The Reverend George Dowty

George Dowty was born in 1817 in Stourport Hamlet near Kidderminster to Thomas & Rachel Dowty.

He was a forefather to Sir George Dowty.

Although born into a Wesleyan Methodist household George entered the Anglican ministry. After a period living in the IOM he became a Curate in Shoreditch and then in Shepton Mallett.

Finally he became the Rector at St Mary’s Stockleigh English in Devon.

St Mary’s Church

At the rear of the Church is a prominently displayed plaque acknowledging the work of the Rev George Dowty and showing his advice to be Thankful, Trustful and Hopeful.

St Mary’s Church – The inscription acknowledging the Rev George Dowty ; a forefather of Sir George Dowty

He married in 1843 Mary Emily Gressin of London .

Shown below is an extract from the Plymouth & Exeter Gazette

The energetic Rector of Stockleigh English Parish Church the Rev George Dowty is making an appeal for the restoration of the Parish Church.

Reference to our advertising columns will show that the work has commended itself to a distinguished Churchman in Devonshire, and after forty years of hard work the Rector does not despair of the attainment of his purpose but is is “thankful , trustful, hopeful”.

During the month of August the “ golden” month special services are being held and offerings will be devoted to the tower and the bells.

“I am quite alone in my work – this is my last struggle” writes the Rev Dowty and he is hopeful that some genial hands outside the Parish will aid him in his work.

Forty two years after the Rev Dowty’s passing in 1889 a descendant – also called George – commenced his life’s work .

Sir George Dowty

At his passing in 1975 he left behind a world renowned engineering concern, had created significant employment and served the nation in wartime and peace.

He demonstrated the same characteristics as his illustrious ancestor – ever thankful, trustful and hopeful.

December 2023

We had a full house for our Carol Concert tonight and a magnificent berry covered Holly as our Christmas Tree, cut from our Walled Garden.