In November 1890, Richard Trott was a dairy manager at Bridge Close Farm. He placed an advert in the Western Gazette stating that he wanted re-engagement to manage a dairy of 40 to 60 cows, adding, “Best cheese and butter makers. Good references.”

Early life in Devon

Richard Trott, the son of William and Sarah Trott, was born at Clyst Honiton in about 1830. In March 1851, he was a farm labourer at Cuckford, Stockland, living with his uncle, Henry Trott, a farmer of 100 acres.

Life in London

On 7 April 1853, Richard married Lydia Larcombe at All Saints, Caledonian Road, Islington. He was a porter resident at 7 Salisbury Terrace, Caledonian Road. Lydia’s address was 3 Half Moon Crescent, Caledonian Road. However, she was the daughter of John Larcombe, a Crewkerne dairyman.

Life as a dairyman

Richard and Lydia returned to the West Country, where they initially lived near Lydia’s home town of Crewkerne. They adopted dairying as their work and way of life, working in many different places in Devon, Somerset and Dorset.

Richard and Lydia lived at Woolminstone, Crewkerne, until about 1860. In April 1861, Richard was a dairyman at Kilmington, Devon. From 1862 to about 1868, he was at Wayford and, in 1870, at Haselbury. A succession of other positions followed.

April 1871- a dairyman at West Chinnock;

April 1881-a dairyman at Shroton Farm, Iwerne Courtney.

November 1890-a dairy manager at Bridge Close Farm, Hardington.

April 1891- a dairy manager at Eggardon, Askerswell.

October 1893-at North Perrott.

March 1901-dairy manager at Caundle Bishop

September 1906-at Bound Lane Farm, Leigh.

Lydia died at North Perrott on 11 October 1893, aged 63.

Richard died at Leigh on 29 September 1906, aged 76. He was interred with his wife at North Perrott.

Richard did not leave a will. However, in 1913, the Blandford probate registry granted letters of administration to his daughter, Edna. His estate was valued at £319-6s-8d.

Richard and Lydia’s family was a tightly knit unit dedicated to butter and cheese production. Their son, Henry, and daughter, Edna, worked as part of this unit until their father died and, indeed, afterwards. In April 1911, Henry and his brother, Emmor, were dairymen at Yetminster, and their sisters, Edna and Eva, lived with them.