Introduction

After the early death of their father, Thomas, Robert and James Dommett were raised by their widowed mother, who ran a dairy at Norton Fitzwarren. Thomas has not been traced after April 1861, but Robert became a baker, while James became an innkeeper and commercial traveller at Taunton and later a grocer in Bedminster. Robert briefly worked at Hardington Moor as a baker before returning to Norton Fitzwarren. His life story provides an example of the power of newspaper advertisements to attract potential employees from outside the local area.

Childhood

Robert was born at Hillfarrance in 1848,  the second of three sons born to James and Mary Anne Dommett. At that time, his father was a butcher. Shortly after Robert’s birth, the family moved to Mary Anne’s home parish of Norton Fitzwarren, where they lived at Home Place. James worked as a dairyman but died in July 1851 at the age of 32.

Mary Anne continued to run the dairy with the help of her brother, Thomas Chappell. She did not remarry. By April 1871, Robert’s brothers, Thomas and James, had left home, but Robert remained, working as a baker.

Brief spell at Hardington

During the winter of 1876/77, Robert was employed as a baker by Albert George Squire at Hardington Moor. Robert obtained the job by responding to an advertisement placed by Squire in November 1876, which sought “a steady, respectable man for the bakehouse.” However, it did not work out, and in February 1877, Robert advertised to find new employment.[2] The wording of his advertisement suggests that his departure was amicable and open.

Return to Norton Fitzwarren

After his time at Hardington, Robert returned home. In April 1881, he was a baker living with his widowed mother. By April 1891, Robert’s mother was living alone, but Robert’s whereabouts are unknown.

References

[1] Bridgwater Mercury, 22 November 1876, p.4.

[2] Western Mail, 9 February 1877, p.2.