Petrockstowe Genealogical Records

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstow Baptisms (1813-1839)

A name index attached to original images of baptism registers. Records document parents' names, date of baptism and/or birth, residence, occupations and more.

Petrockstowe Baptisms (1597-1860)

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.

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstowe Banns (1758-1865)

Registers of those who intended to marry. An intended marriage was called for three weeks at church, so parishioners could voice objection to the marriage. Contains details on an individual's parish of residence.

Petrockstow Marriages (1754-1836)

Digital images of marriage registers, searchable by a name index. They are the primary source for pre-1837 marriages. They may record the bride and groom's residence, the groom's occupation, parents' names, marital status and witnesses.

Petrockstowe Marriages (1597-1913)

Details of those who were married at the church between 1597 and 1913. Information given may include parents' names, ages, marital status, abode and more.

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.

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstowe Burials (1597-1909)

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

Devon Burials (1320-1988)

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

Devon Burials Index (1813-1837)

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

Devon Social & Institutional Records (1780-1914)

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

Petrockstowe 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 Petrockstowe

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.

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstowe 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 Petrockstowe

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.

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstowe 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 Petrockstowe

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.

Petrockstowe 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.

Petrockstowe 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

PETROCKSTOW (or Stow St. Petrock) is a parish and village, on the road from Hatherleigh to Torrington, 7 ½ miles south-by-east from Torrington station on a branch of the London and South Western railway and 4 ½ north-north west from Hatherleigh, and in the Northern division of the county, Shebbear hundred, Torrington petty sessional division, union and county court district, rural deanery of Torrington, archdeaconry of Barnstaple and diocese of Exeter. The church of St. Petrock is a building of stone in the Perpendicular style, consisting of chancel, nave of three bays, aisles, south porch and an embattled western tower with pinnacles, containing 5 bells: there are several monuments to the Rolle and other families, including a brass to Henry, 4th son of George Rolle esq. of Stevenstone, and his wife, Margaret (Yeo), ob. 1591, with kneeling effigies of both and of their ten sons and nine daughters, shields of arms and inscriptions: the carved oak reredos, erected in 1886, is a memorial: in 1888 a window was placed to Mr. Moase, formerly of Petrockstow, who died in America; there is another erected in 1891 to Louis Woollcombe M.A. rector, 1845—83, d. 1889, and one to his widow and daughter, 1895; the font is Norman, but has a cover of Perpendicular date: in 1895 an organ was provided at a cost of £120: the church was entirely rebuilt, with the exception of the tower, in 1879—80 at a cost of upwards of £2,000, and in 1887 the tower was re-roofed and repaired throughout, under the direction of Mr. Hooper, of Hatherleigh, at a cost of £600: the church has 250 sittings: the churchyard was laid out, fenced and planted in 1887. The register dates from the year 1597. The living is a rectory, net yearly value £174, including 45 acres of glebe, with residence, in the gift of Lord Clinton, and held since 1884 by the Rev. Ernest Walter Field M.A. of Oriel College, Oxford, who is also rural dean of Torrington, and chaplain to Lord Clinton. There is a Wesleyan chapel. The ancient manor house was burnt down many years ago, and the present handsome mansion, called” Heanton Satchville,” which stands in the adjoining parish of Huish is the seat of Lord Clinton M.A., J.P.; the old house was for some time the seat of the Rolles and the Walpoles, Earls of Oxford. Lord Clinton is lord of the manor and principal landowner; Wood house is the property of Samuel Bonifant esq. The soil is dun land; the subsoil is clay. The chief crops are wheat, barley, oats and roots. The acreage is 4,288, including 210 acres of woodland, 136 acres of open marsh and the deer park of Heanton Satchville, 136 acres; rateable value, £2,740; the population in 1901 was 384.

National School (mixed), built by Lord Clinton in 1842, at a cost of about £700, for 106 children; average attendance, 54.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1902)

Most Common Surnames in Petrockstowe

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Shebbear Hundred
1Edwards251:201.64%32
2Ward161:321.60%81
2Davey161:320.80%15
2Trace161:3210.74%797
5Mills151:341.83%108
5Hutchings151:341.23%51
5Cockwill151:3425.00%1,692
8Bussell131:3911.30%1,006
9Hunkin121:4324.49%1,932
10Bird111:462.42%247
10Whitlock111:4614.10%1,398
10Luxton111:461.46%121
13Folland101:514.67%551
14Phillips91:570.51%23
14Abell91:5712.50%1,497
16Moore81:640.48%26
16Dunn81:640.92%103
16Pickard81:642.58%365
16Smale81:640.84%87
20Lucas71:732.44%405
20Hooper71:730.37%19
20Hay71:7326.92%2,930
20Manning71:730.93%122
20Ridge71:732.80%466
20Bissett71:737.29%1,172
26Mitchell61:850.39%33
26Pike61:850.56%68
26Alford61:851.00%174
26Ayre61:853.00%593
26Sleeman61:852.22%426
26Hatherley61:854.58%903
26Woollcombe61:8516.22%2,375
26Bonifant61:8585.71%6,891
26Ebsary61:8554.55%5,026
35Marshall51:1020.71%136
35Tucker51:1020.14%3
35Willis51:1020.83%171
35Trott51:1022.45%585
35Northcott51:1020.63%113
35Pile51:1021.23%271
35Ching51:1023.14%753
35Edworthy51:1022.27%541
35Quance51:1023.97%934
35Colicott51:102100.00%8,667
45Wilson41:1280.60%147
45Berry41:1280.42%91
45May41:1280.29%39
45Slade41:1281.04%290
45Waldron41:1281.30%369
45Lyne41:1283.70%1,058
45Braund41:1281.09%306
45Cardew41:1288.70%2,022
45Leonards41:12880.00%8,667
54Bond31:1700.29%74
54Ashton31:1701.15%450
54Fry31:1700.59%212
54Johns31:1700.26%55
54Stacey31:1701.02%390
54Steer31:1700.33%94
54Mitchel31:1702.48%962
54Dawe31:1700.44%141
54Langdon31:1700.69%255
54Rook31:1701.19%462
54Seldon31:1700.97%367
54Perriman31:1704.76%1,641
54Silifant31:17075.00%9,849
67Hill21:2560.06%5
67Adams21:2560.12%29
67Gill21:2560.20%75
67Freeman21:2560.65%372
67Dennis21:2560.36%194
67Moon21:2560.81%469
67Ware21:2560.34%178
67Blackmore21:2560.17%56
67Squires21:2560.55%310
67Squire21:2560.22%99
67Horrell21:2561.27%762
67Meters21:256100.00%13,160
79Walker11:5110.30%332
79Turner11:5110.06%25
79Clarke11:5110.07%34
79Bennett11:5110.06%26
79Richards11:5110.04%11
79Lane11:5110.12%107
79Sanders11:5110.05%14
79Bowden11:5110.05%19
79Snell11:5110.08%48
79Budd11:5110.41%476
79Falconer11:51111.11%5,765
79Cann11:5110.09%71
79Bott11:5117.69%4,496
79Bale11:5110.25%275
79Downey11:5111.28%1,398
79Dicker11:5110.44%516
79Ballantine11:511100.00%15,767
79Lugg11:5110.53%642
79Vanstone11:5110.17%172
79Milford11:5110.26%284
79Wheaton11:5110.36%416
79Hard11:5112.13%1,989
79Prance11:5111.02%1,151
79Metters11:5110.85%981
79Winstanly11:511100.00%15,767
79Horrill11:5112.33%2,133
79Phelp11:5115.26%3,545
79Fursdon11:5111.67%1,692