Sampford Spiney Genealogical Records

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney Baptisms (1813-1839)

Digital images of baptism registers, searchable by a name index. These records may help trace a family as far back as 1813.

Sampford Spiney Baptisms (1654-1911)

A name index, connected to digital images of baptism registers, the primary source for birth documentation before 1837. They may record the date a child was born and/or baptised, their parents' names, occupations, residence and more.

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.

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney Marriages (1755-1987)

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

Plymouth & West Devon Marriage Index (1837-2002)

A name index to around 200,000 marriages recorded by the Church of England and other denominations in Plymouth and its environs.

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.

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney Burials (1770-1837)

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

Sampford Spiney Burials (1667-1911)

Digital images of burial registers, searchable by a name index. They are the primary source documenting deaths before 1837, though are useful to the present. Details given may include the deceased's name, residence, age, 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.

Sampford Spiney 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 Sampford Spiney

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.

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney 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 Sampford Spiney

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.

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney 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 Sampford Spiney

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.

Sampford Spiney 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.

Sampford Spiney 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

SAMPFORD SPINEY is a parish and village seated in the valley of the river Walkham, 2 ½ miles north-east from Horrabridge station on the Tavistock and Launceston branch of the Great Western railway, 4 south-east from Tavistock, and 12 from Plymouth, in the Western division of the county, hundred of Roborough, petty sessional division, union and county court district of Tavistock, rural deanery of Tavistock, archdeaconry of Totnes and diocese of Exeter. The church of St. Mary is a small building of stone in the Perpendicular style, and consists of chancel, nave, north transept, aisles and an embattled western tower, with four pinnacles, containing 5 bells: there are 180 sittings: at the north end of the churchyard is a massive granite mausoleum belonging to Mr. John Godden, of London. The register dates from the year 1654. The living is a rectory, net yearly value £160, in the gift of the Dean and Canons of Windsor, and held since 1885 by the Rev. James Henry B.A. of Queens’ College, Cambridge. Captain Reginald Hall Parlby, of Manadon, Plymouth, is lord of the manor and principal landowner. The soil is loam and gravel. The chief crops are wheat, barley and oats, with some land in pasture. The area is 1,595 acres of land and 7 of water; rateable value, £1,730; the population in 1801 was 454.

A School Board of 5 members was formed February 15, 1885; Rev. James Henry, hon. clerk to the board. By an Order in Council, dated July 31, 1885, this parish was made a contributory district to Whitchurch, sending two members.

Board School (mixed), erected in 1888 & enlarged in 1899, from a building called “Church House,” presented by the Rev. J. H. Parlby M.A., J.P. for 72 children; average attendance, 52.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1902)

Most Common Surnames in Sampford Spiney

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Roborough Hundred
1Head131:324.45%397
2Spurr111:3719.64%1,758
3Bailey101:411.39%131
3Westlake101:411.29%116
5Collier91:463.41%442
5Warne91:465.73%762
7Stevens81:510.64%49
7Lock81:510.73%65
7Snell81:510.64%48
7Rundle81:511.65%224
7Crowel81:5180.00%5,368
12Wotton71:591.99%321
12Trembath71:5970.00%5,368
12Toop71:5912.96%1,795
12Lillicrap71:593.14%530
12Spurrell71:596.42%1,051
12Rafter71:59100.00%6,891
18Martin61:690.23%8
18Gray61:692.35%460
18George61:693.02%599
18Newcombe61:690.92%154
18Fuge61:694.96%962
18Cruise61:6925.00%3,095
18Lendon61:698.22%1,473
18Dameral61:6915.79%2,338
26Kelly51:820.86%180
26Moor51:823.70%874
26Crossman51:822.50%593
26Pellow51:823.73%884
26Backwell51:8214.29%2,460
26Gawman51:8220.83%3,095
32Hodges41:1033.23%942
32Cornish41:1030.57%139
32Symons41:1030.36%63
32Pearse41:1030.44%96
32Maddock41:1031.42%414
32Dawe41:1030.58%141
32Bickle41:1031.08%300
32Man41:10350.00%6,268
32Bovey41:1031.67%489
32Colmer41:1037.84%1,878
32Benoy41:10316.67%3,095
32Kessel41:10366.67%7,664
32O'Dogherty41:103100.00%9,849
32Treague41:10380.00%8,667
32Binnee41:103100.00%9,849
47Hill31:1370.09%5
47Cook31:1370.29%76
47Phillips31:1370.17%23
47Bennett31:1370.18%26
47Harvey31:1370.22%40
47Tucker31:1370.08%3
47Crook31:1370.65%237
47Weeks31:1370.31%87
47Nicholas31:1372.88%1,092
47Crabb31:1371.15%455
47Foot31:1371.30%511
47Hatch31:1372.08%815
47Tozer31:1370.39%120
47Leaman31:1370.91%342
61Russell21:2060.52%290
61Jenkins21:2060.29%138
61Cole21:2060.10%13
61Mann21:2060.52%286
61Fry21:2060.40%212
61Andrew21:2060.70%410
61Cannon21:2062.35%1,298
61Chapple21:2060.32%162
61Sowden21:2061.30%778
61Murch21:2060.59%329
61Tall21:2061.40%820
61Laskey21:2061.28%769
61Seymore21:20622.22%5,765
61Northmore21:2061.18%717
61Gruchy21:206100.00%13,160
76Williams11:4110.03%2
76Brown11:4110.05%12
76Cox11:4110.08%47
76Palmer11:4110.06%31
76Berry11:4110.11%91
76Newman11:4110.30%336
76Reed11:4110.08%53
76Kemp11:4110.34%383
76Barnett11:4110.95%1,082
76Burrows11:4110.34%386
76Davey11:4110.05%15
76Howe11:4110.26%286
76Short11:4110.09%69
76Giles11:4110.27%298
76Bray11:4110.16%160
76Seymour11:4110.85%993
76Wilks11:4117.14%4,290
76Robbins11:4111.15%1,272
76Blackmore11:4110.09%56
76Down11:4110.09%58
76March11:4110.55%672
76Worth11:4110.24%266
76Hillman11:4110.58%700
76Hole11:4110.21%235
76Alford11:4110.17%174
76Mole11:4111.16%1,288
76Daw11:4110.27%295
76Smale11:4110.10%87
76Pryor11:4112.27%2,107
76Codd11:4111.08%1,205
76Willcocks11:4110.16%157
76Jago11:4110.33%378
76Willcock11:4111.32%1,427
76Sleeman11:4110.37%426
76Elford11:4110.53%636
76Rendle11:4110.20%217
76Barret11:4115.56%3,695
76Axford11:4111.37%1,473
76Scoble11:4110.34%390
76Doney11:4111.05%1,184
76Gerry11:4110.39%461
76Wonnacott11:4110.39%457
76Tritton11:41111.11%5,765
76Creber11:4110.53%642
76Pengilly11:4110.67%797
76Halling11:41116.67%7,664
76Robjohns11:4111.47%1,565
76Pengilley11:4111.85%1,795
76Hussy11:41114.29%6,891
76Potbury11:4113.45%2,729
76Guswell11:4114.35%3,174
76Witheredge11:411100.00%15,767
76Toot11:411100.00%15,767