THE COOMBES FAMILY HISTORY
Other connected family names are Sibley, Shepherd and Watts.

Herbert Coombes and Gladys Watts Wedding 1924	The Coombes family	Walter James Coombes grave at Ilminster, Somerset

The Coombes family came from Ilminster in Somerset. Walter James Coombes (1873-1955) married Mary Elizabeth Sibley (1874-1946).

They had nine children, two who died in infancy:
Thomas William (1895-1956)
Jesse Charles (1896-1980)
Herbert James (1897-1967)
Percival George (1899- 1969)
Edith Maud (1901-1901)
Ernest Edward (1902 - 1969)
Dorcas Ethel (1904- 1979)
Kathleen Mary (1907-1908)
Walter Benjamin (1910 - 1941)

Herbert James (one of the sons) married Gladys Bessie Watts. Their wedding photo is above and maybe you recognise somebody.

The building firm W. Coombes and Sons Ltd. was started by Walter J Coombes in 1871. Not to be confused with Walter James (mentioned above) who was a son! The firm is currently run by a great grandson.

Thomas William (the eldest son) during his lifetime lived at Whitestanton Manor near Chard and Farringdon House near Exeter. He was a chauffeur for the Putnam family at Farringdon House and maybe also the same job at Whitestanton Manor.

Do you have any information about Whitestanton Manor in the mid to late 1920's, or Farringdon House from 1929 to 1935?

Are you related to any of the names listed above?
Please contact me to exchange information.