Image Ref : MF 0019.tif

Cuming Saddler c1900

Mr Richard Cuming stands outside his saddlers and leather show shop at 57 High Street (built c1860) In 1890 Mr Cuming, saddler, was at 103 High Street. In 1890 Mrs Ann Oldrey, glass, china etc dealer at 57 High Street. Richard Cuming was born about 1865 at Higher Cumery, Bigbury, the son of Garland Cuming, a farmer of 70 acres. By 1881 Richard is a saddlers apprentice to a George Adam Crimp of South Brent. 1901 sees Richard, then age 36, living at 57 High Street and working as a saddler & harness maker. He has a wife, 2 sons and 2 daughters. In 1911 Richard's son George Squire White Cuming, age 21, has joined his father in the business. Richard and his wife Priscilla have been married for 25 years. Richard Cuming dies 2nd March 1927 leaving £5982. His second son, Richard William Cuming dies in 1945 on war service. The business at 57 High Street closed in 1918 with the advent of the motor car. Richard's son George ran the newsagents T/A Taylors across the road at 56 High Street which in turn his son Sidney Garland Cuming took over from him. The Joint City and Midland Bank bought the saddlers shop at 57 High Street in September and dug foundations to create the vaults