Queries and comments are gladly received - you don't have to be a DHS member - whether concerning this site, the Devon History Society, or matters relating to Devon's history. Just ask your question using the "Post a Comment" link at this page.
Answers to users' historical enquiries will be most appreciated and can be posted to comments and/or e-mailed direct to the enquirer (it's helpful if enquirers provide some means of contact).
Brief notices of forthcoming activities of affiliated societies are welcomed. For private enquiries about membership, etc, use the address at our home page.
Sorry, but we delete enquiries concerned primarily with tracing specific ancestors - unless they're sufficiently notable to be of general historical interest. We regretfully came to this decision as the DHS is a general historical society with expertise in Devon places, events, archive resources, etc - not genealogy - and such enquiries are unlikely to be answerable. There are many excellent specialist genealogical sites; some are listed on our links page.
Read more ...
Pending enquiries
Apologies for a delay in publishing recent enquiries: Blogger changed its layout recently, and I lost track of there being pending enquiries.
Mar 20, 2013, Anonymous writes:
I have a photograph of an ancestor taken in 1919 at the Te Whare gardens Ashburton. I dont know if these were public gardens or gardens attaching to a home. It was a very wealthy family from the Midlands but who seemed to spend the latter part of their lives in the area. Any ideas as to where the photo may have been taken.
Answers welcome - please post as a comment. I slightly wonder if this refers not to the Devon Ashburton, but the one in New Zealand ( "Te Whare" - Maori for "the house" - is a common location name element in NZ).
- RG
Jun 22, 2012. Kenneth Watkins writes:
In 1941 and 1942 I was in Torquay, a pupil at the South Devon Technical College. The college was the host for the Gravesend Junior Technical School and a London school (I forget its name), both having been 'evacuated' from the London area endangered by enemy air raids.
Our family returned to Gravesend at the end of 1942, because of Torquay having been attacked in broad daylight that summer by four ME109s and one Fw190. We (my mother, sister and brother) were all enjoying the Tor Abbey sands that day, along with many other jolly crowds, as if there were no war! This and earlier single-aircraft raids had made my mother nervous.
(Ironically, raids resumed in the Gravesend-London area in January 1943!)
My question is - what was the date of this daylight raid, in which one bomb was dropped on the town by each of the German fighters and they machine-gunned the town during low-level flights along the water's edge right above my head?
Also, are there any newspaper or other reports available describing the several attacks on Torquay?
Kenneth Watkins, (born 17 July 1928),
2 rue de Songeons,
60220 Campeaux, France.
I appreciate that this doesn't match your chronology, but this sounds very like an account of the notorious air raid on the afternoon of Sunday 30th May 1943 (see Casualties of the bombing of St Marychurch). During this, the beach was also machine-gunned, killing the town's Director of Education, Frank Kesteven.
- RG
Apr 01, 2021. Bill Endicott writes:
I'm thinking of coming to Devon to learn more about the Endicott family. Do you happen to know of an Endacott/Endecot/Endicott family association in the area or maybe some kind of local coordinator of Endicotts who I might talk with?
Bill can be contacted at endicottwt@aol.com
Mar 27, 2012
Sabrina: see Answered Enquiries below for a reply to your question about dockyard measurers.
Feb 14, 201. Dave Davis writes: I am wondering if you could assist me please. I am trying without much success to get in touch with a Mr John Hobbs who wrote a historical account of the Devonmoor Art Pottery. It is possible that he maybe deceased but I would still like to make contact with his wife or his children. The reason for this is, that I am researching the history of my wife's family, the Hope's. It was her father and grand father who who owned and ran the pottery business. Mr Hobbs obtained a great deal of information about the pottery which I would like to include in the archive I am preparing for the Hope family.
I thought that as a historian you may have at some time come into contact with Mr Hobbs and would know where I could contact him. At the same time I am also trying the get in touch with a Mr Benjamin Cartwright who was one of the principals at the Devonmoor Pottery.
Perhaps you could help me or at least point me in the right direction.Thanking you so much in anticipation.
If you can help, Mr Davis can be contacted at regdavisreg@hotmail.co.uk. Mr Hobbs's book Devonmoor Art Pottery and its Manufacture was first published in 1998 as The Devonmoor Art Pottery, Liverton by the Torquay Pottery Collectors Society, and came out in a revised and expanded edition in 2000. For more background, see Devonmoor Glazed Pottery website.
- RG
Dec 14, 2011. Laurie Thompson writes: In the 1851 census we have Robert Gregory born 1764 in the Town of Denton, Devon. I cannot find a town of this name on current maps; is there any old maps which might mention this town/village?
This is a bit of a puzzle. A look at Google Books for the 1800s finds no sign of anywhere in Devon / Devonshire called Denton. At first glance, this smells of a transcription error: Kenton maybe? Seeing a scan of the actual record might be enlightening. If you have any ideas, the wbemaster will forward your reply.
- RG
Oct 16 2011. Samantha writes:I'm looking into pre World War One political female suffrage activity in Devon, I'm searching for a variety of primary sources to support the project e.g. local newspapers, photographs, pamhplets, journals, letters, prison/police records etc. Any help would be much appreciated!
If you give us contact details, Samantha, we'll forward any replies.
- RG
Mar 23 2011. Philip Hogge writes:In 1959 I learnt to fly at Exeter Aero Club on a Tiger Moth aircraft, registration G-ANOR. I only have a black and white photo, I know the main colour was silver but can anyone help by telling me the colour of the stripes on the tail and of the registration letters. I think they were in red, but it may have been blue. I would be most grateful for any information.
Mar 23 2011. M Taylor writes:
Any information, and especially pointing me in the direction of an old advertisement or photograph of Miss M. M. Davidson Wool Shop, Newcomen Road, Dartmouth (definitely open at the start of World War II), would be very much appreciated. Many thanks. m.taylor714@btinternet.com
Feb 8th 2011. Sue Jones writes:
St Sidwell. I'm doing some reseaech into the late medieval cult of St Sidwell. I know that it is described in Eamon Duffy's 'Voices of Morebath' and that there are about half a doxen images of her (rood screens, stained glass)in parish churches and Exeter cathedra. But I don't know anything more about her. For example has anything been written about her cult? How did she come to be portrayed on the rood screens? How did the rood screens survive the reformation? Or anything else? Thank you very much indeed.
Replies via comments would be welcome. Sue, it would be helpful if you gave us contact details.
- RG
April 12th: Carolyn Wells writes:
I am working on a television documentary for Discovery about the posting of American troops in Devon during the Second World War. I am currently looking for anyone who has any memories of what it was like to have US troops in the area, and how they interacted with the local community. If anyone has any memories I can be contacted on carolynwells0@gmail.com
March 22: Russ Abbey of the Nuthampstead Airfield Research Society writes:
I run a website to commemorate those that flew from my local airfield, Nuthampstead, in WW2. I have had a seemingly random email from somebody in the States who is looking for info. on Torquay during the lead up to D-Day:
whilst it obviously has nothing to do with Herts, or US Aircraft, I am really keen to help this person out. Are there any WW2 Historians in the Torquay area that can help?
March 22, 2010. A recent anonymous enquiry:
I'm wondering if anyone know's much about the construction of this lighthouse and / or who I could contact to find out more... I think one of my relatives - Levi (or Levy) Yerward from Pembroke Dock was awarded the contract to build the lighthouse in 1871 but don't have much other information. I believe Levi's wife Jane died at Hartland in 1872.
I've been able to find out a little. See the update to the Hartland Point Lighthouse post. - RG
Gordon Reeves writes:
I will be most grateful for any light that you or your members can shed on the location and extent of a manor in North Devon during the late medieval period.
During my study of the Anglo-Norman family of Malherbe in the South-West, the main focus has been the area around Ottery St Mary e.g. Feniton; Payhembury; Holcombe, and Knightestone where this family held manor(s) for 13 generations from the 12th -16th centuries. I have also come across various fragments of information pointing to the manor of Moor/More Malherbe (alias Moor Fitz-Stephen; Moor Vipont; Morermalachbere, and La More) in Broadwoodwidger parish. Thorn, possibly close by, is also mentioned. I have unearthed virtually no information about the Malherbes of Moor Malherbe apart from the fact that a Malherbe was a tenant there of ‘William, son of Stephen’ in 1195. However, the Red Book of the Exchequer does list a Ranulph Malherbe holding the eighth part of a fee from William Tracy in 1166 at Barnstaple; way to the north, and a Geoffrey Malherbe is cited in connection with Little Torrington in 1346.
The Templars and the Hospitallers are said to each have held a quarter fee in La More c.1300; the latter acquiring the holding of the former when the Templars were dissolved. A record covering the period 1425-1663 held at Devon Record Office refers to ‘Wetherdon in m. More Malherbe als. More S. Nicholas’. I presume this indicates a dedication to St.Nicholas but the current OS map shows a dearth of churches in this moorland area; the nearest being at Broadwoodwidger and Germansweek, and there are no place names relating to Templar or Hospitaller ownership.
I feel that there must be much more to the manor of More than the above and will greatly appreciate any suggestions that you can muster regarding sources or experts on this part of Devon.
Many thanks,
If you can help, contact Gordon at wgordonreeves@yahoo.co.uk.
From Jennifer Harris, Associate Professor, Mount Allison University, Canada:
I am researching the artist Field Talfourd, who lived in Plymouth in the 1850s and participated in numerous sketching expeditions throughout the Devon region. I am seeking any information about Talfourd or his art, and would be interested in seeing photos of any pieces that might have survived.
If you can help, Professor Harris can be contacted at jharris@mta.ca.
I've also posted this to the main page: see Field Talfourd.
From David Shacklock:
I am researching a piece for the SBGAS Newsletter on Sabine Baring-Gould`s residences & am stuck at the first hurdle, namely the exact address of the house in Dix`s Field, Exeter, where he was born in 1834. His father, Edward Baring-Gould, probably moved there at the time of his marriage 10 May 1832; the family moved to Bratton Clovelly c1834-6. The house is believed to have been on the corner of Southernhay.
From Barry Bligh:
I am a descendant of the Blighs of Biderford , Wm Henry born Jan 1824. I am wondering if any of your members have studied the Bligh family. The famous captain born in Plymouth; records that I have found indicate that he was an only child, no mention of any siblings. I find this remarkable
as large families were the norm. The family seat was apparently at Bodmin. I am interested in how these families are connected, probably to the Earl of Darnley. I would be pleased if you could direct me to any of your members who might be interested in such a project.
If you want to reply to Barry, please e-mail the DHS webmaster (see Contact page) who will pass on the enquiry.
From Terry James, Canada:
William H.Pote b. June 1846 Tamerton. He was a tailor, as was his dad and his sons. Wilfrid Henry James and George Herbert. Wilfrid died in 1917 Tavistock. George and Wilfrid's boys moved to London where they passed away. My question, is it possible to find what happened to William Pote and George? My next question. is it possible to find living descendants. William Pote married Susannah James, my gfather's sister. In 1911 William lived with Wilfrid in Devonport.
If you want to reply to Terry, please e-mail the DHS webmaster (see Contact page) who will pass on the enquiry.
Devonshire Oil Stone,
I am interested in finding out more about a sharpening stone that was quarried in the Tavistock area. It is commonly known as Devonshire Oil Stone, but I have been unable to find out a great deal apart from this. It is mentioned on this website http://chestofbooks.com/home-improvement/workshop/Turning-Mechanical/Hone-Slates.html but that is the only information I have. I wonder if through your society you might be able to help me find out anymore about it. I would be most appreciative if you could point me in the right direction to do any further research on the Devonshire Oilstone.
I look forward to receiving your reply.
Kindest regards,
Alex Smith (glebopalma28@googlemail.com)
Winkleigh
I am historian and writer David Freeman, living in Devon and am writing a new TV history series - Secret Britain. I am primarily interested at this point in time in Winkleigh. I would be keen to learn of any images of Sir Bartholomew Gidley 1611- died 1686(not the 19C Gidley of the same name) Sculpture, relief or portrait?
I am also particularly interested in his role in the building the defence of Winkleigh against Cromwell 1645/1646, prior to the battle of Torrington if I can be directed to refs.
David Freeman
01837 682838
uk@freemanart.ca
Regimental depots
An author, writing a novel set in Devon, needs to make reference to a regimental depot. In keeping with the rest of the novel he wants to use the name of a real town. However, to avoid confusion with an actual regiment he wishes to set its depot in a town which did not have one. He would be grateful if any member with knowledge of Totnes, Tavistock, Newton Abbot or Okehampton could let him know (email Bakerphilip9@aol.com) whether or not any of these towns housed a regimental depot between 1900 and 1950.
Read more ...
Mar 20, 2013, Anonymous writes:
I have a photograph of an ancestor taken in 1919 at the Te Whare gardens Ashburton. I dont know if these were public gardens or gardens attaching to a home. It was a very wealthy family from the Midlands but who seemed to spend the latter part of their lives in the area. Any ideas as to where the photo may have been taken.
Answers welcome - please post as a comment. I slightly wonder if this refers not to the Devon Ashburton, but the one in New Zealand ( "Te Whare" - Maori for "the house" - is a common location name element in NZ).
- RG
Jun 22, 2012. Kenneth Watkins writes:
In 1941 and 1942 I was in Torquay, a pupil at the South Devon Technical College. The college was the host for the Gravesend Junior Technical School and a London school (I forget its name), both having been 'evacuated' from the London area endangered by enemy air raids.
Our family returned to Gravesend at the end of 1942, because of Torquay having been attacked in broad daylight that summer by four ME109s and one Fw190. We (my mother, sister and brother) were all enjoying the Tor Abbey sands that day, along with many other jolly crowds, as if there were no war! This and earlier single-aircraft raids had made my mother nervous.
(Ironically, raids resumed in the Gravesend-London area in January 1943!)
My question is - what was the date of this daylight raid, in which one bomb was dropped on the town by each of the German fighters and they machine-gunned the town during low-level flights along the water's edge right above my head?
Also, are there any newspaper or other reports available describing the several attacks on Torquay?
Kenneth Watkins, (born 17 July 1928),
2 rue de Songeons,
60220 Campeaux, France.
I appreciate that this doesn't match your chronology, but this sounds very like an account of the notorious air raid on the afternoon of Sunday 30th May 1943 (see Casualties of the bombing of St Marychurch). During this, the beach was also machine-gunned, killing the town's Director of Education, Frank Kesteven.
- RG
Apr 01, 2021. Bill Endicott writes:
I'm thinking of coming to Devon to learn more about the Endicott family. Do you happen to know of an Endacott/Endecot/Endicott family association in the area or maybe some kind of local coordinator of Endicotts who I might talk with?
Bill can be contacted at endicottwt@aol.com
Mar 27, 2012
Sabrina: see Answered Enquiries below for a reply to your question about dockyard measurers.
Feb 14, 201. Dave Davis writes: I am wondering if you could assist me please. I am trying without much success to get in touch with a Mr John Hobbs who wrote a historical account of the Devonmoor Art Pottery. It is possible that he maybe deceased but I would still like to make contact with his wife or his children. The reason for this is, that I am researching the history of my wife's family, the Hope's. It was her father and grand father who who owned and ran the pottery business. Mr Hobbs obtained a great deal of information about the pottery which I would like to include in the archive I am preparing for the Hope family.
I thought that as a historian you may have at some time come into contact with Mr Hobbs and would know where I could contact him. At the same time I am also trying the get in touch with a Mr Benjamin Cartwright who was one of the principals at the Devonmoor Pottery.
Perhaps you could help me or at least point me in the right direction.Thanking you so much in anticipation.
If you can help, Mr Davis can be contacted at regdavisreg@hotmail.co.uk. Mr Hobbs's book Devonmoor Art Pottery and its Manufacture was first published in 1998 as The Devonmoor Art Pottery, Liverton by the Torquay Pottery Collectors Society, and came out in a revised and expanded edition in 2000. For more background, see Devonmoor Glazed Pottery website.
- RG
Dec 14, 2011. Laurie Thompson writes: In the 1851 census we have Robert Gregory born 1764 in the Town of Denton, Devon. I cannot find a town of this name on current maps; is there any old maps which might mention this town/village?
This is a bit of a puzzle. A look at Google Books for the 1800s finds no sign of anywhere in Devon / Devonshire called Denton. At first glance, this smells of a transcription error: Kenton maybe? Seeing a scan of the actual record might be enlightening. If you have any ideas, the wbemaster will forward your reply.
- RG
Oct 16 2011. Samantha writes:I'm looking into pre World War One political female suffrage activity in Devon, I'm searching for a variety of primary sources to support the project e.g. local newspapers, photographs, pamhplets, journals, letters, prison/police records etc. Any help would be much appreciated!
If you give us contact details, Samantha, we'll forward any replies.
- RG
Mar 23 2011. Philip Hogge writes:In 1959 I learnt to fly at Exeter Aero Club on a Tiger Moth aircraft, registration G-ANOR. I only have a black and white photo, I know the main colour was silver but can anyone help by telling me the colour of the stripes on the tail and of the registration letters. I think they were in red, but it may have been blue. I would be most grateful for any information.
Mar 23 2011. M Taylor writes:
Any information, and especially pointing me in the direction of an old advertisement or photograph of Miss M. M. Davidson Wool Shop, Newcomen Road, Dartmouth (definitely open at the start of World War II), would be very much appreciated. Many thanks. m.taylor714@btinternet.com
Feb 8th 2011. Sue Jones writes:
St Sidwell. I'm doing some reseaech into the late medieval cult of St Sidwell. I know that it is described in Eamon Duffy's 'Voices of Morebath' and that there are about half a doxen images of her (rood screens, stained glass)in parish churches and Exeter cathedra. But I don't know anything more about her. For example has anything been written about her cult? How did she come to be portrayed on the rood screens? How did the rood screens survive the reformation? Or anything else? Thank you very much indeed.
Replies via comments would be welcome. Sue, it would be helpful if you gave us contact details.
- RG
April 12th: Carolyn Wells writes:
I am working on a television documentary for Discovery about the posting of American troops in Devon during the Second World War. I am currently looking for anyone who has any memories of what it was like to have US troops in the area, and how they interacted with the local community. If anyone has any memories I can be contacted on carolynwells0@gmail.com
March 22: Russ Abbey of the Nuthampstead Airfield Research Society writes:
I run a website to commemorate those that flew from my local airfield, Nuthampstead, in WW2. I have had a seemingly random email from somebody in the States who is looking for info. on Torquay during the lead up to D-Day:
"My father was in Torquay for several weeks just before D Day and was on the hospital ship which lay off the coast of France during the invasion. It would be interesting to see if there is anyone around who might have remembered all those sailors! I know my dad and his shipmates worried that the people in the town didn’t have enough to eat."
whilst it obviously has nothing to do with Herts, or US Aircraft, I am really keen to help this person out. Are there any WW2 Historians in the Torquay area that can help?
March 22, 2010. A recent anonymous enquiry:
I'm wondering if anyone know's much about the construction of this lighthouse and / or who I could contact to find out more... I think one of my relatives - Levi (or Levy) Yerward from Pembroke Dock was awarded the contract to build the lighthouse in 1871 but don't have much other information. I believe Levi's wife Jane died at Hartland in 1872.
I've been able to find out a little. See the update to the Hartland Point Lighthouse post. - RG
Gordon Reeves writes:
I will be most grateful for any light that you or your members can shed on the location and extent of a manor in North Devon during the late medieval period.
During my study of the Anglo-Norman family of Malherbe in the South-West, the main focus has been the area around Ottery St Mary e.g. Feniton; Payhembury; Holcombe, and Knightestone where this family held manor(s) for 13 generations from the 12th -16th centuries. I have also come across various fragments of information pointing to the manor of Moor/More Malherbe (alias Moor Fitz-Stephen; Moor Vipont; Morermalachbere, and La More) in Broadwoodwidger parish. Thorn, possibly close by, is also mentioned. I have unearthed virtually no information about the Malherbes of Moor Malherbe apart from the fact that a Malherbe was a tenant there of ‘William, son of Stephen’ in 1195. However, the Red Book of the Exchequer does list a Ranulph Malherbe holding the eighth part of a fee from William Tracy in 1166 at Barnstaple; way to the north, and a Geoffrey Malherbe is cited in connection with Little Torrington in 1346.
The Templars and the Hospitallers are said to each have held a quarter fee in La More c.1300; the latter acquiring the holding of the former when the Templars were dissolved. A record covering the period 1425-1663 held at Devon Record Office refers to ‘Wetherdon in m. More Malherbe als. More S. Nicholas’. I presume this indicates a dedication to St.Nicholas but the current OS map shows a dearth of churches in this moorland area; the nearest being at Broadwoodwidger and Germansweek, and there are no place names relating to Templar or Hospitaller ownership.
I feel that there must be much more to the manor of More than the above and will greatly appreciate any suggestions that you can muster regarding sources or experts on this part of Devon.
Many thanks,
If you can help, contact Gordon at wgordonreeves@yahoo.co.uk.
From Jennifer Harris, Associate Professor, Mount Allison University, Canada:
I am researching the artist Field Talfourd, who lived in Plymouth in the 1850s and participated in numerous sketching expeditions throughout the Devon region. I am seeking any information about Talfourd or his art, and would be interested in seeing photos of any pieces that might have survived.
If you can help, Professor Harris can be contacted at jharris@mta.ca.
I've also posted this to the main page: see Field Talfourd.
From David Shacklock:
I am researching a piece for the SBGAS Newsletter on Sabine Baring-Gould`s residences & am stuck at the first hurdle, namely the exact address of the house in Dix`s Field, Exeter, where he was born in 1834. His father, Edward Baring-Gould, probably moved there at the time of his marriage 10 May 1832; the family moved to Bratton Clovelly c1834-6. The house is believed to have been on the corner of Southernhay.
From Barry Bligh:
I am a descendant of the Blighs of Biderford , Wm Henry born Jan 1824. I am wondering if any of your members have studied the Bligh family. The famous captain born in Plymouth; records that I have found indicate that he was an only child, no mention of any siblings. I find this remarkable
as large families were the norm. The family seat was apparently at Bodmin. I am interested in how these families are connected, probably to the Earl of Darnley. I would be pleased if you could direct me to any of your members who might be interested in such a project.
If you want to reply to Barry, please e-mail the DHS webmaster (see Contact page) who will pass on the enquiry.
From Terry James, Canada:
William H.Pote b. June 1846 Tamerton. He was a tailor, as was his dad and his sons. Wilfrid Henry James and George Herbert. Wilfrid died in 1917 Tavistock. George and Wilfrid's boys moved to London where they passed away. My question, is it possible to find what happened to William Pote and George? My next question. is it possible to find living descendants. William Pote married Susannah James, my gfather's sister. In 1911 William lived with Wilfrid in Devonport.
If you want to reply to Terry, please e-mail the DHS webmaster (see Contact page) who will pass on the enquiry.
Devonshire Oil Stone,
I am interested in finding out more about a sharpening stone that was quarried in the Tavistock area. It is commonly known as Devonshire Oil Stone, but I have been unable to find out a great deal apart from this. It is mentioned on this website http://chestofbooks.com/home-improvement/workshop/Turning-Mechanical/Hone-Slates.html but that is the only information I have. I wonder if through your society you might be able to help me find out anymore about it. I would be most appreciative if you could point me in the right direction to do any further research on the Devonshire Oilstone.
I look forward to receiving your reply.
Kindest regards,
Alex Smith (glebopalma28@googlemail.com)
Winkleigh
I am historian and writer David Freeman, living in Devon and am writing a new TV history series - Secret Britain. I am primarily interested at this point in time in Winkleigh. I would be keen to learn of any images of Sir Bartholomew Gidley 1611- died 1686(not the 19C Gidley of the same name) Sculpture, relief or portrait?
I am also particularly interested in his role in the building the defence of Winkleigh against Cromwell 1645/1646, prior to the battle of Torrington if I can be directed to refs.
David Freeman
01837 682838
uk@freemanart.ca
Regimental depots
An author, writing a novel set in Devon, needs to make reference to a regimental depot. In keeping with the rest of the novel he wants to use the name of a real town. However, to avoid confusion with an actual regiment he wishes to set its depot in a town which did not have one. He would be grateful if any member with knowledge of Totnes, Tavistock, Newton Abbot or Okehampton could let him know (email Bakerphilip9@aol.com) whether or not any of these towns housed a regimental depot between 1900 and 1950.
Read more ...
Answered enquiries
Mar 27, 2010. Sabrina Armstrong writes:
I would like to know what a "Measurer" is as an occupation. My husband's ancestor's Will of 1855 states he was as a Measurer at H. M. Dock Yard in Devonport. I have also found in the 1851 Census that he is down as a "Superannuated Measurer" in the occupation column. Can someone please explain what this occupation is?
Thank you ever so much.
Sabrina Armstrong, Perth, Western Australia
A measurer was a skilled clerical post: measurers looked at completed piecework, and assessed what the worker should be paid for it. They then passed that information on to the department that calculated the wages. There's a brief account of it here on a historical site about Portsmouth Dockyard, and a detailed contemporary description in the Dockyards article in the 1824 Encyclopaedia Britannica (see page 605).
- RG
Sep 25 2011. Anonymous writes:
Is anyone familiar with the phrase: "All behind like Ashford Church."? My mother [12.08.1908 to 15.04.1976] used to say it. We lived in Braunton, N.Devon, though I've lived in S.Devon for years now. It came into my mind today, and the reason behind the saying intrigues me.
Interesting. I've never heard the expression, but it could refer to the building history. According to the English Heritage page, the present Church of St Peter, Ashford, was built tower-first.
Apr 6 2011, Nick Hamzij writes:
I am interested in any information regarding Cork Clubs. These existed in public houses from Victorian(?) times and have been described as a working men's freemasonry. One such club still exists in The Cider Bar,Newton Abbot and I have references to clubs in Greenwich and Rushden.Any info would be appreciated.
Interesting topic. Nick didn't provide any contact details, but I wrote a blog post on this topic at JSBlog - Journal of a Southern Bookreader: see Cork Clubs (April 4th 2011)
- RG
11th April 2011. Shirley Shin writes:
I am looking for an old house I visited about 30 yrs ago called The Roundhouse in Devon. It was owned by Victorian sisters who were very short of cash and had designed the interior to be energy and labour efficient. Had feathers on the walls for insulation and pie wedge shaped rooms to keep the heat in. Does anyone know this place please?
That would be A La Ronde, near Exmouth: see Wikipedia and the National Trust page. As far as I know, energy efficiency wasn't a motive; the usual accounts say the Parminter sisters wanted the design to resemble the octagonal Basilica of San Vitale.
- RG
Dec 10th 2010. "Steeplicious" writes:
I've come across newspaper articles asserting that researchers have evidence of the monks of Tavistock Abbey serving bread with clotted cream and strawberry preserves to workers assisting the repair of the abbey in the 10th century. I'm seeking information relating to this, such as the names and contact info of the researchers. If the researchers published on their discovery, the citation would be a big help. Any leads would be greatly appreciated!
I just checked out the Western Morning News piece: Cream tea on menu for over 1000 years (January 20, 2004)
The Tavistock & District Local History Society have no idea who these historians are. I asked the Tavistock Food and Drink Festival, who tell me the contact is Chris Hair: here. I have tried contacting them, and have never heard back.
- RG
Dec 5th 2010. Alan Fraser writes:
Looking for information on the crash of a Stirling Bomber in Aug '42 at Gibhill Forestry near Cornhill, Devon. I understand the salvage crew cut a memorial cross in a nearby tree after recovering the bodies. I have heard a rumour that a memorial was going to be erected? Any information would be most welcome. Alan Fraser 149 Sqn Historian
Hi, Alan. We don't at this instant, but have you found the RAF Commands forum thread on Thomas Wyper Hunter? A user there, Ian "Penfold", mentions he's in the village and involved in the project for the memorial.
- RG
Pub sought
Can anyone help with locating a now-defunct Devon village pub that existed in about 1945? The one in question is the "Farmer's Arms", which was located somewhere in North Devon possibly in the Bideford rural area. The only other information I have is that the local farmer's name was Hockridge. Thanks, David Hill.
An anonymous answerer has commented - thanks! - that this pub is still extant: The Farmer's Arms in Woolfardisworthy ("Woolsery") matches the description.
- RG
August 4th 2010. jps2008 writes:
Help required to trace the watercolour artist believed to be called F JEFFEKY but the signature is somewhat faded. the picture is of the Chagford area and painted in 1838. can anyone assist with a correct name spelling or some history. mailto:jps2008@hotmail.co.uk
Best guess: Em(m)anuel Jeffery, of Southernhay, Exeter, who fits time and subject very well. "The Royal Academy of Arts: a complete dictionary of contributors and their work from its foundation in 1769 to 1904, Volume 4" lists other works as:
- RG
Anonymous wrote:
Please direct me to photos online of the Roman fortlet near Ide, and to photos online of the old rectory at Ide. Thank you.
Sorry, no luck with the rectory, but see the new post Ide fortlet. Thanks: interesting topic, and there's a Devon County Publication with an extremely nice aerial photo.
- RG
1st December 2009:
John asked:
My family resided on The Beacon Exmouth, from 1935 until 1970 - there was a "break" during the period 1941 - 1948 when our house was demolished having been severely damaged by a bomb. In following up our family history last year I came across a web site listing all the bombs dropped and casualties in Exmouth during WW2, but have mislaid the site title. Have tried many variations without success. Any leads would be appreciated.
Casualties of the bombing of Exmouth at the Devon Heritage site?
- Regards, Ray (DHS site maintainer)
5th November 2009:
Anonymous asked:
Higher Charwood, Ashcombe, Hendon sub-district, St Thomas registration district, Devon.
This is where my great-grandmother was born in 1887, and where the family are listed as living. I cannot find any mention of this place anywhere - there are absolutely zero search results for "Higher Charwood" or any variations, nor is it on any map I've looked at. I don't know whether it was a farm, a hamlet or what! I would really appreciate any hints. Thank you for reading this far.
That place again - Higher Charwood!
It's undoubtedly a typo for Higher Charlwood, a farm about a kilometre south of Ashcombe (grid ref SX 915 784 - see Google Maps). I found it by looking in the vicinity of Ashcombe using the OS Get-a-map site. A look at Old Maps shows it was a farm at the time you mention; it's now the location of Ashcombe Adventure Centre.
(Thanks - got your update. We solved it simultaneously. I thought I'd leave the Q&A online as an example of the map resources people can use to solve this kind of problem).
- DHS website maintainer
28th March 2008:
Jenny St. Clair asked us about the page number of a Devon Historian (Autumn 2007) article, "Mormons in Plymouth 1922-1963". Full details are:
Creator: Vousden, Peter
Title: Mormons in Plymouth 1922-1963 / Peter Vousden
Imprint: Exeter : Devon History Society
Date: 2007
Format: pp 28-31 ; 21cm
Series: Devon Historian, 75
Ref. no.: MATCH VOUMOR2007
A useful resource for tracking this kind of publication is the Devon Libraries Local Studies Service online catalogue, which is available via our Useful links page. We're in the process of preparing an index of Devon Historian, which will go online soon.
- DHS website maintainer
Navy Row, Stoke Damerel
I am trying to find information about what premises were at the address "68 Navy Row, Stoke Damerel" in 1862. Also, what is the current address of that area?
Did "Navy Row" later become "Royal Navy Avenue"?
Thanks and kind regards
Doug Meyers
Partial answer: Ye Olde Maps of Ye Plymouthe of Ye Merrie Englande has a map here showing Navy Row c. 1890. Devonport Station makes it easy to orientate the map: the street is now Albert Road (see Google Maps).
- DHS website maintainer
William Dykar
Dear Members,
I am trying to trace a William Dykar who served on HMS Revenge at the Battle of Trafalgar, and later became the medical officer of Princetown, later Dartmoor.
William Dykar / Ship's surgeon / HMS Revenge / Trafalgar 1805 / Princetown, we think 1809
Please if you have any records we would like to know.
Mike Cunningham, Fri, 14 Mar 2008
Replies via the Treasurer at the address on the home page. Genealogy isn't normally our territory, but this is an interesting high-profile character. A search of Google Books for "William Dykar" or "Dr Dykar" finds a number of print sources with biographical detail. Of related interest, the National Archives Trafalgar Ancestors keeps a database of Trafalgar crew members.
- DHS web maintainer
Joan Hunter wrote:
I have a photo of my great grandfather on which it states that he was mayor of Tiverton from 1895-1897. His name was Frederick Andrew Fitzpayne and I would be interested in finding out more about him and his life in Tiverton.
That's a bit of a puzzle. I just looked in the British Library's 19th Century Newspapers archive, and the mayor of Tiverton in that time-slot (November 1895-1897) was a Mr Ian Heathcoat-Amory (a.k.a. Ian Amory). However, multiple stories say a "Councillor FA Payne, JP", a Tiverton solicitor, was mayor for three years from 1892-1895. There's a short Times obituary for him for Mar 23, 1909:
"PAYNE: on the 20th March 1909, at Tiverton, Frederick Andrew Payne, J.P., solicitor, three times Mayor of the Borough and formerly one of the governors of Blundell's School, aged 88."
There's also an obit for his wife Frances Maria (died March 14th 1889) - does that fit?
- DHS web maintainer
Re Blue Plaques:
I was hoping to contact the history society itself as I just wanted to know if you had a webpage that listed where your blue plaques were around Devon. Spotted the Ernest Bevin one the other day driving thru Copplestone, and wanted to know more. Do you have a list ?
Sorry, no. It's disappointing that Blue Plaques aren't a nationally coordinated system, so there's only piecemeal coverage where someone's enthusiastic enough to make a list for their own area. All I can suggest is Googling for blue plaques in Devon, which finds sites such as ones for the English Riviera, Exmouth, regional Waymarks, Tiverton, Torbay, and so on.
- DHS website maintainer Read more ...
I would like to know what a "Measurer" is as an occupation. My husband's ancestor's Will of 1855 states he was as a Measurer at H. M. Dock Yard in Devonport. I have also found in the 1851 Census that he is down as a "Superannuated Measurer" in the occupation column. Can someone please explain what this occupation is?
Thank you ever so much.
Sabrina Armstrong, Perth, Western Australia
A measurer was a skilled clerical post: measurers looked at completed piecework, and assessed what the worker should be paid for it. They then passed that information on to the department that calculated the wages. There's a brief account of it here on a historical site about Portsmouth Dockyard, and a detailed contemporary description in the Dockyards article in the 1824 Encyclopaedia Britannica (see page 605).
- RG
Sep 25 2011. Anonymous writes:
Is anyone familiar with the phrase: "All behind like Ashford Church."? My mother [12.08.1908 to 15.04.1976] used to say it. We lived in Braunton, N.Devon, though I've lived in S.Devon for years now. It came into my mind today, and the reason behind the saying intrigues me.
Interesting. I've never heard the expression, but it could refer to the building history. According to the English Heritage page, the present Church of St Peter, Ashford, was built tower-first.
Parish Church, incorporating mediaeval furnishings and fabric to base of tower, but tower rebuilt 1798 according to plaque on north wall with inscription. "This Tower was Built at the Expense of the Parish in the year 1798". Remainder entirely rebuilt 1854 with chancel and south porch completed in late 1850s/early 1860s.- RG
Apr 6 2011, Nick Hamzij writes:
I am interested in any information regarding Cork Clubs. These existed in public houses from Victorian(?) times and have been described as a working men's freemasonry. One such club still exists in The Cider Bar,Newton Abbot and I have references to clubs in Greenwich and Rushden.Any info would be appreciated.
Interesting topic. Nick didn't provide any contact details, but I wrote a blog post on this topic at JSBlog - Journal of a Southern Bookreader: see Cork Clubs (April 4th 2011)
- RG
11th April 2011. Shirley Shin writes:
I am looking for an old house I visited about 30 yrs ago called The Roundhouse in Devon. It was owned by Victorian sisters who were very short of cash and had designed the interior to be energy and labour efficient. Had feathers on the walls for insulation and pie wedge shaped rooms to keep the heat in. Does anyone know this place please?
That would be A La Ronde, near Exmouth: see Wikipedia and the National Trust page. As far as I know, energy efficiency wasn't a motive; the usual accounts say the Parminter sisters wanted the design to resemble the octagonal Basilica of San Vitale.
- RG
Dec 10th 2010. "Steeplicious" writes:
I've come across newspaper articles asserting that researchers have evidence of the monks of Tavistock Abbey serving bread with clotted cream and strawberry preserves to workers assisting the repair of the abbey in the 10th century. I'm seeking information relating to this, such as the names and contact info of the researchers. If the researchers published on their discovery, the citation would be a big help. Any leads would be greatly appreciated!
I just checked out the Western Morning News piece: Cream tea on menu for over 1000 years (January 20, 2004)
Historians in Devon have found evidence which they say could shed light on the original birthplace of that popular Westcountry dish the cream tea ... Historians in Tavistock claim to have unearthed manuscripts that reveal the cream tea tradition actually began in the town some 1,000 years ago. While carrying out research into the history of the 900-year-old Tavistock Market Charter, they discovered that the monks of the town's Benedictine Abbey could have created the famous dish to reward workers who helped to restore the building. The monks would serve the clotted cream with bread and strawberry preserves. This evidence was brought to the attention of the Tavistock Food and Drink Festival committee, which is now organising a two-day event which will feature the Devon cream tea.
The Tavistock & District Local History Society have no idea who these historians are. I asked the Tavistock Food and Drink Festival, who tell me the contact is Chris Hair: here. I have tried contacting them, and have never heard back.
- RG
Dec 5th 2010. Alan Fraser writes:
Looking for information on the crash of a Stirling Bomber in Aug '42 at Gibhill Forestry near Cornhill, Devon. I understand the salvage crew cut a memorial cross in a nearby tree after recovering the bodies. I have heard a rumour that a memorial was going to be erected? Any information would be most welcome. Alan Fraser 149 Sqn Historian
Hi, Alan. We don't at this instant, but have you found the RAF Commands forum thread on Thomas Wyper Hunter? A user there, Ian "Penfold", mentions he's in the village and involved in the project for the memorial.
- RG
Pub sought
Can anyone help with locating a now-defunct Devon village pub that existed in about 1945? The one in question is the "Farmer's Arms", which was located somewhere in North Devon possibly in the Bideford rural area. The only other information I have is that the local farmer's name was Hockridge. Thanks, David Hill.
An anonymous answerer has commented - thanks! - that this pub is still extant: The Farmer's Arms in Woolfardisworthy ("Woolsery") matches the description.
- RG
August 4th 2010. jps2008 writes:
Help required to trace the watercolour artist believed to be called F JEFFEKY but the signature is somewhat faded. the picture is of the Chagford area and painted in 1838. can anyone assist with a correct name spelling or some history. mailto:jps2008@hotmail.co.uk
Best guess: Em(m)anuel Jeffery, of Southernhay, Exeter, who fits time and subject very well. "The Royal Academy of Arts: a complete dictionary of contributors and their work from its foundation in 1769 to 1904, Volume 4" lists other works as:
1840. 432 Woody Scene on the River Teign: Holy-street Mill, Chagford, Devonshire."White's Devonshire Directory of 1850" lists presumably the same person in its Professors section as a teacher of drawing, address 8 East Southernhay. The British Library Newspaper archive finds he died in Topsham, aged 68, on December 3rd 1874, but I can't find much else about him. The advertisement for the sale of his works, some 350, at the Royal Public Rooms, Exeter, on 15th-20th February 1875, also says he exhibited at the Royal Academy.
1841. 1187 Exeter from Exwick Hill, with Exmouth, Topsham and Powderham in the distance.
1842. 1231 Widden Park on the Teign, near Drewsteignton, Devonshire, with Chagford and Dartmoor in the distance.
- RG
Anonymous wrote:
Please direct me to photos online of the Roman fortlet near Ide, and to photos online of the old rectory at Ide. Thank you.
Sorry, no luck with the rectory, but see the new post Ide fortlet. Thanks: interesting topic, and there's a Devon County Publication with an extremely nice aerial photo.
- RG
1st December 2009:
John asked:
My family resided on The Beacon Exmouth, from 1935 until 1970 - there was a "break" during the period 1941 - 1948 when our house was demolished having been severely damaged by a bomb. In following up our family history last year I came across a web site listing all the bombs dropped and casualties in Exmouth during WW2, but have mislaid the site title. Have tried many variations without success. Any leads would be appreciated.
Casualties of the bombing of Exmouth at the Devon Heritage site?
- Regards, Ray (DHS site maintainer)
5th November 2009:
Anonymous asked:
Higher Charwood, Ashcombe, Hendon sub-district, St Thomas registration district, Devon.
This is where my great-grandmother was born in 1887, and where the family are listed as living. I cannot find any mention of this place anywhere - there are absolutely zero search results for "Higher Charwood" or any variations, nor is it on any map I've looked at. I don't know whether it was a farm, a hamlet or what! I would really appreciate any hints. Thank you for reading this far.
That place again - Higher Charwood!
It's undoubtedly a typo for Higher Charlwood, a farm about a kilometre south of Ashcombe (grid ref SX 915 784 - see Google Maps). I found it by looking in the vicinity of Ashcombe using the OS Get-a-map site. A look at Old Maps shows it was a farm at the time you mention; it's now the location of Ashcombe Adventure Centre.
(Thanks - got your update. We solved it simultaneously. I thought I'd leave the Q&A online as an example of the map resources people can use to solve this kind of problem).
- DHS website maintainer
28th March 2008:
Jenny St. Clair asked us about the page number of a Devon Historian (Autumn 2007) article, "Mormons in Plymouth 1922-1963". Full details are:
Creator: Vousden, Peter
Title: Mormons in Plymouth 1922-1963 / Peter Vousden
Imprint: Exeter : Devon History Society
Date: 2007
Format: pp 28-31 ; 21cm
Series: Devon Historian, 75
Ref. no.: MATCH VOUMOR2007
A useful resource for tracking this kind of publication is the Devon Libraries Local Studies Service online catalogue, which is available via our Useful links page. We're in the process of preparing an index of Devon Historian, which will go online soon.
- DHS website maintainer
Navy Row, Stoke Damerel
I am trying to find information about what premises were at the address "68 Navy Row, Stoke Damerel" in 1862. Also, what is the current address of that area?
Did "Navy Row" later become "Royal Navy Avenue"?
Thanks and kind regards
Doug Meyers
Partial answer: Ye Olde Maps of Ye Plymouthe of Ye Merrie Englande has a map here showing Navy Row c. 1890. Devonport Station makes it easy to orientate the map: the street is now Albert Road (see Google Maps).
- DHS website maintainer
William Dykar
Dear Members,
I am trying to trace a William Dykar who served on HMS Revenge at the Battle of Trafalgar, and later became the medical officer of Princetown, later Dartmoor.
William Dykar / Ship's surgeon / HMS Revenge / Trafalgar 1805 / Princetown, we think 1809
Please if you have any records we would like to know.
Mike Cunningham, Fri, 14 Mar 2008
Replies via the Treasurer at the address on the home page. Genealogy isn't normally our territory, but this is an interesting high-profile character. A search of Google Books for "William Dykar" or "Dr Dykar" finds a number of print sources with biographical detail. Of related interest, the National Archives Trafalgar Ancestors keeps a database of Trafalgar crew members.
- DHS web maintainer
Joan Hunter wrote:
I have a photo of my great grandfather on which it states that he was mayor of Tiverton from 1895-1897. His name was Frederick Andrew Fitzpayne and I would be interested in finding out more about him and his life in Tiverton.
That's a bit of a puzzle. I just looked in the British Library's 19th Century Newspapers archive, and the mayor of Tiverton in that time-slot (November 1895-1897) was a Mr Ian Heathcoat-Amory (a.k.a. Ian Amory). However, multiple stories say a "Councillor FA Payne, JP", a Tiverton solicitor, was mayor for three years from 1892-1895. There's a short Times obituary for him for Mar 23, 1909:
"PAYNE: on the 20th March 1909, at Tiverton, Frederick Andrew Payne, J.P., solicitor, three times Mayor of the Borough and formerly one of the governors of Blundell's School, aged 88."
There's also an obit for his wife Frances Maria (died March 14th 1889) - does that fit?
- DHS web maintainer
Re Blue Plaques:
I was hoping to contact the history society itself as I just wanted to know if you had a webpage that listed where your blue plaques were around Devon. Spotted the Ernest Bevin one the other day driving thru Copplestone, and wanted to know more. Do you have a list ?
Sorry, no. It's disappointing that Blue Plaques aren't a nationally coordinated system, so there's only piecemeal coverage where someone's enthusiastic enough to make a list for their own area. All I can suggest is Googling for blue plaques in Devon, which finds sites such as ones for the English Riviera, Exmouth, regional Waymarks, Tiverton, Torbay, and so on.
- DHS website maintainer Read more ...
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