Rock Cottage, Sidmouth, R. W. Sampson, and Russell Vernon blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: Rock Cottage The first house at Clifton, built 1794 in plain Georgain style, in Regency times a lodging house. Damaged in a storm in 1836 its sea wall amongst first constructed. Burnt 1908 it was rebuilt as thatches cottage orne by eminent local architect R. W. Sampson (1866-1950) retaining only verandah from old house. Associated with Wills family of tobacco fame. Gifted 1989 under will of Dr. Russell Vernon for benefit of the National Trust. Recorded plaque organisation: Sid Vale Association.

R. W. Sampson was an eminent local architect who significantly contributed to preserving Sidmouth's architectural heritage by rebuilding Rock Cottage in a thatched cottage orne style after it burnt down in 1908, integrating only the original verandah. Dr. Russell Vernon, remembered for his philanthropic bequest, gifted Rock Cottage to the National Trust in 1989 under his will, ensuring its preservation for public benefit.