Weston Plats Man
On Thursday 19th April 2007, the skeletal remains of a man were discovered in scrubland near the base of the cliff on Weston Mouth Beach, Devon. A collection of pre-decimal coins that were found with the body suggest that the man had lain undiscovered for more than 50 years. Nearly 20 years on, and his identity is still a mystery.
Weston Mouth Beach - Wikipedia
What we know:
Date found: 19th April 2007.
Location found: In scrubland near the base of the cliff on Weston Mouth Beach, Devon.
Height: 183cm / 6 ft 0 ins.
Age range: 30-100 years, with a pathology report estimate of 40 years.
Possessions: A collection of pre-decimal coins were found with the body
Weston Mouth Beach
Weston Mouth Beach is a remote, shingle beach on the East Devon coast between Sidmouth and Seaton. Situated a mile from the inland hamlet of Weston, the beach is much the same as it was in the 1950s, with no facilities or shade, and only accessible via footpaths and from the sea. Due to its secluded location, Weston Mouth Beach has long been favoured by naturists.
Weston Plats - Google Images
Weston - Google Images
Along the valley under the cliffs, are the 'Weston Plats' – plots of land which, from the end of the nineteenth century until the mid-1960s, were farmed by the people of Weston and nearby Branscombe. Crops grown on the Plats included potatoes, corn, fruit and flowers. In April 2007, the National Trust and the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty combined forces to reclaim the Plats from the scrub that had grown over them.
The Coins
With the deceased were found various pre-decimal coins including 5 x one penny pieces, 4 x sixpences, and a brass threepenny bit. Also present was a one shilling piece, a two shilling piece, and a half Crown. The dates on the coins span three decades from the 1930s through to the 1950s. The most recent coin was minted in 1954, suggesting that the man may have died in the same year, or soon after.
Key events in the mid-1950s
1953 – The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II - On 2nd June 1953, Britain celebrated the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in a dazzling display of pomp and pageantry. Millions watched the televised ceremony as the young queen was crowned at Westminster Abbey, marking the beginning of a new era in British history.
1954 – Rationing came to an end - After nearly 14 years of restrictions, the end of food rationing in 1954 signalled a return to normal life in Britain after years of wartime sacrifice. From eggs to sweets, everyday luxuries returned to shop shelves, bringing a sense of relief and celebration.
1954 – Bill Haley’s ‘Rock Around the Clock’ - The 1950s launched a musical revolution – rock ‘n’ roll. The captivating new sound of American artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard, sparked a cultural shift that Britain’s teenagers soon embraced. When Bill Haley & The Comets released ‘Rock Around the Clock’ in 1954, it became a defining anthem of the rock ‘n’ roll era.
1955 – The Launch of Commercial Television in the UK - In 1955, the UK’s first commercial television network – ITV – was launched. Viewers could enjoy programmes beyond the BBC, and the very first TV commercial for Gibbs SR Toothpaste was broadcast.
Questions you can ask yourself
Even the smallest memory, detail, or sense of familiarity can be the key to unlocking someone’s identity. You may not realise it, but you could hold a vital piece of the puzzle. Ask yourself the following questions—something might stand out.
Don’t forget to share them with friends, family, neighbours and colleagues who could have lived near or vistied Weston Mouth Beach in the late 1940s and early to mid 1950s. They may remember something.
Did you, or anyone you know, live, farm or holiday near to Weston Mouth Beach in the mid-1950s?
If you were in the area in the mid-1950s, during that time did you ever come across a man, likely around 40 years of age, on Weston Mouth Beach, Weston Plats, or the clifftop footpaths?
Do you remember a relatively tall man who went missing in or soon after 1954?
Did someone you know unexpectedly stop contacting friends or family in the mid-1950s?
Did you work for the National Trust or East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty when the discovery of the man’s remains was made in April 2007? Is there anything else that you could tell us about the discovery?
You could be the person that makes the difference.
Even the smallest detail may hold real significance. If you know something, no matter how unsure you are, we want to hear from you. Information can be shared in confidence, and you can remain anonymous if you wish.
Every submission is carefully reviewed by our team of volunteers. This is a safe and confidential way to ensure your voice is heard.
We also welcome contact from anyone who may have previously tried to share information and felt it wasn’t fully considered, or would like to share it again. Please do not use this form for emergency assistance in locating a person. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.