The Register Of Walter De Stapledon Bishop Of Exeter 1307 - 1327

The Register of Walter de Stapledon, Bishop of Exeter (1307-1327)

Please Note the registers are In Latin

Step into the turbulent and fascinating world of early 14th-century England. Are your roots in Devon, Cornwall, or Somerset? Do you have ancestors who lived during the dramatic reign of King Edward II? Now, you can move beyond the names and dates and discover the real-world context of their lives through this indispensable primary source.

The Register of Walter de Stapledon is not just a book; it is a time capsule. As the official day-to-day record of one of medieval England's most powerful and influential bishops, it provides an unparalleled, unfiltered glimpse into the ecclesiastical, social, and economic life of the South West during a pivotal era.

Why is this a Genealogical Treasure?
For the dedicated genealogist, this register is a goldmine of information, often containing details about individuals not found anywhere else. Within its pages, you can uncover:

Clerical Appointments & Institutions: Discover the names of local priests, deans, and vicars appointed to parishes throughout the diocese. If your ancestor had a member of the clergy in the family, their name may be recorded here.

Wills & Probate Records: The bishop's court oversaw the probate of wills for many individuals. These records can name children, spouses, other relatives, and details of property and bequests—linking generations together.

Marriage Licenses & Dispensations: Find records of couples seeking permission to marry, which often included their parents' names, parishes of origin, or details needed for a dispensation (e.g., for being related within a prohibited degree).

Land Tenants & Manorial Records: The Bishop of Exeter was a vast landowner. The register meticulously records leases, rents, and disputes concerning his many manors and estates, naming the tenants—your farming and artisan ancestors.

Ecclesiastical Court Cases: Read the testimonies and judgments from disputes over tithes, morality, wills, and heresy. These cases name ordinary people, from landholders to labourers, providing rich context for their daily struggles and community standing.

Parish Visitations: Gain insight into the condition of your ancestor's local parish church and the conduct of its clergy, painting a vivid picture of the spiritual heart of their community.

Who Was Walter de Stapledon?

To understand the register is to understand the man. Walter de Stapledon (1261-1326) was far more than a bishop. He was the founder of Exeter College, Oxford, and served as Lord High Treasurer of England, making him a key figure in the royal court of Edward II. His influence stretched far beyond his diocese, and his register reflects this national significance, making it a vital resource for any study of the period. His eventual murder by a London mob in 1326 adds a dramatic final chapter to his story.

For Whom is this Resource Essential?
Genealogists with ancestry in Devon, Cornwall, or Somerset.
Local Historians researching the history of parishes, towns, and manors in South West England.
Medieval Scholars and students studying the reign of Edward II, the English Church, and medieval society.