Dommett, Mr Robert

Singer

Collection date: Aug 1907

Area: Somerset - Taunton District

---

Mr Robert Dommett of Pitminster (1828-1916): age 79, 1 song ‘Sheep-shearing’ (FT1442) on 25 Aug 1907: This song, sung to the tune of ‘The Sweet Nightingale’, was chosen for Folk Songs from Somerset vol4. Robert was born c1828 at Churchstanton, son of Robert Snr, farmer of 60 acres, and his wife Mary. He was baptised there on 13/1/1831.

He moved with his wife Elizabeth to Venn Farm at Churchstanton (60 acres) and said he was ‘a retired farmer’ aged 43 in the 1871 census. They had no children. He was back farming again in 1881 (20 acres) and definitely was retired, aged 73 in the 1901 census (RG13/2273 f59 p13), living at The Limes, Staplehay, Pitminster. Wife Elizabeth died in 1902 and his niece Emilie Greenslade acted as housekeeper for him. Robert died October qr 1916 aged 88 (5c 391).