The Legend of John Trinnaman’s Pool - part 1

Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.


This story emanates from Stowford House, an old mansion overlooking the river Erme in Ivybridge, Devon.

It is said that in the 14th or 15th century a wealthy family lived in this grand house and John Trinnaman was employed as the household butler. He was said to be very handsome and a proud bachelor who was devoted to his work and to the lady of the house, who favoured him with sweet smiles and glances when the master was not about.

One day John Trinnaman noticed the daughter of the house paying too much attention to the pantry boy and that was quite improper. The pantry boy was told never to go near any of the family unless told to do so by him.

However, on one spring day when the apple trees were all in bloom at Stowford House, the pantry boy was asked by the lady of the house to catch a lamb down in the meadow and bring it to her daughter to fondle. The pantry boy did as he was told, caught the lamb and brought it to the girl. The boy and girl then lingered together for some time while they played with the lamb.... [cont.]