Lleyson Hopkin Davy

L(l)eyson Hopkin Davy (1782– 28 September 1872) was a decorated captain in the Honourable East India Company, political representative of the British government, brewer and early inventive industrialist.

[2] Following his service in India, Davy joined and actively participated as a Captain in the 4th Bengal Volunteer Battalion during the invasion of Java and overthrow of the Dutch occupiers.

[6][3] Following the success of the British he was given the title of Acting Deputy Commissioner and served as Resident, Treasurer and Magistrate in Surabaya, Bangkalan (at the request of the Sultan of Madura whose friend he was) and Cirebon.

Upon returning to the UK, Captain Davy partnered with his son-in-law, W. Wilkins in building the Shipley Bridge naptha works and Zeal Tor Tramway (which used wooden rails).

A contract for delivering 500 tons of peat weekly to nearby smelting works in South Brent was also entered into[13][14] Relicts of the tramway path can still be followed and now form part of a popular walk through Dartmoor National Park.