Poltimore Genealogical Records

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore Baptisms (1718-1914)

A name index, connected to digital images of baptism registers. These records may help trace a family as far back as 1718.

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.

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore Banns (1824-1915)

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

Poltimore Marriages (1718-1915)

Details of those who were married at the church between 1718 and 1915. 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.

Devon Marriage Index (1754-1837)

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

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore Burials (1718-1913)

A name index linked to original images of the burial registers of the church. Records document an individual's date of death and/or burial, age residence 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.

Poltimore 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 Poltimore

Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser (1820-1950)

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

Exeter Flying Post (1800-1900)

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

Western Morning News (1894-1950)

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

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Daily Telegrams (1869-1870)

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

Western Times (1827-1950)

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

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore 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 Poltimore

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.

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore 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 Poltimore

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.

Poltimore 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.

Poltimore 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

POLTIMORE is a parish and village, 1 mile from the Exeter road, 1 ¾ miles east from Stoke Canon Junction station on the Bristol and Exeter section of the main line of the Great Western railway, about 2 north from Pinhoe station of the South Western railway and 4 ½ north-east from Exeter, in the North Eastern division of the county, Wonford hundred and petty sessional division, St. Thomas union, county court district of Exeter, rural deanery of Aylesbeare, and archdeaconry and diocese of Exeter. The Clyst stream flows to the east of the parish and forms part of the boundary on that side. The church of St. Mary is an ancient cruciform building of stone in the Decorated and Perpendicular styles, and consists of chancel, clerestoried nave, transepts, south aisle, separated from the nave by two pointed arches, north porch and an embattled western tower containing a clock and 6 bells, all cast in 1723 by Evan and William Evans, of Chepstow; the tenor bears the name of Sir Coplestone Warwick Bamfylde as a benefactor: the church retains a fine carved oak screen of the 15th century, restored under the direction of Mr. R. Medland Fulford, architect, and a curious Norman font, and contains some monuments to the Bampfyldes, including a flat stone in the chancel, inscribed in Old English characters to John Baunfield, the founder, and Agnes his wife, with the date 1390, and shields of arms of Bamfield and Pederton: at the end of the south transept is a large tomb with recumbent effigies of a knight in armour and a lady, and inscription in Latin to Richard Bamfild, ob. 29 May, 1594, and Elizabeth (Sydenham), his wife, ob. 4th March, 1599; the tomb erected by Amias, his son and heir, in 1604, also bears quartered shields of arms representing various alliances of the Bamfield family: in the aisle is a stone inscribed to Sir John Bampfield bart. so created 14 July, 1641: the chancel arch, on the east side of which are two hagioscopes, is believed to have formed part of a much older building than the present church: all the windows in the chancel are stained, and there are piscinae in the chancel and transepts: the church was thoroughly restored in 1878—94 by Mr. R. M. Fulford F.R.I.B.A, when the west gallery was taken down, the tower arch opened, a south aisle added and the interior reseated throughout with oak benches made on the Poltimore estate; the clerestory windows were at the same time filled with stained glass, the gift of various persons; and a reredos of marble and alabaster was erected in 1884 at a total cost of £1,122: there are 170 sittings. The register of baptisms dates from the year 1718; marriages, 1718; burials, 1718. The living is a rectory, with that of Huxham annexed, net yearly value £427, with residence and 57 acres of glebe at Poltimore, in the gift of Lord Poltimore, and held since 1898 by the Rev. Henry Marshall Burdett M.A. of Queens’ College, Cambridge. There are charities of £10 16s. yearly value; and about £30 for the support of almspeople, derived from invested funds. This place gives the title of baron to the Bamfylde family. Poltimore Park is the seat and occasional residence of Lord Poltmore P.C., J.P., D.L. lord of the manor and chief landowner; the house is a large and imposing mansion standing in a level plain, and is visible for some distance round; the park, of 300 acres, is well stocked with deer. The soil is variable; subsoil, gravel. The chief crops are barley, wheat, oats and turnips. The area is 1,740 acres; rateable value, £2,940; the population in 1901 was 238.

School (mixed), enlarged in 1892, for 100 children; average attendance, 89.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1902)

Most Common Surnames in Poltimore

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Wonford Hundred
1Coombes131:222.38%196
2Ford111:260.67%28
2Gould111:261.47%123
4Richards101:290.45%11
4Sprague101:293.70%426
6Stark91:327.38%953
7Grant81:361.19%144
7Gallop81:3621.62%2,375
7Sterry81:3688.89%5,765
10Western71:412.22%357
10Ackland71:412.22%355
10Spry71:411.90%302
10Bissett71:417.29%1,172
14Turner61:480.35%25
14Hawkins61:480.60%82
14Webber61:480.24%10
14Cowley61:487.06%1,298
14Down61:480.52%58
14Hurford61:482.93%582
14Witton61:4826.09%3,174
14Wreford61:482.16%418
22Wilson51:580.75%147
22Cox51:580.40%47
22Hunt51:580.61%110
22Pugsley51:581.34%297
22Tremlett51:582.17%511
22Bamsey51:586.41%1,398
28Westcott41:720.58%140
28Setter41:722.94%868
30Williams31:960.08%2
30Oliver31:960.60%214
30Miles31:961.75%704
30Radford31:960.49%169
30Greenslade31:960.44%143
30Rugg31:965.56%1,795
36Clarke21:1450.13%34
36Payne21:1450.28%131
36Hooper21:1450.11%19
36Hodge21:1450.18%66
36Street21:1450.96%569
36Lang21:1450.23%101
36Symes21:1451.03%617
36Passmore21:1450.31%155
36Pring21:1450.68%395
36Rattenbury21:1451.12%679
36Selley21:1451.21%733
36Lowdon21:14540.00%8,667
36Bowdon21:1454.88%2,214
36Quance21:1451.59%934
50Brown11:2890.05%12
50Miller11:2890.10%80
50West11:2890.13%124
50Reynolds11:2890.25%278
50Elliott11:2890.08%54
50Watts11:2890.12%106
50Berry11:2890.11%91
50Stone11:2890.08%44
50Lane11:2890.12%107
50Francis11:2890.48%572
50Kemp11:2890.34%383
50Jordan11:2890.20%222
50Bryant11:2890.24%263
50Giles11:2890.27%298
50Drake11:2890.17%170
50Crook11:2890.22%237
50Brewer11:2890.19%203
50Partridge11:2890.14%135
50Lake11:2890.10%84
50Osborn11:2890.47%559
50Hutchings11:2890.08%51
50Ware11:2890.17%178
50Bowles11:2891.14%1,262
50Hastings11:2898.33%4,730
50Steer11:2890.11%94
50Cann11:2890.09%71
50Woodley11:2890.27%302
50Gillard11:2890.14%129
50Chapple11:2890.16%162
50Hannaford11:2890.10%72
50Binnie11:289100.00%15,767
50Eveleigh11:2890.45%530
50Crews11:2890.49%587
50Furse11:2890.52%617
50Tidball11:2891.37%1,473
50Glanvill11:2892.44%2,214
50Brimson11:2892.94%2,503
50Whiddon11:2891.19%1,316
50Casling11:2894.35%3,174
50Bartrip11:289100.00%15,767
50Asham11:289100.00%15,767