Lynton Genealogical Records

Lynton 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.

Lynton Baptisms (1568-1915)

Digital images of baptism registers, searchable by a name index. These records may help trace a family as far back as 1568.

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.

Lynton 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.

Lynton Banns (1853-1915)

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, which may be recorded differently in the marriage register.

Lynton Marriages (1591-1915)

Details of those who were married at the church between 1591 and 1915. Information given may include parents' names, ages, marital status, abode and more.

Lynton Marriage Records (1591-1837)

A searchable transcript recording marriages solemnised at Lynton between 1591 and 1837. Details may include residence, marital status and witnesses.

Lynton Marriage Index (1591-1837)

An index to marriages in between 1591 and 1837, listing the date of marriage and the names of the bride and groom.

Lynton 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.

Lynton Burials (1568-1915)

Digital images of burial registers, searchable by a name index. Lists the deceased's name, residence and age.

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.

Lynton 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 Lynton

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.

Lynton 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.

Lynton 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.

Lynton 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.

Lynton 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.

Lynton 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.

Lynton 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.

Lynton 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.

Lynton 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.

Lynton 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.

Lynton 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.

Lynton 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 Lynton

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.

Lynton 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.

Lynton 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 Lynton

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.

Lynton 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.

Lynton 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

The small village of Linton is about half a mile north-west of which is the Valley of Stones, so called from its being covered with immense fragments of stones.

Even to those who have examined the Valley of Stones, it may not be unpleasant to retrace objects with which they must have been uncommonly struck, and to those who never had that pleasure, it may not prove unentertaining to be brought acquainted with a lusus Naturae, which though extremely romantic, is but little known. The scenery in the valley is peculiar; where the hills slope towards the west, they are spotted with loose detached rocks, which in several parts lie scattered about their bases. After this the summits of she succeeding hills become more rugged, assuming the shape of ruined towers, obelisks, and other fantastic forms. At the entrance of the valley we begin to ascend the craggy hills. In their commencement from the rising plain they are less broken in their appearance, and cultivated in patches at places not inaccessible. These traces of human industry, thus obtruding themselves into the barren valley, accord not with the wildness of the scenery, and violate, as it were, the general idea of solitude.

As we advance into the valley, the rocky eminences impress a reverential kind of awe, their sloping sides often terminating in headlong precipices; the variety of their stupendous rugged forms, and many fragments shivered from them, have rolled into the narrow plain. Surrounded by them on all sides, except towards the sea, at the bottom of the valley, one seems to be secluded from society by impassable barriers. Silence heightens the illusion, though this is at times interrupted by the cries of the kite and hawk, imparting an additional wildness to the scene.

At its lower extremity, where the valley is widest, about four hundred feet, in the very centre, a large bulwark rises, like some gigantic building, in part demolished. More than half of the valley is shut up from the sea by its broad base; but, lessening by degrees, it rises to a considerable height, and terminates in a conical form. In this valley imagination would be at a loss to figure to itself a ruder congeries of objects. Rocks piled on rocks at one place in unequal and rough layers; at another transverse, and diagonally inclined against each other. In short, in every possible form that can be conceived, threatening, however, every moment to be disjoined, to precipitate themselves into the valley, or beyond it, into the depth of the waters.

On the left side there is a rock, which projecting boldly from the inclining steep, and thrusting itself forward, opposes the Severn Sea with its broad perpendicular front, chequered with ivy, and tinted with variegated moss. On either side the conical mountain, the valley loses itself rapidly in the sea. The cliffs being at times elevated above the farm lands within, protect them from the north wind, which unchecked, impedes the harvest and every kind of vegetation. The distant woods, intermingled with the corn and pasture ground, form a pleasing and striking contrast with the scenery on this side, which, without the picturesque, comprises every thing wild and magnificent. The central part of the valley contains several circles of stone, above forty feet in diameter, most probably Druidical remains.

The several portions of the scenery in this valley are so various and complicated in their composition, that they seem to mock all art, and preclude imitation. Still the effect upon the contemplative mind, and the admirer of the grand and romantic appearances of Nature, will in every instance be the same. The sensations impressed by a survey of such retreats from the busy world, are always of the most southing kind.

" Hail awful scenes that calm the troubled breast,

And woo the weary to profound repose!

Can Passion’s wildest uproar lay to rest,

And whisper comfort to the man of woes?

Here Innocence may wander safe from foes,

And Contemplation soar on seraph wings.

O Solitude! the man who thee foregoes,

When lucre lures him, or Ambition Mings,

Shall never know the source whence real grandeur springs."

Dr. Maton has particularly described this curious place, in the following words: "Advancing into this extraordinary valley, we had a grand view of the Severn through an abrupt opening in the rocks. Taking a retrospect, we caught one of the hills we had passed, retiring behind the mountains to the south, but still showing its conical wood-encireled summits with the most happy effect. A sort of natural pillar presently attracted our notice, mantled venerably with ivy and moss, and thrusting itself forward from the steep with a bold perpendicularity. ‘ Surely, ' we exclaimed, ‘ this must be the work of human hands, which have thus piled these huge rocks on each other for some purpose of superstition. The solemnity of the situation, perhaps, appeared to the Druids well suited to the object of their sacred ceremonies. ’ On close inspection, however, we were compelled to ascribe the architecture to Nature alone, for none but herself could have placed the masses so as to preserve the direction of the grain throughout in such a perfect parallelism, or joined them with such nicety. As she is often fantastic in her workmanship, there is no reason why, at the time of some great convulsion, she should have not erected regular columns and groups of rocks in the Valley of Stones, as well as among the granite hills of Cornwall and Dartmoor, or in the basaltic cave of Fingal. As we proceeded, the declivities gradually became less broken and craggy, and at last assumed an aspect rather verdant and composed. Immense blocks of stone, however, still covered the valley; distance sometimes almost imposed on our judgment, and we were often about to attribute the grotesque arrangement we witnessed to the efforts of art; but attentive observation always brought us back to a different conclusion. Partially counterfeiting design, as if to sport with her spectators, Nature confessed, in a wanton eccentricity, that the distribution was all her own. Traces of cultivation and human industry now obtruded themselves through the broad gap of the valley, and expelled those pleasing ideas of solitude and seclusion which the primaeval wildness and silence of these sublime scenes had first inspired.

"The length of this valley is, as I imagine, nearly a mile: in width, towards the village of Linton, which is situated near its eastern extremity, it measures full 300 feet; but not so much at the opposite end, where the gap is very evidently narrower. The first idea that offers itself in speculating on the origin of this extraordinary pass is, that it must have been the course of a vast and violent torrent, which from the broad opening towards the sea, and the more craggy torn surface of the mountain, would seem to have poured itself into the Severn at the western extremity."

The church of Linton is a plain unornamented building, and hence the road descends rapidly to the vallies. It is a bad Alpine way down a mountain, all but perpendicular, making many traverses so close, that persons advancing in the different windings, appear to be moving in the most opposite directions. From the middle of this declivity, at an angle of turning, the two rivulets, called the East and West Lin, appear beneath one’s feet, hurrying over many an obstructing rock, but uniting before they lose themselves in the sea.

On the western side of the East Lin, the mountain declining steeply on both sides from the church of Countisbury, terminates in a point just above a bridge with two arches. Beyond this, and still more eastward, the cliffs rise from the sea nearly in a perpendicular line, to the height of three or four hundred feet, rounding as they rise, and trending on for some space till they shut out, by the intervention of Foreland Point, all further land view.

On the west of these a picturesque woodland dell appears glittering in its dark recesses, with a succession of silver water-falls, whilst a bleak barren mountain seems to frown above, having a channelled furrow on one of its sides, strongly tinted with a reddish colour, the occasional passage of a fretting torrent. On the little quay on the western side of the rivulets just below their junction, are a number of decent houses. Beneath the quay is a wear, marked out in the water by parallel lines of long poles, where salmon and herrings are sometimes caught. The beach of Linmouth is bordered by a charming little green.

At this little sea-port the Linmouth oysters, which here sell for two shillings per hundred, are shipped for other places, and necessaries from Bristol imported, for the consumption of the place and the neighbourhood.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

LYNTON is a parish containing several hamlets, with a terminal station on the Lynton and Barnstaple railway now in course of construction; the village is 20 miles from each of the following towns, viz.:-Mlnehead, Barnstaple, South Molton and Ilfracombe, and stands on a wooded hill 900 feet in height, immediately above and connected by a cliff railway with Lynmouth, where the waters of the East and West Lyn unite and fall into the Bristol Channel, the scenery here, especially in the Valley of Rocks, being wild and romantic. Lynton is in the North Western division of the county, hundred of Shirwell, petty sessional division of Braunton, union and county court district of Barnstaple, rural deanery of Shirwell, archdeaconry of Barnstaple and diocese of Exeter.

The parish was formerly governed by a Local Board, formed Dec. 7, 1866, under the “Local Government Act of 1858,” but is now controlled by an Urban District Council of 15 members, constituted under the Act of 1894. The village is supplied with water by the Lynton Water Co. Limited, and is partly lighted by electricity, the works for which are situated in Lynmouth. The church of St. Mary, an ancient building of stone, in the Early English style, enlarged during the period 1817—33, was entirely rebuilt, with the exception of the tower and south wall, during the period 1873—92, at a cost of £5,000, and now consists of chancel, nave, aisles, north and south-west porches and an embattled western tower containing a clock and 3 bells, 2 of which are of pre-Reformation date; the third was cast in 1707 by Richard Penneyton: a clock with two dials was erected in 1887: there are 500 sittings: the church was wholly closed against interments, and regulations made concerning the churchyard, Feb. 9, 1855. The register of baptisms dates from the year 1569; marriages, 1591; burials, 1568. The early registers are written on the back of indentures of apprenticeship and bound together. The living is a vicarage, and was severed from that of Countisbury by an Order in Council, May 7, 1858, but not gazetted, net yearly value £300, with 17 acres of glebe and residence, in the gift of the Bishop of Exeter, and held since 1887 by the Rev. Walter Eustace Cox M.A. of Jesus College, Cambridge, and surrogate. In 1879 (Feb. 7) the living was endowed with 3 acres of land for a parsonage. The mission church of St. Bartholomew, at Barbrook Mill, is an edifice of stone, consisting of chancel, nave, north aisle, south porch and a western turret containing one bell. There is a Congregational chapel, built in 1851, with 250 sittings, a Wesleyan chapel at Lynton and another at Barbrook Mill.

Lynton has communication by coach with Ilfracombe and Minehead during the summer months. There are 7 hotels, viz.: “The Royal Castle,” Lynton Cottage Private hotel (both in the same extensive and romantic grounds), the “Valley of Rocks,” “the Crown,” “the Imperial,” “the Gobe” and “the Queen.” The District Cottage Hospital, established in 1873, is a plain cottage building, enlarged in 1893 at a cost of £50, and is supported by voluntary contributions. The Foresters’ Hall will seat about 300 persons. The Town Hall, erected and presented to the parish by Sir George Newnes bart. in 1900, is a building of stone and cost £20,000. The lift here, one of the longest and steepest of its kind, connecting Lynton with Lynmouth, was designed and built by Mr. Jones, of this town, and opened on Easter Monday, 1890. Lee Abbey is the residence of Frederick Charles Bailey esq. D.L., J.P. Mrs. Jeune, of Countisbury, is lady of the manor; the principal landowners are C. F. Bailey esq. J.P. Col. James Lean, Evan Browell Jeune esq. J.P. of Countisbury, Lady Carew and R. H. Taylor esq. The soil is light gravelly; subsoil, turf, in some parts rock; crops, oats and barley. The area is 7,190 acres of land, 13 of water, 2 of tidal water and 80 of foreshore; rateable value, £11,289; the population in 1901 was 1,641. The population during the visiting season is not less than 7,000.

Petty Sessions are held at the Bridge Hall, Barnstaple, every alternate Wednesday at 11 a.m.. at Town hall, Combmartin, & Town hall, Lynton, on the first Monday in every month at 12, alternately; & at the Town hall, Ilfracombe, on the third Monday in every month at 10 a.m.

The following places are included in the Petty Sessional division:-Arlington, Ashford, Atherington, Berrynarbor, Bishops Tawton, Bittadon, Bratton Fleming, Braunton, Brendon, Challacombe, Combmartin, Countisbury, Down (East), Down (West), Fremington, Georgeham, Goodleigh, Heanton Punchardon, Highbray, Horwood, Ilfracombe, Instow, Kentisbury, Landkey, Loxhore, Lynton, Martinhoe, Marwood, Morthoe, Newton Tracey, Parracombe, Pilton, Sherwell, Stoke Rivers, Swymbridge, Tawstock & Trentishoe.

PLACES OF WORSHIP, with Times of Services

St. Mary’s Church, Rev. Walter Eustace Cox M. A. vicar; Rev. Gilbert Ensar M.A. curate; 8 & 11 a.m.. & 6.30 p.m. & daily 8 a.m.. & during summer months 6 p.m.

St. Bartholomew’s Mission Church, Barbrook Mill; 3.30 p.m.

Congregational, Rev. Frederick Thomas Astbury; 11 a.m.. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Wesleyan Methodist; 11 a.m.. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Wesleyan Methodist, Barbrook Mill; 11 a.m.. & 3 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

SCHOOLS

National (mixed), built in 1846, for 120 children & enlarged in 1866, for 160 & partly rebuilt in 1900; average attendance, 130.

Wesleyan, Barbrook Mill (mixed), for 100 children; average attendance, 60.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1902)

Most Common Surnames in Lynton

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Shirwell Hundred
1Crocombe391:3128.06%843
2Jones371:331.96%18
3Squire341:363.82%99
4Richards331:371.48%11
5Crick291:4241.43%1,524
6Hooper281:431.50%19
7Delbridge261:4720.00%905
8Latham211:5818.42%1,015
9Baker201:610.68%6
9Vellacott201:6129.85%1,576
11Taylor181:670.73%9
11Harris181:670.46%1
13Hobbs171:713.81%250
13Ridd171:715.96%407
15Groves151:8118.52%1,358
15Blackmore151:811.29%56
17Berry141:871.49%91
17Bale141:873.47%275
17Barwick141:8734.15%2,214
17Pugsley141:873.74%297
21Palmer131:930.84%31
21Burgess131:933.57%308
23Allen121:1011.37%102
23Crook121:1012.59%237
25Moore111:1100.67%26
25Fry111:1102.17%212
25Bowden111:1100.59%19
25Ware111:1101.87%178
25Moule111:1108.46%905
30White101:1210.37%7
30Reed101:1210.84%53
30Pile101:1212.46%271
30Medway101:12110.87%1,219
34Parker91:1350.97%92
34Watts91:1351.08%106
34Ralph91:13511.11%1,358
34Ridge91:1353.60%466
34Kiff91:13521.43%2,174
34Litson91:13534.62%2,930
40Ward81:1520.80%81
40Collins81:1520.87%93
40Gregory81:1521.30%166
40Hodge81:1520.73%66
40Beer81:1520.46%24
40Rock81:15217.02%1,989
40Pow81:15220.00%2,249
40Widden81:15227.59%2,729
40Sedgbeer81:15272.73%5,026
49Scott71:1731.13%165
49Cook71:1730.69%76
49Hunter71:1736.93%1,118
49Greenwood71:1738.75%1,375
49Hawkins71:1730.70%82
49Oxenham71:1735.69%949
49Antell71:17317.50%2,249
49Rottenbury71:17311.29%1,653
49Yendle71:17331.82%3,259
49Shiling71:173100.00%6,891
59Arnold61:2021.93%362
59Sanders61:2020.30%14
59Jarvis61:2020.96%164
59Thorne61:2020.67%100
59Turpitt61:20285.71%6,891
59Rumsam61:20231.58%3,545
65Evans51:2430.40%50
65Hill51:2430.15%5
65Gill51:2430.49%75
65Lord51:2433.76%890
65Hancock51:2430.59%104
65Wyatt51:2430.63%114
65Heywood51:2431.74%403
65Westcott51:2430.72%140
65Burrough51:2434.35%1,006
65Prideaux51:2433.50%820
65Essery51:2433.85%905
65Witheridge51:2433.65%861
65Pennicott51:243100.00%8,667
65Doubt51:24371.43%6,891
65Barnand51:243100.00%8,667
80Williams41:3030.10%2
80Thomas41:3030.23%22
80McDonald41:3032.00%593
80Oliver41:3030.80%214
80Lawson41:30310.26%2,300
80Goodwin41:3037.84%1,878
80Hewitt41:3034.76%1,316
80Sharpe41:30312.12%2,557
80Bone41:3033.96%1,118
80Legg41:3032.47%739
80Holman41:3030.68%179
80Luke41:3032.17%656
80Floyd41:3033.33%970
80Sage41:3031.92%572
80Comer41:3033.54%1,023
80Laramy41:3037.69%1,843
96Roberts31:4040.21%36
96Hughes31:4041.03%401
96Fisher31:4040.53%185
96West31:4040.40%124
96Hartley31:40413.64%3,259
96Tucker31:4040.08%3
96Blake31:4040.50%175
96Hodges31:4042.42%942
96Bevan31:4042.46%953
96Parkin31:4041.24%485
96Lang31:4040.34%101
96Dyke31:40414.29%3,358
96Huxtable31:4040.45%153
96Shute31:4040.93%347
96Rendle31:4040.60%217
96Berriman31:40420.00%4,095
96Kingdom31:4041.68%677
96Rawle31:4042.80%1,066
96Creek31:4048.11%2,375
96Leworthy31:4042.07%811
96Benwick31:404100.00%11,450
117Wood21:6070.14%35
117Davis21:6070.15%41
117Harper21:6070.73%422
117Cooke21:6070.77%453
117Norman21:6070.25%112
117Davey21:6070.10%15
117Waters21:6072.78%1,497
117Winter21:6071.43%837
117Webber21:6070.08%10
117Reeve21:6071.89%1,076
117Findlay21:60766.67%11,450
117Swain21:6072.41%1,333
117Edmonds21:6070.83%481
117Bowles21:6072.27%1,262
117Blackman21:6076.25%2,606
117Peake21:6072.04%1,151
117Last21:60712.50%3,944
117Poulton21:60716.67%4,730
117Hockley21:60718.18%5,026
117Farthing21:6073.39%1,708
117Slee21:6070.55%307
117Pedder21:607100.00%13,160
117Greer21:60728.57%6,891
117Southwood21:6070.92%544
117Offer21:60725.00%6,268
117Jose21:60716.67%4,730
117Elmore21:60733.33%7,664
117Charley21:6074.65%2,133
117Kidwell21:6073.51%1,743
117Courtice21:6074.17%1,955
117Watty21:60766.67%11,450
117Sloley21:6074.26%1,989
117Cutlan21:607100.00%13,160
117Stutfield21:607100.00%13,160
151Johnson11:1,2130.16%168
151Clark11:1,2130.10%83
151Jackson11:1,2130.23%256
151Turner11:1,2130.06%25
151Martin11:1,2130.04%8
151Cooper11:1,2130.23%253
151Mitchell11:1,2130.07%33
151Clarke11:1,2130.07%34
151Marshall11:1,2130.14%136
151Wilkinson11:1,2130.80%937
151Bailey11:1,2130.14%131
151Mason11:1,2130.34%400
151Knight11:1,2130.09%59
151Owen11:1,2130.63%750
151Ford11:1,2130.06%28
151Andrews11:1,2130.08%42
151Elliott11:1,2130.08%54
151Bird11:1,2130.22%247
151Rose11:1,2130.53%636
151Harding11:1,2130.09%70
151Barrett11:1,2130.19%207
151Gordon11:1,2130.69%815
151Hayes11:1,2130.49%585
151Watkins11:1,2130.44%522
151Rowe11:1,2130.05%16
151Field11:1,2130.55%666
151French11:1,2130.13%118
151Osborne11:1,2130.18%191
151Jordan11:1,2130.20%222
151Poole11:1,2130.52%617
151Dickinson11:1,2134.55%3,259
151Herbert11:1,2130.95%1,082
151Gould11:1,2130.13%123
151Sheppard11:1,2130.69%811
151Nichols11:1,2130.31%347
151Vincent11:1,2130.27%300
151Beard11:1,2130.90%1,036
151Moon11:1,2130.40%469
151Waite11:1,2132.86%2,460
151Drummond11:1,21314.29%6,891
151Carey11:1,2130.74%874
151Barry11:1,2130.80%937
151Boulton11:1,21311.11%5,765
151Brooke11:1,2133.57%2,802
151Godwin11:1,21311.11%5,765
151Braithwaite11:1,2136.25%3,944
151Woodman11:1,2130.54%652
151Starkey11:1,21310.00%5,368
151South11:1,2139.09%5,026
151New11:1,2134.76%3,358
151Riddell11:1,2138.33%4,730
151Jervis11:1,2132.22%2,070
151Corner11:1,2131.52%1,586
151Burge11:1,2130.71%832
151Swales11:1,213100.00%15,767
151Chapple11:1,2130.16%162
151Prout11:1,2130.29%322
151German11:1,2130.50%599
151Ley11:1,2130.18%198
151Glanville11:1,2130.38%436
151Newberry11:1,2130.67%797
151Clutterbuck11:1,2136.67%4,095
151Kerslake11:1,2130.24%265
151Fulford11:1,2130.52%625
151Pape11:1,21320.00%8,667
151Spry11:1,2130.27%302
151Pine11:1,2130.44%522
151Eveleigh11:1,2130.45%530
151Hurford11:1,2130.49%582
151Dredge11:1,2137.14%4,290
151Sharland11:1,2130.30%336
151Ridler11:1,2131.23%1,358
151Clatworthy11:1,2130.53%633
151Pittman11:1,21311.11%5,765
151Fairchild11:1,2130.98%1,107
151Leeds11:1,21350.00%13,160
151Cooksley11:1,2131.09%1,219
151Lovering11:1,2130.44%526
151Elworthy11:1,2130.56%677
151Huish11:1,2135.56%3,695
151Willshire11:1,21314.29%6,891
151Dobell11:1,2134.76%3,358
151Geen11:1,2130.82%953
151Spurrier11:1,2139.09%5,026
151Tamlyn11:1,2130.75%890
151Fewings11:1,2130.43%507
151Palfreman11:1,2135.00%3,438
151Haris11:1,21316.67%7,664
151Martain11:1,21333.33%11,450
151Highman11:1,21350.00%13,160
151Gubb11:1,2131.18%1,298
151Quartley11:1,2135.56%3,695
151Dallyn11:1,2131.45%1,545
151Corbell11:1,213100.00%15,767
151Dovell11:1,2133.45%2,729
151Clouter11:1,21316.67%7,664
151Smallbridge11:1,2134.00%3,006
151Churley11:1,2134.35%3,174
151Tepper11:1,21314.29%6,891
151Jugg11:1,213100.00%15,767
151Roak11:1,213100.00%15,767
151Stokey11:1,213100.00%15,767
151Grenter11:1,213100.00%15,767
151Kene11:1,213100.00%15,767
151Lillifant11:1,2138.33%4,730
151Magridge11:1,21311.11%5,765
151Weeke11:1,21350.00%13,160
151Killand11:1,21320.00%8,667
151Herswell11:1,21310.00%5,368
151Megridge11:1,213100.00%15,767
151Barwill11:1,213100.00%15,767
151Roele11:1,213100.00%15,767