The Nott bequest

In November 2017, DRA was contacted by Julian Nott of Santa Barbara, California. Julian's great grandfather, Robert Nott, was Chief Accountant of the Bristol and Exeter Railway.  An ancestor of Robert, William Nott, was believed to have farmed at North Tawton. 

Sadly Julian Nott passed away in March 2019, following an accident related to his profession, test pilot of scientific balloons. Subsequently his widow very kindly donated to DRA Robert's B&ER watchchain fob and railway pass, and paintings of Robert and William.

The 2 paintings are currently awaiting re-framing prior to display at the station.

Robert Nott's entry in the GWR register of clerks (below, bottom row), shows he was based at Bristol and started in January 1876 on a salary of £500 pa, having previously worked for the Bristol and Exeter Railway from May 1st 1849. He retired in January 1894 on £125 pa. He was born on Dec 21st 1820 and died on Dec 12th 1903.

Robert Nott's B&ER watchchain fob and railway pass.

Painting of Robert Nott, by Charles Ernest Butler (1864-1933), a noted English painter.

William Nott, looking a bit like George Washington

Robert Nott's entry in the GWR clerical register.

Photograph of Robert Nott

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