The Register Of John De Grandisson Bishop Of Exeter 1327-1369

The Register of John de Grandisson, Bishop of Exeter, 1327-1369 In 3 Volumes

Please Note the registers are in Latin

Step into the world of your 14th-century ancestors and discover a time of knights, plagues, and powerful bishops.

For any genealogist with roots in Devon or Cornwall, tracing a lineage before the 16th century can seem impossible. Parish registers, the bedrock of English genealogy, simply don't exist. This is where the episcopal registers of the Diocese of Exeter become an absolutely invaluable treasure trove.

The long and influential episcopate of John de Grandisson spanned the reigns of Edward II and Edward III, and covered the devastating arrival of the Black Death. His meticulous register provides a unique and intimate snapshot of life, death, and faith in the South West.

What Genealogical Gems Will You Discover Inside?

This multi-volume set, translated from the original Latin for accessibility, is packed with the names of both clergy and laity. You will find:

Marriage Licenses and Dispensations: Uncover ancestral unions, especially those where a special licence was required due to consanguinity (being related) or other circumstances. These records often name the bride, groom, and their fathers.

Institutions and Inductions: Trace the careers of clergymen as they are appointed to specific parishes and benefices. This can help you track a family who may have had a tradition of clerical service.

Wills and Testaments: Discover the last wishes of prominent (and sometimes ordinary) individuals, revealing names of spouses, children, and other family members, as well as details about their property and wealth.

Ecclesiastical Court Records: Read the records of disputes over wills, marriage contracts, tithes, and moral offences. These cases provide fascinating, and often dramatic, context for your ancestors' lives.

Visitations: When the bishop inspected his diocese, he recorded the names of local officials, churchwardens, and witnesses, providing a census-like snapshot of a community.

Legacies and Bequests: Find your ancestors named in the wills of others who left money or goods to the church for the good of their souls.

Who Will Find This Resource Invaluable?

Genealogists researching family lines in Devon and Cornwall prior to 1538.
Local Historians seeking to understand the social and economic fabric of medieval West Country communities.
Academics and Students of medieval English history, ecclesiastical history, and the Black Death.
Anyone with a deep interest in the history of Exeter and its diocese.