Abbotskerswell Genealogical Records

Abbotskerswell Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Abbotskerswell Baptisms (1813-1839)

A name index, connected to digital images of baptism registers, the primary source for birth documentation before 1837. They may record the date a child was born and/or baptised, their parents' names, occupations, residence and more.

Devon Baptisms (1444-1915)

A searchable database of 2,225,292 records, linked to original images of baptism registers. The records provide proof of parentage, occupations, residence and other details.

Devon Baptism Index (1813-1839)

Transcriptions of over 360,000 baptisms from most parishes in the county. Records include parents name and abode.

Devon Social & Institutional Records (1780-1914)

Over 60,000 transcripts of personal entries in various types of records, including vaccination registers, apprenticeship records, occupational records, poor law records, marriage notice books, returns of deaths, infirmary registers, debtor lists, workhouse birth registers, bastardy records and more.

Abbotskerswell Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Abbotskerswell Marriages (1756-1837)

Digital images of marriage registers, searchable by a name index. They are the primary marriage document before 1837. They typically record residence and marital status, though may contain age, father's name and other details.

Devon Marriages (1446-2002)

A searchable database of 1,871,561 records, linked to original images of marriage registers. The records may include fathers' names, age, residence, occupations and more.

Devon Marriage Index (1754-1837)

Transcriptions of over 270,000 marriages from most parishes in the county.

Devon Banns Registers (1538-1915)

A searchable database of 367,288 records detailing intentions to marry. Includes digital images of the records and may contain information not included in marriage registers.

Abbotskerswell Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Abbotskerswell Burials (1813-1837)

Digital images of burial registers, searchable by a name index. Lists the deceased's name, residence and age. Some records may contain the names of relations, cause of death and more.

Devon Burials (1320-1988)

A searchable database of 1,666,144 records, linked to original images of burial registers. The records may include date of burial and/or death, residence, age and other details.

Devon Burials Index (1813-1837)

Transcriptions of over 225,000 burials from most parishes in the county. Induces the deceased's age.

Devon Social & Institutional Records (1780-1914)

Over 60,000 transcripts of personal entries in various types of records, including vaccination registers, apprenticeship records, occupational records, poor law records, marriage notice books, returns of deaths, infirmary registers, debtor lists, workhouse birth registers, bastardy records and more.

Abbotskerswell Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Register of Voters for South Devon (1865-1869)

A list of those eligible to vote, including their address and qualification to vote.

Devon Militia Assessments (1715)

A list of Devon property-owners who were required to contribute towards sustaining the militia.

Devon Hearth Tax Return (1674)

A transcription of the Lady Day hearth tax for 1674 for the county of Devon.

Newspapers Covering Abbotskerswell

Exeter Flying Post (1800-1900)

A conservative newspaper covering business, family, legal and other news in the Exeter district.

Western Morning News (1894-1950)

A politically independent newspaper, covering the affairs of Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. It includes family notices.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Daily Telegrams (1869-1870)

A short regional paper covering local occurrences, business news, family notices and more.

Western Times (1827-1950)

A liberal newspaper covering the counties of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. It includes family notices.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette (1827-1950)

Original images of a regional newspaper, searchable via a full text index. Includes news from the Devon area, business notices, obituaries, family announcements and more.

Abbotskerswell Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

Devon Wills Index (1163-1999)

An index to 295,609 wills of people who lived in or were connected to Devon. The wills they reference can contain a great deal of genealogical information.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Admon Index (1559-1660)

An index to estate administrations performed by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. The index covers the southern two thirds of England & Wales, but may also contain entries for northerners.

Exeter Diocese & Archdeaconry Probate & Admons (1540-1799)

An index to thousands of probates and administrations granted by the Diocese and Archdeaconry of Exeter, covering parts of Devon & Cornwall.

Devon Probate Index (1190-1980)

An index to over 300,000 Devon wills, admons and inventories from 550 sources. Index contains name, abode, occupation, type of document, year of probate, court, notes and document reference.

Abbotskerswell Immigration & Travel Records

Devonian Migration Choices (1760-1950)

A detailed investigation into motivations for Devonians choosing to stay or migrate from the county, with particular attention to labour, religion and family ties.

Settlement & Removal in Rural Devon (1662-1871)

A lengthy article detailing the practice of moving the needy poor between parishes. Contains examples of settlements, removals and examinations.

Sinking of the John (1855)

The story of a ship heading to Quebec from Plymouth that sank off the coast of Cornwall, killing 194 passengers. Includes information on the crew, passengers and others connected with the event.

North Devon Exodus (1818-1868)

An overview of emigration from north Devon to the Americas, with particulars of some who made the journey.

Prisoners in Devon Quarter Sessions (1655-1837)

A calendar of prisoners brought before the quarter sessions, with details of their crime and punishment. Contains entries for individuals who were transported.

Abbotskerswell Military Records

Devon Militia and Volunteer Lists (1799-1825)

Various military lists published in the Exeter Flying Post, particularly lists of deserters, which may list age and physical description.

Devon Militia Assessments (1715)

A list of Devon property-owners who were required to contribute towards sustaining the militia.

Devon WWI Memorials (1914-1918)

A list of names found on World War One monuments in Devon, with some service details.

Devon WWII Memorials (1914-1918)

A list of names found on World War Two monuments in Devon, with some service details.

Swansea-Devonian War Memorial (1914-1945)

Names from a presumably predominately Devonian war memorial in the former Bible Christian church at Swansea.

Register of Voters for South Devon (1865-1869)

A list of those eligible to vote, including their address and qualification to vote.

Plymouth & West Devon Rate Books (1598-1933)

An index of around 300,000 names in local tax records. The index is connected to digital images of the rate books, which record, land owner and occupier, description of property, address and details of the tax.

Devon & Exeter Oath Rolls (1723)

Transcriptions of documents listing those who swore loyalty to King George I after the Jacobite Atterbury Plot.

Indictable Offenses in Devon Quarter Sessions (1745-1782)

A calendar of cases to be heard before the quarter session that are indictable by nature,.

Cursers & Badgers in Devon Quarter Sessions (1729-1745)

Two calendars, one of those licensed to carry out trade and the other those brought before the session for cursing.

Abbotskerswell Taxation Records

Plymouth & West Devon Rate Books (1598-1933)

An index of around 300,000 names in local tax records. The index is connected to digital images of the rate books, which record, land owner and occupier, description of property, address and details of the tax.

Devon Tithe Apportionments (1839-1851)

Transcriptions of documents listing land, their owner or occupier acreage and name or description.

Devon Militia Assessments (1715)

A list of Devon property-owners who were required to contribute towards sustaining the militia.

Devon Hearth Tax Return (1674)

A transcription of the Lady Day hearth tax for 1674 for the county of Devon.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Abbotskerswell Land & Property Records

Register of Voters for South Devon (1865-1869)

A list of those eligible to vote, including their address and qualification to vote.

Devon Tithe Maps & Apportionments (1839-1850)

Maps delineating fields in Devon, which are referenced to documents recording field names, land owners, occupiers, land use and land size.

Plymouth & West Devon Rate Books (1598-1933)

An index of around 300,000 names in local tax records. The index is connected to digital images of the rate books, which record, land owner and occupier, description of property, address and details of the tax.

Devon Tithe Apportionments (1839-1851)

Transcriptions of documents listing land, their owner or occupier acreage and name or description.

Devon Militia Assessments (1715)

A list of Devon property-owners who were required to contribute towards sustaining the militia.

Abbotskerswell Directories & Gazetteers

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1923)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1919)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1914)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key historical and contemporary facts. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions. Also contains a list of residents and businesses for each place.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1910)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key historical and contemporary facts. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions. Also contains a list of residents and businesses for each place.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1902)

A directory of residents and businesses; with a description of each settlement, containing details on its history, public institutions, churches, postal services, governance and more.

Abbotskerswell Cemeteries

Devon Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Devon's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Devon Headstones (1780-2000)

Memorials of a select number of headstones in Devon.

Deceased Online (1629-Present)

Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Mausolea and Monuments (1500-Present)

Profiles of several hundred mausolea found in the British Isles.

Abbotskerswell Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Abbotskerswell Histories & Books

Devonian Migration Choices (1760-1950)

A detailed investigation into motivations for Devonians choosing to stay or migrate from the county, with particular attention to labour, religion and family ties.

Catholic History in South West England (1517-1856)

A history of Catholicism in South West England with biographies of noted Catholics. Contains details of the Dominican, Benedictine, and Franciscan orders.

Magna Britannia: Devonshire (1066-1822)

A general and parochial history of the county, with sections for each parish.

The History of Devon (44-Present)

Numerous articles covering the history of the country, its principle settlements, notable persons, castles and more.

Devon in 1850 (1850)

A detailed overview of Devon in 1850, extracted from a directory of that year.

Abbotskerswell School & Education Records

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge Alumni Database (1198-1910)

A searchable database containing over 90,000 note-form biographies for students of Cambridge University.

Abbotskerswell Occupation & Business Records

Women in Cornwall & Devon Mines (1770-1920)

Background information on women employed by the mining industry in Devon & Cornwall. Includes a database of over 25,000 women and oral histories.

Devon Gamekeeper Lists (1847-1859)

Lists of gamekeepers from the North Devon Journal.

Devon Gamekeeper Lists (1834-1860)

Lists of gamekeepers from the The Western Times.

Devon Gamekeeper Lists (1800-1859)

A series of newspaper articles listing gamekeepers in Devon.

Devon Runaway Apprentices (1800-1889)

Transcripts of newspaper articles listing the particulars of apprentices who absconded from their master.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Abbotskerswell

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Abbotskerswell Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

The Visitations of Devon: 1531, 1564 & 1620 (1000-1620)

Three works compiled from 16th and 17th century sources that record Devon families who had the right to bear a coat of arms.

Devonshire Ignobles (1620)

A list of men found by William Camden to have unsubstantiated claims to coats of arms.

Devon Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Devon's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Abbotskerswell Church Records

Catholic History in South West England (1517-1856)

A history of Catholicism in South West England with biographies of noted Catholics. Contains details of the Dominican, Benedictine, and Franciscan orders.

Devon Parish Registers (1754-1839)

Prior to civil registration in 1837, the parish registers of Devon are the most common place to turn for details on births, marriages and deaths.

Episcopal Visitation Returns (1744-1779)

A series of questionnaires detailing the ecclesiastical predicament of around 250 parishes in Devon.

St Paul's Rebuilding Returns from Devon (1678)

A transcript of documents recording those who contributed to the rebuilding of St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

The Westcountry Preachers (1815-1907)

A history of the Bible Christians, a denomination of Methodists, in Devon and Cornwall.

Biographical Directories Covering Abbotskerswell

Devonshire Characters and Strange Events (1550-1904)

A series of folk tales and detailed biographies of Devonshire men and women.

The Worthies of Devon (1066-1700)

Biographies of notable Devonians from the Norman period up to the end of the 17th century.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Abbotskerswell Maps

Devon Tithe Maps & Apportionments (1839-1850)

Maps delineating fields in Devon, which are referenced to documents recording field names, land owners, occupiers, land use and land size.

East Devon Tithe Maps (1840)

Maps delineating fields, forests and other land plots in east Devon. Apportionments not included.

Devon Tithe Apportionments (1839-1851)

Transcriptions of documents listing land, their owner or occupier acreage and name or description.

Maps of Devon (1563-1922)

A collection of digitalised maps covering the county.

UK Popular Edition Maps (1919-1926)

Detailed maps covering much of the UK. They depict forests, mountains, larger farms, roads, railroads, towns, and more.

Abbotskerswell Reference Works

Devon Surnames (1086-1967)

A series of articles on Devon surnames, including a dictionary of Devon surname definitions.

Locating Devon Wills (1400-Present)

A guide to locating Devon wills in light of losses incurred during World War II.

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Historical Description

ABBOTS KERSWELL (or Carswell) is a parish and village near the road from Totnes to Newton Abbot, 1 ½ miles south from Newton Abbot and 2 north-west from Kingskerswell station on the Torquay and Dartmouth branch of the Great Western railway, 18 south from Exeter and 6 north-east from Torquay, in the Mid or Ashburton division of the county, Haytor hundred, Teignbridge petty sessional division, Newton Abbot union, Newton Abbot and Torquay county court district, rural deanery of Moreton, archdeaconry of Totnes and diocese of Exeter. The church of St. Mary is an ancient building of stone erected at three different periods, the several styles of which are well marked, the Early English chancel being the earliest portion; the church consists of nave, north aisle, side chapel, south porch and a massive embattled tower containing a dock and 3 bells, dated respectively 1637, 1664 and 1705; a screen of carved oak and the turret and steps formerly leading to the rood loft are still extant: on the chancel wall is a brass erected by several of his brother officers to the late Captain Marcus Hare, in command of H.M.S. Eurydice when she foundered in a squall off Dunmore Head, Isle of Wight, March 24th, 1878: the church was restored in 1884, at a cost of £1,609, and affords 138 sittings. The registers date from the year 1608, but some of these are in an imperfect condition. The living is a vicarage, net yearly income £210, including 1 ½ acres of glebe, with residence, in the gift of the Lord Chancellor, and held since 1898 by the Rev. Frank Gordon Campbell B.A. of Hatfield Hall, Durham. The impropriate rent-charge, commuted at £116 yearly, is paid to the vicar of Cornworthy. Here are Baptist and Wesleyan chapels. The parish is noted for its cyder, in the production of which Messrs. Henley and Son employ a large number of hands. During the years 1882—97 cottage art schools have been held in this village, in which young men have been trained in designing and art handicraft, and many of these find permanent employment at the Aller Vale Art Pottery works. The charities are of £6 yearly value. Mrs. Carr, of Bath, is lady of the manor, and Mrs. Hare and William Codner Henley esq. are the chief landowners. The parish was formerly the property of the Abbots of Sherborne, in Dorsetshire. The soil is loamy; the subsoil is principally limestone rock. The chief crops are wheat, barley and roots. The acreage is 1,486; rateable value, £3,396; the population in 1901 was 457.

A School Board of 5 members was formed March 27, 1875; W. H. Oliver, Newton Abbot, clerk to the board & attendance officer.

Board School (mixed), erected in 1876, at a cost of £600, for 75 children; average attendance, 75.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1902)

Most Common Surnames in Abbotskerswell

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Haytor Hundred
1Elliott181:241.52%54
1Webber181:240.73%10
3Lee101:440.56%21
4Stevens91:480.72%49
4Sims91:484.37%578
4Chudleigh91:488.91%1,118
7Cowell81:558.89%1,243
7Prowse81:551.20%152
7Venning81:558.60%1,205
7Osbourn81:5580.00%5,368
7Maddicott81:5519.05%2,174
12Smith71:620.20%4
12Bartlett71:620.68%73
12Partridge71:620.99%135
12Palk71:622.55%422
12Mugridge71:626.36%1,046
12Underhay71:626.03%997
12Venicombe71:6235.00%3,438
19Taylor61:730.24%9
19Searle61:730.63%87
19Court61:738.33%1,497
19Honey61:732.96%587
19Blatchford61:731.57%292
19Bulley61:732.03%386
19Blackler61:731.60%296
19Michelmore61:734.29%837
27Bond51:870.49%74
27Gardiner51:875.10%1,151
27Cann51:870.47%71
27Emmett51:873.14%753
27Tozer51:870.65%120
27Lear51:871.71%397
27Wotton51:871.42%321
27Allin51:872.31%546
27Tibbs51:8713.16%2,338
27Westaway51:871.30%289
27Middlewick51:8710.20%1,932
38Jones41:1090.21%18
38Phillips41:1090.23%23
38Ellis41:1090.21%17
38Hawkins41:1090.40%82
38Howe41:1091.03%286
38Dyer41:1090.45%97
38Perkins41:1090.67%175
38Pickard41:1091.29%365
38Wakeham41:1090.76%204
38Mudge41:1090.99%273
38Paddon41:1091.21%340
38Leaker41:10914.29%2,802
38Coomb41:10950.00%6,268
51Morgan31:1450.58%208
51Ford31:1450.18%28
51Marsh31:1451.65%666
51Garland31:1451.52%607
51Locke31:1452.16%843
51Chard31:1452.01%797
51Hellier31:1450.82%308
51Knapman31:1450.52%183
51Endacott31:1450.85%317
51Whiteway31:1451.36%539
51Vesey31:14520.00%4,095
62Brown21:2180.09%12
62Skinner21:2180.14%37
62Norton21:2180.85%498
62Barrow21:2180.83%485
62Travis21:21812.50%3,944
62Leighton21:21850.00%9,849
62Hine21:2180.97%575
62Burridge21:2180.53%294
62Janes21:2182.33%1,288
62Jeffreys21:21816.67%4,730
62Shawyer21:21828.57%6,891
62Ruby21:2183.51%1,743
62Brimson21:2185.88%2,503
62Caseley21:2182.67%1,447
62Emmitt21:21866.67%11,450
62Pethybridge21:2182.50%1,375
62Cheriton21:2182.74%1,473
62Sluman21:2182.67%1,447
62Hanaford21:2189.09%3,259
62Pethrick21:2189.52%3,358
62Hennor21:218100.00%13,160
83Williams11:4360.03%2
83White11:4360.04%7
83Hill11:4360.03%5
83Martin11:4360.04%8
83Davis11:4360.08%41
83Page11:4360.25%279
83Warren11:4360.07%38
83Coleman11:4360.25%282
83Heath11:4360.16%167
83Wills11:4360.06%30
83Gale11:4360.15%144
83Wyatt11:4360.13%114
83Wise11:4360.87%1,006
83Gifford11:4360.79%934
83Creed11:4368.33%4,730
83Pack11:4360.66%788
83Wrench11:43650.00%13,160
83Doble11:4360.30%333
83Hamlyn11:4360.22%250
83Lewes11:4366.25%3,944
83Rowse11:4360.58%704
83Wilcocks11:4360.57%685
83Diment11:4362.17%2,022
83Aggett11:4360.34%383
83Bodley11:4362.33%2,133
83Hammon11:4367.14%4,290
83Crimp11:4360.50%593
83Bearne11:4360.52%622
83Tapson11:4361.54%1,602
83Bambury11:4362.44%2,214
83Setter11:4360.74%868
83Roworth11:436100.00%15,767
83Hemmett11:4362.38%2,174
83Codner11:4361.85%1,795
83Quantick11:4361.85%1,795
83Wonacott11:4362.17%2,022
83Finner11:43612.50%6,268
83Ridway11:43650.00%13,160
83Clinick11:4367.14%4,290
83Dimint11:436100.00%15,767