Western Times, Mrs Stone obituary: Plymouth Inn wrestling legacy (1915)

THE LATE MRS. STONE. Funeral of a Well-Known Crediton Woman. The funeral took place at Crediton Churchyard yesterday afternoon of the late Mrs. Mary Ann Stone, wife of Mr. A. J. Stone, High-street, Crediton. Mrs. Stone, who died on the previous Thursday, had only been seriously ill for about a week.

Formerly Mr. and Mrs. Stone kept the Plymouth Inn for a period of sixteen years, at a time when Devonshire wrestling was much in vogue; indeed, it was through Mr. Stone’s efforts that the old wrestling competitions at that famous hostelry were introduced, and the international championships, which annually brought together the greatest exponents the art of wrestling to try conclusions. These competitions used to continue for several days, and were renowned throughout the country. They were among the oldest tradespeople in Crediton, and Mrs. Stone’s amiable and straightforward disposition won her hosts of friends.