiYEiFKnX9
Thank you, Val. And for sharing the wonderful portrait!
What a wonderful artist Dot was!
Thank you for your introduction, Victoria
She was! Thank you for reading, Angela :)
I enjoy your posts so much Victoria - I learn something every week. Thank you 🙏
Enjoyed this, thank you
Thank you for reading and commenting, Jacqueline. And for your subscription. I appreciate your interest and support.
A lovely read. Thank you.
Thank you, Dorinda. I'm pleased you enjoyed it. Your support is really appreciated! x
Thank you, Jo. I’m so pleased you are enjoying them. Let me know if you have a particular artist or writer you would like me to write about...