Our Founder
Recently discovered that Edwin Goodman first practiced at Yarde House in 1883. Indeed he is described as being “in practice before 1878” so this confirms that he was working as a dentist pre 1878.
In a book by the late Christine Hillam entitled “Brass Plate and Barazen Impudence; Dental practices in the Provinces 1755 – 1855” she looked at local newspapers and directories outside London. She found a James Goodwin in 1852 at East Reach, Taunton. This must be our Founders Father.
There was also a Samuel Goodman in Bath, confirming that the “Goodman Family” were indeed a dental family, well known in the West Country in those days for their “trade”.
Edwin Goodman first appeared in the register in 1879 and gave his address as 10 East Street, Taunton. In 1883 he moved to Yarde House and purchased the property in 1888, so this adds five more years of dentistry in our property making a total today of 125 years. Edwin’s last appearance in the register is 1923 when two of his sons were continuing to provide the service.
Thomas Goodman qualified in 1896 remaining at Yarde House until 1933 and William John Goodman qualified in 1903 but disappeared off the register in 1928.
Prior to the 1921 Dental Act which made it unlawful to practice as a Dental Surgeon without qualification there were more unregistered dentists working than those registered.
This confirms that indeed all surgeons at all times practicing from Yarde House have indeed been properly qualified and registered.
