We were delighted to be contacted by Robert Devonald whose family connections to Rosemarket date back generations and continue today. Now living with his wife Laraine in Northumberland, Robert has early-childhood memories of living in the village and has kindly agreed to share some of them with us.
“I am Robert John Devonald and I was born in 1950 in Alma House (Middle Street, Rosemarket) to parents Leslie John Rees Devonald and Rosemary Joy Devonald. I also had two younger sisters, Susan and Elizabeth. Sadly, Susan died in March 2024.
I was baptised in St Ismael’s Church in Rosemarket in 1951.
Robert's Baptism Certificate (St Ismael's Church, 1951)
I remember enjoying farm life and learnt a lot about it – my uncle, Sidney Devonald, had a farm nearby and would always let me help him with the milking of the cows and then we would leave the full milk churns at the end of the lane to be collected. I loved to help with lots of odd jobs around the farm. I also remember playing cricket with other children from the village in the large concrete yard near the farm house.
Today, Sidney’s farm, known as ‘Big House Farm’ is the site of Ty’n Y Coed Care Home.
I lived in Alma House with my family for 4 years before moving to Newport, Monmouthshire. Despite being such a young child, I have fond memories of my time in Rosemarket.
Mum and dad
My dad, Leslie, lived on a farm when he was young, with his parents Thomas & Mary Devonald, who eventually purchased and moved into Alma House.
Dad enjoyed riding and was quite often seen around Rosemarket on his horse.
In later years, dad played cricket for Rosemarket.
Leslie Devonald, Rosemarket (late 1930s)
In 1947, whilst he was training to become a vet, both of dad’s parents died, within just a few months of each other - Mary on 15th April (aged 50) and Thomas on 3rd October (aged 51). They are buried together in the Chapel graveyard in Middle Street.
On finishing his training at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, London, dad joined the staff of Messrs Nisbet and Co, Haverfordwest, moving later to become a ministry vet in England. He finally made his home in Northumberland where he was the county vet, although he never lost his love of Rosemarket by keeping in touch with old school friends.
My mum, Rosemary, was a school teacher prior to becoming a housewife and mother.
In later years, mum and dad returned to Rosemarket, visiting Alma House and reconnecting with old friends including Jim and Barbara Summons. Their last visit to Rosemarket was in 2005.
Dad passed away in October 2010 (aged 84), followed by Mum in April 2022 (aged 96).”
Rosemary & Leslie Devonald, with 'Spot' the Jack Russell (mid 1990s)
Robert continues to research his family background and has recently made connections with members of his extended family in Rosemarket. Robert is keen to hear from anyone who remembers him or his family. He can be contacted through Rosemarket Local History Society via email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.