BUNKERS RETURN TO SLAPTON, ENGLAND
BRENT AND PAMELA VISIT THE BIRTHPLACE OF JAMES
My wife, Pamela, and I spent our second honeymoon touring southern England and Parts. Our highlight of the trip was a visit to Slapton, England, where our ancestor James (D-l), son of James and Elizabeth Buncker, was christened l0 Feb 1633. James is reported to be the progenitor of the Bunker Dover Branch.
Slapton is not found on most road maps, it is so small. It is located six miles south of Dartmouth in Devon on highway A379. A sign from the highway will lead you inland from the ocean about a half mile to the small town. The drive to Slapton is one of the most scenic, in England. A castle in Dartmouth sits on the cliffs over the ocean. The land is hilly, green, with lots of farm land and old, old homes nestled next to the Atlantic Ocean. If you ever make the trip be sure to rent a tiny car because the streets of Slapton were designed for traffic hundreds of years ago.
Visiting this town is a journey back into time. It is a peaceful village nestled between farms and the ocean, with most homes dating back hundreds of years and made of stone from top to bottom. If there is an inch to plant a flower, you will see one. The English consider gardening a way of life, many consider it an obsession.
The main activities of the village are farming and horticulture, so it contains but one small general store which serves as the post office, and a couple of Bed and Breakfast for overnighter visitors. We stayed at the Round House B&B, operated by Lesley Meir, across the street from the chapel. I recommend you make reservations during the summer season, and remember that parking is a problem because the streets are very narrow (6 feet in some places).
The Church of St. James the Great, where James Bunker was christened, is still in use and is the main attraction in the village, dominating the vista. The church has stood for 650 years, with the High Alter dedicated in 1318. There is a reference to the church in 1292, and much of the original building still exists. The church is usually open every morning, however Lesley meir has a key if you find the door locked. Attendance has been poor but is now starting to increase, and the church has prepared a nice pamphlet with a detailed history of the town and its church.
The Chantry, founded in 1373, was removed from use in 1545 by King Henry VIII. Part of the Chantry tower still stands, towering over the village below.
In 1943, Slapton was evacuated in preparation for live ammunition landing practices by US troops. German torpedo boats fired on the troops, killing 750 Americans. There stands several memorials dedicated to these men on the beach at Slapton.
If you ever visit England, be sure to place Slapton on your must see tour itinerary, it’s worth the time and you won’t be sorry.
Sincerely,
Brent and Pamela Bunker Newport, OR 1996
Source:Brent Bunker