Knowstone Genealogical Records

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone Baptisms (1538-1915)

Digital images of baptism registers, searchable by a name index, essentially recording births, but may also include places of residence and occupations.

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.

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone Marriages (1539-1916)

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 and residence.

Knowstone Marriage Index (1693-1712)

Marriage records from people who married at the church between 1693 and 1712.

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.

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone Burials (1538-1922)

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.

Knowstone 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 Knowstone

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.

North Devon Journal (1824-1950)

A database allowing full text searches of a newspaper covering regional news, family announcements, obituaries, court proceedings, business notices and more in the Devon area.

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone 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 Knowstone

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.

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone 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 Knowstone

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.

Knowstone 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.

Knowstone 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

KNOWSTONE is a parish and village standing on an eminence and surrounded by hills, 4 miles south-west from East Anstey station on the Devon and Somerset branch of the Great Western railway, 9 miles east-by-south from South Molton, 11 north-west from Tiverton and 9 west from Bampton, in the Northern division of the county, hundred, petty sessional division, union and county court district of South Molton, rural deanery of South Molton, archdeaconry of Barnstaple and diocese of Exeter. The church of St. Peter is a small building of stone, chiefly in a simple form of the Late Decorated style, with Perpendicular insertions, and consists of chancel, nave of three bays, north aisle, south porch and an embattled western tower containing 5 bells: the east and west windows and one other in the chancel and one in the nave are stained, and there are 230 sittings. The register of baptisms and burials dates from the year 1538; marriages, 1539. The living is a vicarage, with that of Molland annexed, joint net yearly value £420, including 54 acres of glebe, with residence, and has been held since 1853 by the Rev. John Matthews B.A. of Exeter College, Oxford, and prebendary of Exeter. There are charities of £4 10s. yearly value, £3 10s. of which is payable out of the Edgerley and Bowden estates. Wadhams, now a farm house, was a seat of the Wadham family, of which was Sir Nicholas Wadham kt. founder, in 1610, of Wadham College, Oxford. At Knowstone was born, in 1635, Sir John Berry kt. a distinguished naval commander, who fought with great bravery at the decisive engagement in June, 1665, in Sole bay, off the coast of Suffolk, between the English and Dutch fleets, when the latter were signally defeated and their leader. Admiral Opdam, slain; in 1682, when in command of the “Gloucester” frigate, he conveyed the Duke of York to Scotland, was afterwards made a vice-admiral, and died 14th Feb. 1691. Sir Nicholas William George Throckmorton bart. of Buckland, Faringdon, Berks, is lord of the manor and chief landowner. The Earl of Ilchester, Mr. James Snow (Beaples and Brownsford) and Mr. Herbert Snow (Moortown) are also landowners here. The soil is clayey; subsoil, rock. The chief crops are oats, barley and some wheat. The acreage is 5,144; rateable value, £2,961; the population in 1901 was 343.

The soil is heavy; the larger portion of it being grass land.

National School (mixed), erected in 1859, for 60 children; average attendance, 57.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1902)

Most Common Surnames in Knowstone

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in South Molton Hundred
1Bucknell261:1618.84%853
2Hill211:200.64%5
3Cole161:270.76%13
4Buckingham151:283.49%258
5Veysey121:358.22%810
6Perkins111:391.85%175
6Bray111:391.73%160
6Chapple111:391.74%162
6Tarr111:393.48%355
10Berry101:421.06%91
10Davey101:420.50%15
10Luxton101:421.33%121
10Tidball101:4213.70%1,473
14Snow91:471.84%222
14Cockram91:471.88%228
14Follett91:4716.36%1,781
14Boundy91:475.11%685
14Elstone91:4715.25%1,708
19Williams81:530.21%2
19Thomas81:530.45%22
19Stone81:530.62%44
19Palfrey81:534.10%612
19Courtenay81:5316.33%1,932
24Mogford71:614.32%739
25Wright61:710.71%105
25Tucker61:710.17%3
25Lake61:710.61%84
25Blackmore61:710.52%56
29Newton51:850.91%192
29Bolt51:850.65%119
29Marshell51:8533.33%4,095
29Torrington51:8545.45%5,026
33Matthews41:1060.39%77
33Packer41:1061.95%582
33Pavey41:1062.52%753
33Quatly41:106100.00%9,849
37Marshall31:1410.42%136
37Bennett31:1410.18%26
37Sowden31:1411.95%778
37Maunder31:1410.54%188
37Kingdon31:1410.69%257
37Headon31:1412.16%843
43Harris21:2120.05%1
43Allen21:2120.23%102
43Pearce21:2120.15%43
43Dunn21:2120.23%103
43Frost21:2120.26%115
43Pope21:2120.28%131
43Thorne21:2120.22%100
43Main21:2122.56%1,398
43Goss21:2120.40%214
43Cavill21:2124.17%1,955
43Trout21:2120.95%562
43Buckell21:212100.00%13,160
43Evett21:21225.00%6,268
43Mildon21:2121.47%868
43Bery21:21266.67%11,450
43Quartly21:21213.33%4,095
43Chappe21:212100.00%13,160
43Crosway21:212100.00%13,160
61Roberts11:4240.07%36
61Morris11:4240.28%314
61Baker11:4240.03%6
61Moore11:4240.06%26
61Morgan11:4240.19%208
61Ford11:4240.06%28
61Andrews11:4240.08%42
61Harding11:4240.09%70
61Willis11:4240.17%171
61Skinner11:4240.07%37
61Winter11:4240.71%837
61Patterson11:4240.99%1,118
61Carpenter11:4240.23%254
61Bowden11:4240.05%19
61Summers11:4240.37%426
61Burnett11:4240.35%407
61Hodge11:4240.09%66
61O'Neil11:4244.00%3,006
61Beer11:4240.06%24
61Vickery11:4240.22%246
61Daw11:4240.27%295
61Dart11:4240.14%128
61Perryman11:4240.40%469
61Lowden11:4242.38%2,174
61Crossman11:4240.50%593
61Pook11:4240.34%390
61Callaway11:4241.01%1,141
61Kingdom11:4240.56%677
61Loosemore11:4240.40%462
61Badley11:42425.00%9,849
61Courteney11:4249.09%5,026
61Beery11:42420.00%8,667
61Beay11:42450.00%13,160
61Ween11:424100.00%15,767
61Vickrey11:424100.00%15,767
61Run11:42450.00%13,160
61Tare11:424100.00%15,767
61Daio11:424100.00%15,767