Feniton Genealogical Records

Feniton 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.

Feniton Baptisms (1549-1915)

Digital images of baptism registers, searchable by a name index. These records detail relationships between parents and their children and may detail where they lived and how they made a living.

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.

Feniton 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.

Feniton Banns (1824-1915)

Banns registers list the names of people who intended to marry by the system of calling banns, in which the bride and groom's name were called for three weeks at church. At these callings objections could be made to a marriage. They record the bride and groom's parish of residence.

Feniton Marriages (1550-1915)

Digital images of marriage registers, searchable by a name index. Details given on the bride and groom may include their age, father's name, marital status, residence and signature.

Feniton Marriage Index (1550-1836)

Marriage records from people who married at the church between 1550 and 1836.

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.

Feniton 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.

Feniton Burials (1529-1915)

Digital images of burial registers, searchable by a name index. They may detail 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.

Feniton 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 Feniton

Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser (1820-1950)

Fully text-searchable articles from a local newspaper covering the Taunton district. It includes family announcements, obituaries, court proceedings, business notices and more.

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.

Feniton 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.

Feniton 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.

Feniton 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.

Feniton 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.

Feniton 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.

Feniton 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.

Feniton 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.

Feniton 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.

Feniton 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.

Feniton 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.

Feniton 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 Feniton

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.

Feniton 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.

Feniton 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 Feniton

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.

Feniton 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.

Feniton 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

FENITON is a village and parish on a tributary of the river Otter, with a station called Sidmouth junction on the main line of the South Western railway, and is 4 miles west from Honiton and 13 north-east from Exeter, in the Eastern division of the county, Hayridge hundred, Honiton petty sessional division, union and county court district, rural deanery of Ottery and archdeaconry and diocese of Exeter. The church of St. Andrew is an ancient building of stone in the Perpendicular styIe, consisting of chancel with aisle, nave of four bays, south aisle and an embattled western tower containing 6 bells: there are three memorial windows and a brass to the Right Hon. Sir John Patteson knt. Justice of the Queen’s Bench, who died at Feniton Court, June 28, 1861: the church retains a fine rood screen and parclose screens of the 15th century, restored by Hems and Sons, of Exeter, and on the south side of the chancel is an altar-tomb with quatrefoiled sides and on the upper slab a cadaver wrapt in a shroud tied over the head: on the capitals of the piers of the Malherbe aisle are shields of arms of the Malherbe and Ferrers families, some of whom were buried here: on the floor of the chancel is a stone inscribed to Margaret (Dennis), wife of George Kyrcham esq. ob. 1572: the fabric was completely restored and reseated in 1878, under the direction of Mr. R. Medley Fulford F.R.I.B.A, at an expense of £1,300, about one-half of which was given by the Rev. W. F. Gore and members of his family. In 1900 the flooring of the nave and south aisle was re-laid, new heating apparatus fixed, and other repairs done at a cost of £106: the church affords 226 sittings. The register dates from the year 1549. The living is a rectory, net yearly value £275, with residence and 74 acres of glebe, in the gift of and held since 1899 by the Rev. William Hart M.A., LL.D, of St. John’s College, Cambridge. There is a Wesleyan chapel at Fenny Bridges, built in 1839. Hembury Fort, Woodbury Castle, Dumpton and other ancient camps are in this neighbourhood. Feniton Court, the property of Jonathan Rashleigh esq. and formerly the property and residence of the Northcote family, and afterwards of the Right Hon. Sir John Patteson, who died here in 1862, is now occupied by George Randall Johnson esq. J.P. Jonathan Rashleigh esq. of Menabilly, Tywardreath, Cornwall, who is lord of the manor, the Right Hon. Sir John Henry Kennaway bart. P.C., M.P. of Escot, Talaton, John Pynsent Mathew esq. of 3 Homefield place, Heavitree, Exeter, Jonah Pynsent Mathew esq. of Rydon House, Talaton, Mrs. Lansdown, of Colestocks, George Toogood esq. the Rev. the Hon. Graham Colborne M.A. of Hembury Fort, Buckerell, and the rector, are the chief landowners. The soil is fertile and for the most part light; subsoil, sandy, excepting the hamlet of Curscombe, where it is clayey. The chief crops are wheat, barley, roots and pasturage. The area is 1,782 acres; rateable value, £3,800; the population in 1901 was 387.

Part of Fenny Bridges is in this parish, three-quarters of a mile south, on the road from Honiton to Exeter, where there is a corn mill.

National School (mixed), built in 1844 at the expense of the late Miss Patteson & presented to the parish, for 64 children; average attendance, 44.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1902)

Most Common Surnames in Feniton

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Hayridge Hundred
1Pring121:304.10%395
2Thomas101:360.57%22
2Lansdown101:3640.00%3,006
4Hitchcock91:403.36%431
4Gore91:4017.31%1,843
4Toogood91:4010.71%1,316
4Lovering91:404.00%526
4Liley91:4081.82%5,026
4Bending91:406.67%874
10Arbury81:4529.63%2,866
11Tucker71:510.20%3
11North71:514.00%691
11Summers71:512.59%426
11Holman71:511.20%179
11Chown71:512.54%420
11Bowdage71:5170.00%5,368
17Powell61:592.11%407
17Broom61:591.27%232
17Cann61:590.57%71
17Maddock61:592.13%414
21Clarke51:710.33%34
21Fry51:710.99%212
21Street51:712.39%569
21Ireland51:711.66%376
21Gosling51:712.05%476
21Westaway51:711.30%289
21Halse51:712.84%685
21Gigg51:714.10%953
21Didham51:7138.46%4,496
30Horsford41:8912.12%2,557
30Galliford41:894.30%1,205
30Woram41:8916.00%3,006
30Buffet41:8980.00%8,667
30Bastain41:89100.00%9,849
30Harnall41:89100.00%9,849
36Payne31:1190.42%131
36Davey31:1190.15%15
36Marks31:1190.59%209
36East31:1193.57%1,316
36Hurley31:1192.91%1,097
36Ridgway31:1194.62%1,602
36Coombe31:1190.59%210
36Venn31:1191.39%546
36Wheaton31:1191.07%416
36Addicott31:1193.23%1,205
36Connet31:11933.33%5,765
47Carter21:1780.18%60
47Hunt21:1780.25%110
47Murray21:1781.30%778
47Perry21:1780.25%111
47Hayes21:1780.98%585
47Rowe21:1780.10%16
47Bruce21:17810.53%3,545
47Salter21:1780.18%61
47Lake21:1780.20%84
47Clay21:1783.92%1,878
47Isaac21:1780.31%158
47Jewell21:1780.29%142
47Hussey21:1781.02%610
47Hawker21:1781.69%981
47Hayman21:1780.28%130
47Gage21:1783.03%1,586
47Abbot21:1785.13%2,300
47Hays21:17815.38%4,496
47Bowdon21:1784.88%2,214
47Wheddon21:178100.00%13,160
47Wilmington21:17828.57%6,891
47Northcotte21:17811.11%3,695
69Moore11:3560.06%26
69Collins11:3560.11%93
69Dunn11:3560.12%103
69Lawrence11:3560.35%413
69Hewitt11:3561.19%1,316
69Hooper11:3560.05%19
69Norton11:3560.43%498
69Bowden11:3560.05%19
69Pike11:3560.09%68
69Steele11:3562.50%2,249
69Graves11:3561.43%1,524
69Sparks11:3560.38%436
69Pitts11:3560.31%344
69Percy11:3560.70%820
69Cowling11:3560.74%868
69Blakey11:35612.50%6,268
69Rundle11:3560.21%224
69Silk11:3564.55%3,259
69Pyle11:3560.48%575
69Martyn11:3560.55%666
69Hellier11:3560.27%308
69Board11:3560.68%802
69Pears11:3563.85%2,930
69Woodham11:35620.00%8,667
69Carnell11:3560.50%599
69Eveleigh11:3560.45%530
69Hares11:3566.25%3,944
69Underdown11:3561.47%1,565
69Bidgood11:3560.45%530
69Rugg11:3561.85%1,795
69Carnall11:3561.72%1,730
69Palk11:3560.36%422
69Strawbridge11:3560.75%890
69Denner11:3560.93%1,066
69Lenard11:35650.00%13,160
69Titt11:35611.11%5,765
69Holwill11:3561.01%1,141
69Leet11:35612.50%6,268
69Bovett11:3561.41%1,509
69Flee11:3567.69%4,496
69Gouldworthy11:356100.00%15,767
69Dommet11:35625.00%9,849
69Flea11:356100.00%15,767
69Chereton11:356100.00%15,767
69Cosmet11:356100.00%15,767
69Sug11:356100.00%15,767