Image Ref : MF 0023.tif

Mansion

The Mansion in Fore Street. In November 1983 the ivy was removed. Pineapple on plinth outside the Mansion. No railings in this picture. Prior to 1800 the site was occupied by two properties. The lower end consisting of a dwelling house and orchard and at one time in the occupancy of Henry Jones- Totnes Mayor 1637 & 1651. The upper portion occupied by a Presbyterian Chapel (known as the Lower Meeting House). Under the old chapel two nonconformist ministers were buried. Later in the possession of Giles Welsford (he was said to have made a good deal of money by making candles for navy ships) who took down the house and the old chapel and built on the double site the Mansion which now stands. It went through several hands (see the History of King Edward V1 Grammar School Totnes) until the property was purchased from a Mr Kelland by the Grammar School Governors. The Mansion was purchased for £1700 by the Grammar School Governors and the school opened in May 1887 with 20-30 boys.