The Parish Registers Of Exeter Cathedral 1594-1812

Unlock the Heart of Devon: The Parish Registers of Exeter Cathedral 1594-1812

For centuries, the magnificent Exeter Cathedral has stood as a beacon on its hill, overlooking the bustling city and the lives of generations of Devonians. Its parish was not just a place of worship, but the very heart of a community that included powerful clergy, wealthy merchants, skilled artisans, and humble families. Now, you can delve into the rich tapestry of this historic community with this definitive collection of its parish records.

The Parish Registers of Exeter Cathedral 1594-1812 is an essential resource for any family historian with roots in Exeter or the wider county of Devon. Spanning over two centuries, these meticulously transcribed volumes capture the vital moments of life—baptisms, marriages, and burials—during a period that saw the English Civil War, the Restoration, and the rise of the Georgian age.

Within these pages, you will find the names of your ancestors, recorded in the shadow of one of England's most beautiful cathedrals. You might discover the marriage of a sea captain before he set sail for the colonies, the baptism of a child who would become a city leader, or the burial of a long line of local craftsmen.

A Parish of Princes, Poets, and Pioneers

The registers of the Cathedral parish cover more than just ordinary citizens; they chronicle the lives of individuals who would shape history. Searching these pages offers a unique connection to some of the nation's most notable figures who lived, were baptized, or had family ties within this prestigious parish:

Princess Henrietta Anne Stuart (1644-1670): Perhaps the most illustrious entry is that of a royal princess born in exile. During the English Civil War, Queen Henrietta Maria sought refuge in Exeter, and it was within the Cathedral that her daughter, the future Duchess of Orléans and sister of King Charles II, was christened. Her baptism is a landmark entry, linking your family's history to the dramatic events of the monarchy.

Sir Thomas Bodley (1545-1613): The founder of the world-renowned Bodleian Library at Oxford was a native of Exeter. His family were prominent citizens, and their life events—from marriages to burials—are likely recorded in these very registers, especially in the earliest years. Discover the family records of the man who gifted one of the world's greatest libraries to posterity.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834): As a young boy, the great Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge was a chorister and student at the King's School, which stands in the immediate precincts of the Cathedral. While he was born in nearby Ottery St Mary, his formative years were spent within the Cathedral parish. You may find records of his schoolmasters, local acquaintances, or family associates who were part of his world during this crucial period.

An Invaluable Tool for the Family Historian
This edition is more than just a collection of names; it is a practical and powerful research tool designed to save you time and open new avenues of discovery.

Complete & Faithful Transcriptions: Every entry from the original registers has been carefully and accurately reproduced, preserving the historical details while providing modern readability.

Comprehensive Index: The key to unlocking these records is the full, easy-to-use index of names. Quickly locate your ancestors and their family members without having to search through hundreds of pages of script.

Unparalleled Scope: Covering 218 years, these records provide an unbroken chain of evidence for tracing lineages through generations of one of England's most important cathedral cities.

Whether you are tracing a distinguished Exeter lineage or seeking the humble roots of your family, these registers are an indispensable resource. Add this cornerstone of Devon genealogy to your library today and reconnect with the ancestors who lived, loved, and built their lives in the shadow of the great Cathedral. Don't let your Exeter ancestors remain lost to time.