The Parish Registers Of Barnstaple Devonshire 1538-1812

The Parish Registers of Barnstaple, 1538-1812

Step back in time and walk the cobbled streets of historic Barnstaple. Within the pages of this meticulously compiled collection, you hold the key to over 270 years of ancestral history. This is not just a book; it is a direct link to the lives, loves, and losses of your forebears in one of North Devon's most ancient and important market towns.

Spanning from the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII to the elegant Georgian era, these registers capture the vital moments of the people of Barnstaple. Now, you can trace your family's story through the generations, witnessing their journey through plague and prosperity, civil war and peace.

Inside this invaluable genealogical resource, you will discover:

Baptisms: Record the welcome of new life into the community from 1538 onwards.
Marriages: Unite families and follow the joining of lineages, often revealing maiden names and family alliances.
Burials: Pay respects to the ancestors who came before, providing crucial dates to complete your family tree.
A Primary Source: Access authentic, first-hand records transcribed for clarity, allowing you to verify and expand your research with confidence.
Walk in the Footsteps of History
Barnstaple is more than just a collection of names; it is the hometown of individuals who shaped the cultural landscape of Britain. As you delve into these registers, you may find the names of neighbours, friends, or even relatives of famous figures who called this parish home.

Could your family have known the parents of the famed poet and dramatist John Gay (1685-1732)? His baptism is recorded within these very pages on the 16th of September, 1685. The author of the timeless The Beggar's Opera was born and raised in Barnstaple, and his family's story is woven into the fabric of this town.

You may also discover the town as the celebrated writer Daniel Defoe saw it when he visited in the 1720s. He described its bustling trade and significant harbour in his famous tour of Britain, painting a picture of the world your ancestors inhabited. Other notable individuals connected to Barnstaple include the early 18th-century novelist Penelope Aubin, whose works were popular in her time.

Who is this for?

Genealogists with Devonshire ancestry seeking to break through brick walls.
Family Historians aiming to add rich detail and context to their family tree.
Anyone with a link to Barnstaple wanting to connect with their heritage.
Local Historians and academics researching the social and demographic history of North Devon.