Devonport in 1850
Source: The Devonport section of
Whites Gazetteer and Directory of Devon 1850
Pages 644 -648
DEVONPORT DOCK YARD,
one of the largest naval establishments in the kingdom, presents to the broad harbour
of Hamoaze, a semicircular wharf wall, more than 1160 yards in length. This Dock
Yard, now one of the finest in Europe, is believed to have been commenced soon after
the glorious Revolution of 1688, under the auspices of William III.
The town of
Devonport, to which the Dock Yard gave rise, was called Plymouth Dock till 1824,
a afterwards noticed; and in official documents the arsenal retained the name of
‘Plymouth Yard’ till the visit of her Majesty and Prince Albert, in September,
1843, when the Queen commanded that in future it should be styled in all documents
Devonport dock Yard. It was commenced on a comparatively small scale, and for a
long period the officers and artizans resided at Plymouth, there being then no houses
at Devonport. In 1728, government obtained from sir Wm. Morice, a long lease of
40A. of land, which was then occupied by the dock Yard, and had been previously
rented from year to year. The extent of the arsenal was then 54 acres, and the spot
on which the great fire occurred in 1840, appears to have been the original site.
William III. Constructed the basin and two of the naval docks, and two others were
made in 1768. Since then many extensions and improvements have taken place and this
extensive dock Yard now comprises 70 ½ acres, and gives employment to from 1400
to 1600 men, as shipwright, caulkers, joiners, smiths, sawyers, rope-makers, painters,
riggers, sail-makers, labourers, &c., besides a large number of apprentices.
In time of war, its establishment would be augmented to about 4000. Its peace establishment
has recently been reduced, to satisfy the loud cry which has lately been raised
for the reduction of taxes and national expenditure; and several new regulations
have been established by the Admiralty for increasing the efficiency of this and
other naval yards, at a less cost than formerly.
The dock yard is separated from
the town of Devonport by Dockwall street, and they are encompassed on the land sides
by a strongly fortified wall 12 feet high. Government own a large space of land
on both sides of this long line of fortifications. On entering the Dock Yard from
the gates at the end of fore street, we are struck by the absence of all appearance
of labour; but glancing the eye in the visa are perceived long ranges of buildings
uniting strength with neatness. Passing hence in a gradual descent to the water’s
edge, we soon immerge into the bustle of several hundred mechanics.
On the right
of the entrance is the residence of the director of police; and the next object
is the spacious and handsome Chapel, which was built in 1816-’17, on the site of
the old one, which was erected in 1700. The interior is handsomely fitted p and
has a good organ; and in the tower are six musical bells. The Rev. John Briggs is
the chaplain, and has a yearly salary of £400. Near the chapel are two reservoirs,
from which the establishment is supplied with pure water.
Passing from the guard-house
and pay office, down a fine avenue, we arrive at the residences of the principal
officers, in the centre of which is the mansion of the Admiral Superintendent, approached
by two flights of steps.
We next arrive at the edge of a terrace or shelf, from
whence flights of steps descend into the busy area below. Here almost the whole
of the arsenal, before unseen, bursts into view. The noble ships in progress of
building, and under repair, - the magnificent storehouses and workshops, - the gigantic
sheds protecting the docks; and the neatness and order everywhere apparent, excite
the admiration of the stranger. From this point some conception of the vastness
of the establishment may be formed In the engine house and saw-mills it is curious
to observe the power of steam, applied at the same moment to the most trifling as
well as the most important operations. At one spot, we see it directed to the cutting
of wedges; at others cutting screws, drilling, planing, punching, turning grind-stones,
and pumping the water out of the superb dock with inexpressible ease a large fan
is driven by it, and air drains, made under the floor of the smithery, convey the
blasts to the fires, and thereby supersede the use o bellows. A shaft is carried
underground to the saw mills, where immense blocks of wood are changed into delicate
planks; and under the steps is a curious machine, called ‘Jim Crow,’ for making
halyards for vessels of war. In one of the smitheries is one of Nasmith’s patent
steam tilt hammers, the power of which can easily be increased or diminished to
the largest or smallest requirements. The portion of the yard, occupied by locksmiths,
carvers, plumbers, masons, &c., is near this smithery.
Proceeding to the north jetty, we view the noble Hamoaze, with its bosom dotted
with men of war of various ratings, and in different states of equipment. The new
north dock next claims attention. It is sufficiently capacious for building or repairing
the largest man of war, and was first opened in 1780. The next are the union, double,
and south or basin docks. This spot is memorable as the scene of the great fire,
on September 27th, 1840, when upwards of £80,000 worth of public property was destroyed.
On the left are two ranges of buildings, containing the joiners’ and carpenters’
shops, &c., surmounted by a conspicuous clock, with four dials. We next approach
a massive storehouse, which, together with the sail-loft, forms a square of nearly
400 feet, and is built entirely of stone and iron.
Near this is the large new basin,
which has been lately finished and affords space to float ten first rate men of
war, exclusive of its two graving docks. On the anchor wharf are anchors of all
sizes, some weighing 96 cwt. Adjoining the jetty is a graving slip, and near it
is a weigh bridge for weighing heavy article.
A swivel bridge crosses the canal,
which runs into the heart of the yard, and is called the ‘Camber;’ and near it is
another smithery, where the largest anchors are made, one of which occupies 36 men
ten days. Just beyond are three slips, in which the largest men of war are built.
The slips for building frigates and smaller craft are at a short distance. The boat
and mast ponds and houses are extensive, and near them are the two large rope houses,
each 1200 feet long, and built entirely of stone and iron. Cables, 25 inches in
circumference, and cordage for the navy are manufactured here.
There is a pleasant
little rocky eminence near the mast house, called the King’s hill, or Bunker’s
hill. George III., on his visit to this yard, having been so pleased with the charming
prospect seen fro this roc, expressed a wish that it might be excepted from the
general excavation to which the surrounding site was subjected. The sides of this
rock are thickly covered with ivy and evergreens, and its summit is crowned by a
beautiful temple, erected in 1822, in memory of the visit of George III.
The docks,
slips, canals, basins &c., are mostly hewn out of the slate rock, and lined with
Portland stone. The extent of the excavations and masonry may be judged of by the
following dimensions of the ‘New North Dock,’ excavated from the solid rock, - length,
254 feet 2 inches, - extreme breadth, 97 feet – depth, 27 feet 8 inches.
The great
diversity of employments, ingenuity, and manual activity exhibited in the various
departments of this Dock Yard, presents a very interesting spectacle, and perhaps
no sight is better calculated to enable a comprehensive mind to form a proper estimate
of the powers of continued labour than the gradual growth of a few rude pieces of
timber into the majestic structure that encounters the wind and waves, and forms
the most complete security against invasion that Great Britain can possess.
THE GUN WHARF
is situated north of the Dock Yard, and occupies nearly five acres,
fronting Hamoaze harbour, and enclosed by a high wall. It was planned about a century
ago. After passing from the entrance through a fine avenue of trees, the houses,
&c., of the officers are seen on the left. At the foot of a flight of steps are
the armory and storehouses. In the former immense piles of muskets, pistols, cutlasses,
&c., are deposited in chests; and others are arranged about the walls in the forms
of stars, circles, fans, and crescents. Near the storehouses are buildings appropriated
as depositories for gun carriages, and implements of the field.
On the wharfs and
around, are a great number of cannon, of different caliber, which belong to the
vessels of war moored in the harbour, and also numerous piles of shot, of every
size.
At Morice Town,
north of Gun Wharf, is the New
GOVERNMENT STEAM YARD, skirted
on the west by Hamoaze harbour, and on the north by Keyham Lake, and occupying about
70 acres. It has two extensive basins, entered from the estuary by locks of such
magnitude that the largest ships may enter three hours before high water. The south
lock is so constructed as to be converted in a dry dock, when a line of battle ship
is brought in to have her bottom examined or cleansed. From the eastern side of
the south basin three large dry docks are projected, of such dimensions as to be
capable of accommodating the largest steamers afloat. The north is the fitting basin,
and east of it are ranged the storehouses, factories, foundries, smitheries, &c.
this yard has been some years in progress, and is not yet completed. It will cost
about £2,000,000 and there have been employed in its formation upwards of 1200 men,
100 horses and 70 boats.
South of it is Moon’s Cove and Ship Canal and between the
latter and Gun Wharf, is New Passage, where the
STEAM FLOATING BRIDGE, a ponderous
vessel, conveys passengers, carriages, &c., to and from Torpoint, every half hour.
The stage coaches are taken across the broad estuary, without even unhorsing, or
the coachmen and guards alighting.
Devonport is the seat of the military and naval government of the port, the former
being
removed here from the citadel at Plymouth in 1725. The
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, comprising
the private residence and military offices of the Lieutenant Governor of the garrison;
and the
ADMIRAL’s HOUSE, the residence for the Port Admiral, and offices belonging
to his department; are pleasantly situated on the south-east side of the town, upon
the fine, open and spacious parade called
MOUNT WISE, overlooking the harbour of
Hamoaze. Here are held the military parades and inspections; and on rejoicing days
the whole disposable force of the three towns is reviewed, and the parade becomes
a scene of great gaiety. At the east end stands, mounted, a brass cannon of immense
size, taken from the Turks, in the Dardanelles. From the ramparts and the several
batteries, (mounted with heavy artillery,) delightful views are seen; and on the
summit of the hill, is the Semaphore, or Telegraph Station, where signals are made
with the admiral of all ships that are passing up and down the channel within sight
of the coast.
The
BARRACKS on the east side of Devonport, but within the lines,
form four large squares, called George, Cumberland, Ligonier and Frederick Squares,
and have room for 2000 soldiers. The Laboratory at Mount Wise is now used as barracks.
The
ROYAL MILITARY HOSPITAL is on the opposite side of Stonehouse Lake, near Stoke
Church, and was built in 1797. The south front is of grey marble, and has a very
imposing appearance, being of considerable length, and having an arcade of 41 arches,
forming a fine promenade for the sick. It will accommodate 500 patients, and has
extensive grounds enclosed by a lofty wall.
The
BLOCKHOUSE, at Higher Stoke, is
a square fortification, erected in the reign of George II., and intended as a redoubt
for the defences of the town and harbour. The views from its ramparts are extensive
and beautiful, embracing not only the three towns and their harbours, but a large
portion of the adjacent country, in the picturesque vales of the rivers Tamar and
St. Germans or Lynher.
Page 658
The Plymouth, Stonehouse, and Devonport Cemetery Company, was established in 1846, with
a capital of £15,000 in £25 shares, for the purpose of supplying an extensive cemetery
for the three towns, where the old burial grounds have long been crowded especially
those at the parish churches, and that in Westwell street. This Cemetery is pleasantly
situated on a gentle acclivity, about half a mile north of Plymouth, and about two
miles from Devonport, and comprises ten acres of ground; more than half of which
was consecrated by the Bishop, on June 5th, 1849, for the use of the Established
Church, and the rest is appropriated to Dissenters, and was first opened in December,
1848. The ground is well enclosed and tastefully laid out, and has two neat chapels,
in the decorated style, one for he consecrated, and the other for the unconsecrated
division.
About 8a. of land adjoining is to be added to the Cemetery, when required, having been
purchased by the Company for that purpose, but now let for pasturage. The Cemetery
forms a pleasant promenade, and east of it is a newly made road through the beautiful
grounds, called Hyde Park. Mr. J. L. Colley, of 3, St. James’ place is the secretary;
and the Rev. Wm. Hocker is chaplain of the church portion.
page 696-703
BOROUGH OF DEVONPORT
DEVONPORT, the most western of the three towns which form the port of Plymouth,
is bounded on the east by Stonehouse Pool and Creek, on the north by Morice Town,
and on the south and west by the spacious harbour of Hamoaze, to which Mount Wise,
the great Naval Dockyard, the Gun Wharf, and the Government Steam Yard present their
extensive sea walls and fortifications, as noticed at pages 643 to 647.
Devonport
is in the parish of Stoke Damerel, and owes its origin as a town to the foundation
of the Naval Dockyard, in the reign of William III., about 1690. So late as 1700,
not a house was to be seen here, except the Barton of Mount Wise, which stood on
the spot now occupied by the Semaphore, and was built by Sir Thomas Wise, whose
descendant, Sir Edward Wise, sold the manor of Stoke Damerel, in 1667, to Sir Wm.
Moris, for £11,000. On the death of Sir Wm. Moris, Bart., in 1749, this now valuable
estate passed to his nephew, the late Sir John St. Aubyn, Bart., whose devisees
now own it, and are lords of the manor.
The first house in the town is said to have
been a wooden building, at the landing place called North Corner; and the seat of
business and the principal residences were for some years confined to that locality;
but during the late war, the town increased rapidly, and it now occupies all the
extensive oblong space between the Dockyard and Gun Wharf on the west, and the lines
of fortifications on the north, east, and south. The population within the lines
comprises above 25,000 souls; but including the suburbs of Morice Town and the rest
of the parish of Stoke Damerel, the total population of the municipal borough of
Devonport amounted to 33,820 in 1841, as noticed at page 633. The municipal borough
comprises all Stoke Damerel parish, and was incorporated by royal charter in 1837;
but the parliamentary borough includes also East Stonehouse, and was created by
the Reform Act of 1832, and vested with the privilege of sending two members to
Parliament.
In the reign of George ll., immense barriers and fortifications around
the town were raised, and in 1725, the town became the seat of the military, as
well as the naval government of the port of Plymouth. The "King's Boundary Walls"
constitute lines of fortifications, 12 feet high, on the north and south-east. The
walls of the Dock Wharf are in some places 30 feet high; and those of the Gun Wharf
protect the town on the north-west.
The heavy batteries,
on the delightful parade called Mount Wise, were designed to protect the entrance from
the sea; and the redoubt and block house on Mount Pleasant, to command the capital
of the lines, within which are extensive Barracks, the Government House, the Port
Admiral's House, &c., as noticed at page 646.
There are other fortifications, among
which, without the walls, is a breastwork, with a ditch from 12 to 20 feet deep,
excavated from the solid slate and limestone rock. About 1810, Government commenced
the expensive work of remodelling and strengthening these fortifications, but, on
being inspected by the Duke of Wellington, in 1816, he pronounced them to be useless
as a means of defence, and they were consequently left in an unfinished state.
In
the lines are two barrier gates, one leading to Morice-Town, and the floating bridge
which crosses the Tamar; and the other leading to Stoke. There are guard houses
and draw-bridges at these gates, but the approach from Stonehouse, which is the
principal thoroughfare, is without gates; being left unfinished when the works were
relinquished, in 1816.
The streets being all modern, are generally straight, spacious,
and well-built. Fore street, St. Aubyn street, Duke street, and many other of the
principal thoroughfares are lined with good houses and neat and well-stocked shops;
and the footpaths being paved with limestone from the neighbouring quarries, the
pedestrian literally walks on marble, which speedily becomes so much polished as
to have a beautiful variegated appearance, when washed by heavy rain.
The town is well supplied with water, and lighted with gas, and was called Plymouth
Dock till 1823, when the inhabitants sent a petition to George IV., praying that
the name of the town might be changed to Devonport, or such other appellation as
his Majesty might deem proper. In answer to this petition, the King directed that
on and after the 1st of January, 1824, the town should be called Devonport, and
on that day the inhabitants paraded the streets in triumphal procession, and proclaimed
the new name in all public places. A general subscription was also entered into,
for the purpose of erecting a
COLUMN, commemorative of the event. This handsome
column cost £2750, and stands near the Town-Hall, upon a rock, which rises 22 feet
above the pavement, and is ascended by a flight of steps. Including the plinths
and foundation rock, the entire elevation of the column is 125 feet. On the upper
plinth, which is nine feet high, are panels for inscriptions; and within the shaft,
which is fluted, and of the Grecian Doric order, is a spiral staircase, leading
to a balcony on the summit of the capital, which is surrounded by elegant iron railing,
and commands extensive views over the town, the harbours, and the adjacent country.
The whole is constructed of granite of a very superior quality, and was intended
to have been crowned by a colossal statue of George IV., which would be a grand
finish to the structure.
The town is much higher than Stonehouse and Plymouth, but
descends to the shore of the broad and extensive harbour of Hamoaze, through which
the waters of the river Tamar fall into Plymouth Sound. (See pages 643-'4) Though
generally considered clean and healthy, it suffered severely from cholera in 1849,
as noticed at page 639. It is well supplied with water, in connexion with Stonehouse,
Stoke, &c., by the Water Works Company, which was incorporated by Act of Parliament,
in 1723. It had been previously attempted to obtain water from the Plymouth Leat,
but this being refused, the Devonport Leat was formed, and may be occasionally seen
in close companionship with that of Plymouth, as it pursues its winding course of
37 miles, from its source in the wild region of Dartmoor. The principal reservoir
is at Higher Stoke, whence an abundant supply of water is sent in iron pipes to
Devonport, Stonehouse, the Dockyard, Gun Wharf, &c. The
Devonport Gas Plant Leasing Co. have their works at Keyham, and lease them to the
Devonport Gas and Coke Company, who now hold them at the yearly rent of £650, which
yields an annual dividend of six per cent. to the owners of the works.
In the 21st
of George III., an act was obtained for paving, cleansing, and watching the streets,
and for removing nuisances, and regulating coaches, &c., in the town and suburbs.
This act gave place to another act, obtained in 1814, which vested the paving, cleansing,
and lighting; the regulation of coaches, porters, &c.; and also the maintenance
of the poor of the parish of Stoke Damerel, in a body of 150 commissioners, to be
chosen from amongst the inhabitants.
The Market Place is in the heart of the town,
and belongs to the lords of the manor, to whom it yields a considerable annual rent.
It is abundantly supplied with butter, poultry, flesh, fish, fruit, vegetables,
&c., especially on the three market days - Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; but
it is not a mart for either corn or cattle, though the Market Act, passed in 1835,
has a clause for the establishment of a grain market. The poultry and butter market
is in an extensive loft over the shambles. A pleasure fair is held in the town on
Whit-Monday. The Customs' and Inland Revenue establishments here are branches of
those at Plymouth. (See pages 648-'9.) The large Bonding Warehouses on the Quay
at Mutton Cove were erected in 1846-7, by a company of merchants and traders, at
the cost of about £1450.
There are excellent Wharfs at Richmond walk, North corner,
and Morice Town. A Coal Association has large stores here, and vessels are in constant
communication with London, Wales, &c. The United General Bread and Flour Company
has many members here, but its office is in Stonehouse. There are in the town three
banks, a large ironfoundry, several breweries and malting-houses, boat yards, roperies,
&c.; but the chief scene of bustle is the great Naval Dockyard, as noticed at pages
644-'5. The Rowing Regatta, in summer, is a source of great attraction, and a large
number of finely built boats usually compete for the valuable prize cup, presented
by her Majesty, as well as for the premium of £5, presented to the builder of the
best rowing gig.
The Royal Hotel and the London Hotel, in Fore street, are large
and commodious establishments; and the former has a spacious Assembly Room, in which
balls, concerts, and exhibitions are frequently held. Here are also several other
large and well-conducted inns, and many respectable lodging-houses.
The
POST-OFFICE is a chaste and handsome building, erected in 1849, from the designs
of that eminent architect, G. Wightwick, Esq., to whose skill the three towns are
indebted for the beauty and convenience of several other public edifices. This Post
Office belongs to a company of shareholders, and cost only about £1700, though it
has an elegant semi-circular portico, or rotunda, after the Tivoli example of the
Corinthian order, and forming a complete circle within.
The
TOWN-HALL was erected in 1821-'2, at the cost of nearly £3000, raised by subscription,
in shares, which have been nearly all paid off by a sinking fund. It was designed
by Mr. John Foulston, after the style of the Parthenon at Athens. The portico exhibits
four massive columns, of fine Doric order; and on the entablature, over the entrance,
has been placed a fine figure of Britannia. In the recess is flight of steps, leading
to the hall, which is 75 feet long, 45 broad, and 31 in height; and is finished
by a handsome cornice, and provided with suitable benches, &c., for the magistrates,
all of which can be removed when the room is required for any large public meeting.
It is decorated with several fine portraits, including those of George I., II.,
and III.; Queens Charlotte and Caroline, Wm IV., and Sir Edw. Codrington. The building
also contains the overseers' office, the council chamber, police station and prison,
committee rooms, apartments for the town-sergeant, &c. The Quarter and Petty Sessions
for the borough
are held here, and the Town-Council are about to erect a large new Prison, at the
cost of about £11,000, with cells, &c., for 44 male offenders, 12 females, and 14
debtors. Prisoners from Stonehouse will also be sent to it by the magistrates of
Roborough Division, who hold petty sessions here, and to whom Mr. A.B. Bone is clerk.
As already noticed, the Municipal Borough of Devonport was incorporated by royal
charter in 1837, and divided into six wards, and placed under the control of a mayor,
12 aldermen, and 36 councillors, with a recorder, town clerk, and other officers,
of whom the following is the present list, together with the Borough Magistrates:-
MAYOR
Edward St. Aubyn, Esq.
RECORDER
John Greenwood, Esq.
BOROUGH MAGISTRATES
Edward St. Aubyn
John Beer, jun.
Wm. Hodge
Wm. Hancock
Jonth. Ramsey, sen
Cornls. Tripe
G. F. Somerville
Edw. Abbott
Thos. Sanders
Timothy Carew
Geo. Glasson
Saml. Kerswill
Jno. Williams, Esqrs.
ALDERMEN
Edw. St Aubyn
Robert Rundle
John Beer, sen
Uriah Row
Matthew Scott
Thos. Husband
Wm Chapman
Henry T. Smith
John Beer, jun
James Willing
J.W.W. Ryder
Peter Best
COUNCILLORS
Morice Ward
Thomas Rutter
W. Greenwood, jun
Thomas W. Ryder
Joseph C. Gill
Albert Smith
Geo. Reuben Bush
St. Aubyn Ward<
M.W. Jeffrey, sen
John C. Hancock
Thos. H. Hawker
John Symons
Samuel Oram
Wm. Richards
St John's Ward
Cornelius Tripe
Henry K Bamber
Edward Abbott
John Little
John Weary
Robert Bridgeland
Clowance Ward
James Halse
Joseph Arnold
Thomas Rundle
Henry V. Harris
Saml. P. Jackson
Alex. Haldane
Tamar Ward
Wm. O. Cox
Abm. Beard
Rd. E. Knowling
Frederick Row
Richard B. Oram
Samuel Brooking
Stoke Ward
John Williams
Wm. Hole Evans
Timothy Carew
Edward W. Foster
Wm. Hancock
T. W. Liscombe
Town Clerk Thomas Woollcombe. Esq.
Clerk of the Peace George Henry Ellery Rundle, Esq.
Coroner and Clerk to the Magistrates, Allan Belfield Bone, Esq.
Treasurer, A.C. Bone 11 Sergeant-at-Mace, James Day.
Police Superintendent, Wm. Brockington.
The Municipal Borough comprises only the Parish of Stoke Damerel, but the
PARLIAMENTARY
BOROUGH includes also the Parish of East Stonehouse, and is one of the new boroughs
created by the Reform Act of 1832. The number of parliamentary voters is about 2000,
and their present representatives are Sir Jno. Romilly and Hy. Tuffnell, Esq.
CHURCHES, &c.
The Parish of Stoke Damerel comprises about 1810 acres of land, mostly belonging
to the devisees of the late Sir John St. Aubyn, and let on liberal building leases,
as noticed at page 696. It had 23,747 inhabitants in 1801, and 33,820 in 1841, and
comprises the town of Devonport, and the handsome and populous suburbs of
LOWER
and HIGHER STOKE, on the north-east, and that of
MORICE TOWN on the north, near
the extensive Government Steam Yard. (See page 646.) These suburbs are only separated
from Devonport by the lines of fortifications, and the government ground in front;
and they comprise many streets, rows, fine terraces of neat houses and villas, as
well as some large mansions, of more than ordinary architectural character. Higher
Stoke occupies an elevated site, and both it and Lower Stoke have greatly increased
in buildings and population during the last ten years. Many of the inhabitants in
these pleasant adjoining suburbs are naval and military officers, on retired or
half-pay, and others are retired merchants and tradesmen. Morice Town derived its
name from the Morice family, who were formerly lords of the manor of Stoke, which
at Domesday Survey belonged to the Damerels, and afterwards passed to the Courtenay,
Wise, and Morice families. From the latter it passed to the St Aubyns, its present
owners.
The
PARISH CHURCH is at Lower Stoke, near the Military Hospital, about three-quarters
of a mile from Devonport. It is an ancient structure, which seems to have originally
consisted only of one aisle, with a tower of handsome workmanship. The increase
of population occasioned a second aisle to be erected in the early part of last
century; and a third aisle was added about 1750. By these additions, what was at
first the breadth has now become the length of the building. The interior is conveniently
fitted up for a large congregation, and on the west side is a spacious gallery,
furnished with an organ. On the walls are many neat monuments, and the churchyard
is crowded with grave stones, &c., though it is very spacious, and was considerably
enlarged about 30 years ago. The rectory, valued in K.B. at £18. 8s. 9d., is in
the patronage of the Devisees of the late Sir John St. Aubyn, and incumbency of
the Rev. W.J. St. Aubyn, who has a good residence. The tithes were commuted, in
1840, for £628 per annum. The advowson was granted by Charles II. to Sir Wm. Morice,
from whom it passed to the St. Aubyns.
ST. MICHAEL'S CHAPEL OF EASE stands near the junction of Stoke and Morice Town,
at Navy row, and is a handsome structure, in the lancet Gothic style, erected in
1843, at the cost of £4000, raised by subscription. The stone was given by Government.
The interior is neatly fitted up with 1200 sittings, many of which are free. The
curacy is in the patronage of the Rector, and incumbency of the Rev. R. Gardner,
M.A.
St. James's in Morice Town is a new district church, now building at the west end
of Navy row. The first stone was laid July 25th, 1849, and the building will cost
about £6000, of which £4000 has been contributed by the Lords of the Admiralty,
in consideration of a great number of sittings being free for the use of the numerous
workmen employed in the Government Steam Yard, &c. It will consist of a nave, two
aisles, and a porch, with a handsome tower and spire on the south side; and will
be in the decorated pointed style, from designs by James Piers St. Aubyn, Esq.,
the architect. The perpetual curacy was established by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners
in 1846, and is in the patronage of the Crown and Bishop alternately, and in the
incumbency of the Rev. W.B. Killpack, M.A.
The following five churches are in Devonport, and the three last-named are district churches.
ST. AUBYN CHAPEL, in Chapel street, is a large and handsome building, which was
erected under the powers of an act of Parliament, in 1771, at the cost of £7000,
raised by subscription. It forms an oblong square, and contains three aisles, with
galleries at the sides and west end. The entrance is beneath a well-designed portico,
above which rises an octagonal spire. The interior is neatly fitted up, and most
of the pews are private property. The benefice is a perpetual curacy, valued at
£117, in the patronage of the Rector of Stoke Damerel, and incumbency of the Rev.
S. Rundle, M.A.
ST. JOHN'S CHAPEL is a large fabric, in Duke street, and ranks as the second episcopal
place of worship erected in Devonport. It was built under the authority of an act
of Parliament, in 1779, at the cost of about £7700, raised by subscription. The
tower, which is surmounted by a cupola on granite pillars, is heavy and disproportioned;
but the neatness and elegance of the interior in a great measure compensate for
these defects. It has about 1500 sittings, mostly private property. The ceiling,
90 feet long and 70 broad, is remarkable for its ingenious construction, being unsupported
by a single pillar. The Rector of Stoke Damerel. is patron of the perpetual curacy,
which is now held by the Rev. James Lampen, M.A.
St. Paul's District Church is now building in Morice square, by subscription and
grants, and will be smaller than St. James', but in the same style. The first stone
was laid July 25th, 1849, and the building will have sittings for about 400 adults
and 320 children. The perpetual curacy is in the
alternate patronage of the Crown and Bishop, and the Rev. John Adams, M.A., was inducted
as the first incumbent in 1846.
St. Mary's District Church, now building by subscription and grants, in James street,
will have about 800 sittings, and will be in the decorated pointed style, with a
tower and spire, rising at the west end of the south aisle, to the height of 122
feet. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Crown and Bishop
alternately, and now in the incumbency of the Rev. T.C. Childs, B.A.
St. Stephen's District now occupies a licensed room in Clowance street, and is the
fourth ecclesiastical district formed in the parish of Stoke Damerel in 1846, under
the statute 6 and 7 Vic., cap. 37; and it is hoped that it will not be long without
a church, since the pressing appeals which the Bishop and Clergy have lately made
to the public in behalf of the "spiritual destitution of Devonport," have been so
liberally answered in the other districts. St. Stephen's District has about 3000
inhabitants, half of whom are too poor to pay for church accommodation. The Crown
and Bishop have the alternate patronage of the perpetual curacy, now enjoyed by
the Rev. G.W. Proctor, M.A.
There is a handsome Chapel in the Dock Yard, as noticed at pages 644-5.
There are in Devonport and the rest of the parish of Stoke, seventeen
DISSENTING
CHAPELS, viz., four belonging to the Wesleyans, in Morice street, Monument street,
Morice Town, and Higher Stoke; two to Independents, in Princess street and Mount
street; three to Calvinists, in Ker street, Granby street, and South street; two
to Baptists, in Morice square and Pembroke street; the Unitarian Chapel, in Granby
street; the Moravian Chapel, in James street; Tabernacle Chapel, in Gloucester street;
Providence Chapel, at Stoke; the Bible Christian Chapel, in King street; and Salem
Chapel, in Navy row. Sunday Schools, and Bible, Tract, Missionary, and other Religious
Institutions, are supported by the congregations of the churches and chapels.
Devonport Mechanics' Institute
was established in 1825, and had so prospered in
1843, that it erected a handsome building in Duke street, at the cost of about £1400;
to which it added a larger building in 1849, at the cost of nearly £2500. The twin
buildings are in the Italian style, and comprise a lecture hall which will hold
1000 persons; a large subscription news room, a number of class rooms, a museum,
and a library of more than 3000 volumes. The institution has about 800 members,
and has weekly lectures during eight months of the year, and various evening classes.
One of its late vice-presidents, Mr. John Thomas Towson, has lately rendered essential
service to navigation by his "Tables to facilitate the practice of Great Circle
Sailing," published by the Admiralty in 1848; and by the means he afterwards devised
of applying these Tables to the computation of azimuths. These valuable tables are
now extensively used by most maritime nations, and the use of them has been the
means of greatly shortening the voyages to Australia, New Zealand, &c.
The Public Library and News-room occupy a handsome building in Ker street, erected
in 1823, in the Egyptian style, at the cost of about £1500. The library comprises
more than 4000 volumes of useful and valuable works; and the news room in spacious
and well supplied. The institution has a valuable mineralogical collection, presented
by the late Sir John St. Aubyn, Bart. There is a news room at Mr. Colman's, in Fore
street; and there are in the town several circulating libraries. Three weekly newspapers
are published here. The Assembly Rooms are at the Royal Hotel, and the Theatre is
a large plain building in Cumberland street. The Royal Clarence Sea Baths, on the
pleasant beach, near Richmond walk, were established many years ago by Mr. R.O.
Backwell, but now belong to Mr. Applin. Hot, cold, shower, vapour and swimming baths,
and also improved machines on the beautiful
beach, in front of Mount Edgcumbe, are always ready. There are in the town and suburbs
several highly respectable and ably-conducted Boarding and Day Schools, one of which
is the Classical and Mathematical school, formerly supported on the proprietary
system, and now conducted by J.G. Jonas, B.A., Esq.
SCHOOLS AND CHARITIES
The National Schools in St. John street were built in 1809, and are now attended
by about 200 boys and 80 girls, the latter of whom are partly clothed. In various
parts of the town and suburbs are several other public schools, supported by members
of the established church; and others supported by dissenters; and in Cornwall street
are Ragged and Evening Schools. Devonport United Mathematical and Commercial School
was established in 1830, by the artizans of the Dock Yard, and its pupils pay from
3d. to 7 1/2d. each per week. The Royal Naval and Military Free Schools, for the
education of the children of seamen and soldiers, are in King street, and are in
three department for boys, girls, and infants. They are liberally supported by subscription,
under the patronage of Her Majesty, who is also patroness of the Royal British Female
Orphan Asylum, which now occupies a large building, lately erected for its use,
at Stoke, at the cost of £3200. This excellent charity was established in 1839,
and is supported by subscriptions and donations, for the instruction and maintenance
of about 60 female orphan children of sailors, soldiers, or poor civilians. It receives
and expends annually upwards of £1000, part of which is received for the board of
children sent by the subscribers to the Dock Yard Orphan Fund, established in 1848.
Devonport and Stonehouse General Dispensary, and Institution for Diseases of the
Eye and Ear, was established in 1815, when a building was erected for its use in
Chapel St., at the cost of £800, of which £100 was the gift of Ann Spearing. It
is supported by subscriptions, donations, and the gratuitous services of two physicians
and six surgeons. Here is a Lying-in-Charity, a Benevolent Society, a Humane Institution,
and various other charities for relieving the distressed poor. In 1834, Mr. R.T.
Spearman left £12,000 to be applied, after the death of certain parties, in founding
an Almshouse for poor women above the age of 60, and members of the established
church. Four poor widows of shipwrights have the dividends of £600 three per cent.
consols, left by J. Chambers, in 1787. The poor parishioners have 10s. yearly from
Rawlin's Charity, and also the dividends of £555 three per cent. consols, purchased
with £500 left by John Williams, for a distribution of food and clothing at Christmas.
In 1829 Mr. T. Crapp left £5000 to be vested in trust after, the death of certain
persons, (some of whom are still living,) for the following uses, viz., the interest
of £4000 to be divided yearly among six poor men and six poor women; the interest
of £500 to be applied in aid of the Lancasterian School; and the interest of the
other £500 to be applied at the discretion of the trustees. The Military Hospital,
at Stoke, is noticed at page 648.
The
UNION SAVINGS' BANK was established in 1818, and now occupies a handsome building
in Chapel street. It is under the patronage of the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, and in
November, 1849, had a surplus fund of £9345, and deposits amounting to £372,811,
belonging to 11,601 depositors. It has also invested about £74,000 in the purchase
of government life annuities. The Royal Naval Savings' Bank has about £40,700 belonging
to 1048 depositors, 7 Charitable Societies, and 3 Friendly Societies. It is held
in a large and elegant building in Ker street, belonging to the Royal Naval Annuitant
Society, which was established in 1823, and has branches in Portsmouth, London,
and Bath. Since its establishment this annuitant society has received £277,000,
and has paid in annuities £118,740. Capt. G.F. Somerville is the actuary. There
is a Savings' Bank in the Dock Yard, of which Mr. R. Scott is the actuary; and at
39, St. Aubyn st., is a Branch of the Western Provident Association, (noticed at
page 119) of which Mr. W.R.D. Gilbert is secretary. Here are also two Investment
and Building Societies; two Lodges of Freemasons; several Friendly Societies, &c.;
and in Fore street is a Temperance Hall, erected in 1849.
The
WORKHOUSE for the parish of Stoke Damerel, which includes Devonport, is under
the control of the Commissioners of the local act of Parliament, as noticed at page
698. It is an old building, in the centre of the town, and has been enlarged at
various periods; but being very inconvenient and too small for the present wants
of the parish, it is about to give place to a commodious New Workhouse, now building
on the Saltash road, nearly two miles from the town. This building will have room
for 500 paupers; and attached to it will be a Lunatic Asylum, large enough for 35
inmates. There have been as many as 470 paupers crowded in the old workhouse. The
expenditure of the parish for the maintenance of the poor was £10,358 in 1838, and
£9841 in 1848. The Commissioners are numerous, as already stated, and Mr. John Beer,
jun. is their clerk; Mr. James, and Mrs. Lancaster, are governor and matron of the
Workhouse; James Babb, assistant overseer; James Lancaster, jun., relieving officer;
and Miss A. C. Bone treasurer. Many of the inhabitants have recently petitioned
to have the parish placed under the provisions of the New Poor Law. Mr. J. Elms
is superintendent registrar; and W. Stonelake and J.T. Towson are registrars of
marriages. The registrars of births and deaths are Messrs. J.T. Towson, F. Pascoe,
J. Gedye, J. Bath, and W.M. Rickard.
DEVONPORT, STOKE DAMEREL, AND MORICE-TOWN DIRECTORY.
The
POST-OFFICE occupies an elegant building, erected in 1849, at the junction of
fore street and Chapel street. Letters are received and despatched three times a
day, via Plymouth; and money orders are granted and paid. Mr. J.W. coffin is the
post-master. There are receiving boxes at Morice-Town and Stoke.
MISCELLANY of Gentry, clergy, Partners in Firms, and
others, not arranged in the
Classification of Trades and Professions.
Those marked 's', are in Stoke; 'm', Morice Town; and the others in Devonport, or where
specified. Marked * are Master Mariners.
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