John Davie

John Davie was a prominent English tobacco merchant from Bideford, Devon.

At that time Bideford enjoyed the reputation of an important trans-Atlantic tobacco trading port and one of the main commercial centers in England. Davie who became a successful entrepreneur in trade of tobacco was elected an alderman in 1682. It is known that he even participated in the Bideford witch trial during which he take statements. Davie also held some properties in his ownership in Bideford and the surrounding area. Besides of Orleigh Court in the parish of Buckland Brewer, he also had a town house built in 1688 that has been preserved to this day and operates as the Royal Hotel.

A beautiful mural monument devoted to Davie and his wife Mary also survived to this day and can be seen at the North Aisle Chapel ("Orleigh Chapel"), in Buckland Brewer Church.