Pillar of the Devonport community
0 Comments | Plymouth Evening Herald, The, Jul 29, 2010
I CYCLED around Devonport recently, and was particularly interested in the developments of Ker Street and Mount Wise.
I wanted to take photos and carry out research for my children and current and future members of my family.
The Greep, Griggs and Hobbs have been residents in Devonport for at least 200 years.
My husband grew up in Ker Street and attended Ker Street Infant School, next to Devonport Column.
I came across Devonport Column and the gateway to it while on my travels.
Inside the gateway, as you will see from my picture, it is not at all looked after and seems to have been used as a rubbish bin by some people.
After doing more research, I discovered the history behind the column.
I found that it represents the renaming of Devonport from its previous name of Plymouth Dock.
The more I see how it is being abused and neglected, the more annoyed I become.
I have visited the Devonport in New Zealand and know that there is a Devonport in Tasmania and other countries, all named after our original Devonport.
I feel that as the original, residents here could be made aware of its story and history, and that it should be respected and cared for as a significant piece of our local history. To me, it is clearly of international interest and importance.
I really just want to raise awareness of the story to achieve the above and would be pleased to help in any way.