Richard Doddrige Blackmoor born-1825 died-1900, was educated in Blundells School and was made Head Boy, and later went to Exeter College, Oxford.  Blundells school was the setting for part of the story when in his book a duel was fought on the triangular lawn.

Although Lorna Doone was a work of fiction, Blackmoor was not just a fiction writer, he was called to the bar in 1852 and later retired due to ill health. 

Lorna Donne was his third novel and came out in 1869, this book has since became one of the most famous love stories in the world, and at least two films have been made on the subject.

The Lorna Doone story ties us into the story of the Merchants on the Blundells trail.  The success of the wool merchants led to the exceptional legacy of the buildings in the town.  Peter Blundel made much of his fortune in cloth and invested much of it in Tiverton.  His wealth established the original Blundells School for educating 150 boys in 1604, which became Old Blundells Road.

The white stones outside the gate of Blundells have history in their own right.  These stones read 16 PB 04 stating the date that the school was laid and the initials of Peter Blundells.  It was said that if the river Lowman rose over those stones, the boys could have a holiday.  These stones can no longer be seen.