Pictures

William Thomas, the son of John Davy Thomas of Pilton, was initially a schoolmaster at Shirwell School and at Swimbridge, and then at Heanton where he was the first master of the Board School. He married Miss Pickard of Glebe Farm (we think this must be her), Shirwell. He later acquired the restaurant business of William Gaydon in Joy Street, Barnstaple. In 1890 he rebuilt the block of premises then known as the Waverley Hotel & Restaurant in Joy Street, Barnstaple. William Thomas died in October 1915 and the business was carried on by William and Charles, his two sons.

To learn more about his father, John Davy Thomas, follow this link:

http://vimp.thepiltonstory.org/picture/The-Story-of-27-and-27a-Pilton-St...

Thanks to Michael Carrington for providing the photograph and more of the story of the Thomas family.