The 1890s 

1894 A series of demonstrations connected to dairy production were about to start in the Market Hall, with the aim of applying more scientific systems to the process. Boys from the agricultural side of the Grammar School were to be involved, and it was hoped to also have a course for dairymaids.
Western Times 30 January 1894 p3 col2

By 1897 a Practical School of Agriculture was attached to the Grammar School in Ashburton. J. Smerdon of Lower Mead Farm was the instructor.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 12 February 1897 p2 col4



Left: A Victorian example of crested ware - I have guessed at a date of the 1890s. The Ashburton seal has the motto Fides Probata Coronat written above it, which translates to Approved Faith Confers a Crown.
http://latin-phrases.co.uk/dictionary
From my own collection

Right: A horse brass, almost certainly made by George Langler, saddler and harness maker, or his son William H.

Born in Ipplepen, the 1891 census has the 57 year old George living in North Street, Ashburton with his wife Caroline and seven sons and daughters. A grandson, Francis H Tucker, is also with him–he was born in New Zealand. One of the sons, William H, is also a saddle and harness maker.

http://www.freecen.org.uk

Sold privately, not in my possession.

Left: A cheque drawn on the Devon and Cornwall Banking Company, Ashburton Branch. Mr. Ford is being paid £15.7s.2d by James Woodley, in 1896 (possibly 1890).

In April 1891 new premises were opened for the Devon and Cornwall Bank (see the Banks and businesses section), but conceivably the bank may have existed in the town prior to this date.

A note on the back of the cheque says that Mr Ford (the initials look like J S) lives at 3, Elmfield Terrace, St Marychurch.

From my own collection

From my own collection.
For more on the Practical School of Agricultural, see Farmers under Banks and Businesses.
Left and below: The cover and interior of a prize book from the Practical School of Agriculture, which was attached to Ashburton Grammar School. The book had been awarded to R Amery in 1898.