Putty Philpott

This photo shows Putty Philpott who, at one time, was quite a well-known figure in the city. He led the Plymouth, Stonehouse and Devonport Carnival, shown here in 1926, which raised money for the Royal Albert Hospital (later Devonport Hospital). He was known as a giant of a man although this referred to his generosity as well as his weight. He was ex-Navy and also an ex-publican and, at twenty stones, was once the heaviest man in the services. After leaving the Navy, he ran the Brunswick Hotel in Stonehouse and would entertain people by playing the banjo beside the log fire there. Stars from the Palace Theatre would come to watch and would join in with his many songs including, 'South of the Border down Stonehouse Bridge Way' which he adapted from the more well-known, 'South of the Border'.
During the Second World War, The Brunswick Hotel was destroyed by a land mine and Putty then became the landlord of a pub in Devonport which, by coincidence, was bombed on his very first night there. He ended his days as the landlord of the No-Place Inn at Eldad Hill.
In between running various pubs, Putty also appeared in concerts performing his many songs which included, 'Figgy Pudding'.
Thr Plymouth, Stonehouse and Devonport Carnival lasted all week and Putty was often the Carnival king. Regular events included fancy dress competitions, parades and stalls.
When he died, the pall bearers had to be 'fortified at the local bar' before carrying out their bulky task!