With a history pre-dating the Norman invasion, Cricket St. Thomas has enjoyed links with the Royal Navy throughout the centuries. Besides Lords Rodney and Hood, it was the seat of Sir Amyas Preston, who did is bit for Queen and Country by having a quiet word – underlined by a noisy cannon-ball or two – with one of the Spanish Armada’s cheekier admirals.
Cricket St. Thomas was also home to Francis Fry: Quaker, philanthropist and, demonstrating the value of keeping the neighbours sweet at all times, master chocolatier. Acquiring the estate from Lord Hood in 1997, the Fry’s became much respected as generous landlords, their exalted position in the village verified by the inclusion of Harold Fry’s name in the local war memorial.
