Plymouth’s history as the three towns of Plymouth, East Stonehouse, and Devonport that were amalgamated in 1914 is well known, but Devonport’s nationalism and pride stretches beyond this.
By the late 18th century Stoke Damerel was one of England’s most important port towns, the largest West of Bristol, and had outgrown its two neighbouring towns Plymouth and Stonehouse. This was a great source of pride for residents, but by the early 1800s Stoke Damerel was constantly being mistakenly referred to as Plymouth Docks. Residents petitioned to the King for a change of name and that Stoke Damerel no longer be associated with Plymouth.
This was accepted and came into effect on New Years Day 1824. The town was renamed Devonport, fitting its presence as the most important port of Devon.
At the end of its bicentennial year, Plymouth Auction Rooms is pleased to have in its New Years Day Sale a blue Jasperware bowl commemorating this moment in Plymouth and Devonport’s history. Made by William Adams & Sons, the bowl features Plymouth and the New Devonport’s heraldry on opposite sides.
