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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Devon => Topic started by: aderyndu on Wednesday 24 March 10 14:22 GMT (UK)

Title: Best place to look?
Post by: aderyndu on Wednesday 24 March 10 14:22 GMT (UK)

I'm hoping to travel to Devon next week to do a bit of research after a long spell away from it.

My Brooks ancestors go back to the 1500s in Combe Martin so obviously i would like to go there for a look around but i do want to try to view some parish records etc while im there.

If i remember correctly there is a records office in Barnstaple? but would i be better off going to the main records office in Exeter?  someone once advised me i would be better off there as that is where the Bishops Transcripts are.  I'd be gratefull for any info or suggestions as to where my time would be best spent.

Also if anyone can say if either of these places are closed on particular days of the week and do i have to register in advance to be able to use the facilitiies there?

All help appreciated,

Delyth :)

Title: Re: Best place to look?
Post by: Cember on Wednesday 24 March 10 15:38 GMT (UK)

Barnstaple library houses the record office and they are closed on Wednesday p.m. and the record office is also closed on Saturdays. There is usually no need to reserve a "reader" but you may need a readers ticket or some form of ID.

Title: Re: Best place to look?
Post by: aderyndu on Wednesday 24 March 10 18:38 GMT (UK)

thanks Cember, it will be worth bearing in mind the wednesday half-day, I'll have to work around it! I've now heard from someone else that virtually everything for north devon is in Barnstaple and that i shouldnt need to go to Exeter. Hope so, it will be so much easier.

Now all i need to find is a cheap B&B.........

 :D

Title: Re: Best place to look?
Post by: hanes teulu on Wednesday 24 March 10 20:11 GMT (UK)

aderyndu,
Am presently planning trip to Barnstaple because of the North Devon angle. Am checking out North/South Molton and Oakford/Bampton parish records.
e. mailed Barnstaple NDEVREC[at]devon.gov.uk about what was available re my specific interests and had a comprehensive response. For example, Bishop's transcripts available to 1812.

regards/cofion cynnes

Title: Re: Best place to look?
Post by: aderyndu on Thursday 25 March 10 11:59 GMT (UK)

diolch yn fawr hanes teulu!  thanks :)

Its Combe Martin, Berrynarbor, Martinhoe, Parracombe, Challacombe & Kentisbury that I want to take a look at.

Its amazing that I've had more luck with this branch of the family than I've had with my Welsh family on my doorstep!

Good luck for your research trip.

pob hwyl
Delyth.

Title: Re: Best place to look?
Post by: Bilge on Thursday 30 September 10 17:10 BST (UK)

Have you looked at this super site?

http://www.challacombe.org.uk/