About the Project
Several years ago, I realised that there was still a keen interest in his local history books. He also discovered that he owned just a small fraction of those books. After conversations with the rest of the family, he was given permission to begin a restoration project - find all 150 of Arthur’s books and find new ways to get the research that was complied over a 40 year period into the public’s hands so that it would not be forgotten or lost.
We have so for located around 60 books, and completed the restoration of 11 of them. We have even used modern AI technology to create videos and podcast based on their content! We hope that you enjoy learning more about the local area. If you have copies of any of his books that have not yet been republished, do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!
As we were reflecting on Arthur’s life, my mum pointed out that they used to spend the weekend visiting graveyards and various other historical locations and were taught how to make rubbings and record what they’d seen. This love of learning and exploring is a thread that runs through the whole family, with many of us now working in education, travelling the world, or serving charities or businesses that transform lives.
Steve Gibson, Grandson, 2025
“It’s only as adults we realised that taking rubbings from historical artefacts was not part of normal daily childhood.”
— Sue Collins, Daughter
Arthur L Clamp
Arthur L. Clamp – the man behind the books
Arthur Leslie Clamp was a man of boundless energy with a passion for helping others, particularly through his love of history. A printer by trade, he started his career in a printing company before moving his family from Exeter to Plymouth to teach at the Plymouth College of Art and Design, where he eventually became the Head of the Printing Department
A Devoted Family Man
Despite his love of teaching, Arthur prioritised his family, always making it home by 5:30pm for tea. He and his wife, Rosemary, raised five children: Susan, Angela, Elizabeth, David, and Steven. Arthur would often combine his love of family and history by taking his children on Sunday walks, encouraging them to appreciate historical monuments by taking photos or making crayon rubbings of gravestones for his books. The family home at 203 Elburton Road was a hub of activity, with a large garden, featuring a two-storey fort and a makeshift swimming pool.
A Lifelong Learner and Adventurer
Arthur's thirst for knowledge extended beyond history to a deep curiosity about the world. He was passionate about exploring different cultures, traditions, and cuisines, often taking advantage of his long summer holidays as a teacher to travel to places like India, Russia, South America, the middle east and the USA, sometimes bringing one of his children along. This adventurous spirit even influenced his home life, as seen by the short-lived family tradition of steam-cooking vegetables after a trip to Iceland.
Community and Philanthropic Spirit
His commitment to serving others was evident in his long-standing involvement with the Elburton Methodist Church. He was the Sunday School Superintendent for over 15 years and served as the editor of the wider church's monthly newsletter, "The Link," for a similar duration. After Rosemary's very sad passing, Arthur later remarried and, following a chance encounter with a professor from India, established a connection with a missionary school in Chennai. Together with his new wife, Christine, he co-founded a "Sponsor a Child's Education" program that continues to this day.
A Legacy of Learning and Positivity
Arthur's greatest passion was history, which he brought to life through tireless research, documentation, and the many books he authored. He was driven by a need to "never be stuck in a rut," constantly seeking new experiences, meeting new people, and expanding his knowledge. With a positive attitude and a great sense of humour, he was always ready to help others, leaving a lasting impact on his family and community. His children, Susan, Angela, Elizabeth, David, and Steven, remember him with love and gratitude.
David Clamp, 2025
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