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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Devon => England => Devon Lookup Requests => Topic started by: Lee Ross on Thursday 17 July 25 02:59 BST (UK)
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Hi everyone,
Would anyone have a copy of the 'Origins of Some Anglo-Norman Families' by Lewis C. Loyd?
I'm looking at the de Ferrers family's origin in Devon and there is a phrase written that says "The earliest recorded existence of this family in Devon was Ralf de Ferrers in 1168", what is the reference for this? Is it the Pipe Rolls?
The Publications of the Harleian Society Volume 103 (1951) has a snippet view on Google if that helps?
https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/The_Publications_of_the_Harleian_Society/7v0KAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=%22In+1086+Bere+Ferrers+(Birland)+and+Newton+Ferrers+(Niwetona)+were+both+held+by+Reginald+de+Valletorte+of+Robert+count+of+Mortain.+At+a+later+date+both+were+held+by+Ferrers+of+Valletorte+as+of+the+barony+of+Trematon.+The+earliest+recorded+existence+of+this+family+in+Devon+was+Ralf+de+Ferrers+in+1168.+Ferrieres+is+12+kil.+S+of+Mortain+and+26+kil.+N+of+Vautorte+(dept.+and+arr.+Mayenne,+cant.+Ernee).+In+1112+Roger+de+Ferrariis+occurs+among+the+witnesses+%27de+valle+Moritonii%27+to+Henry+I%27s+charter+of+confirmation+for+the+abbey+of+Savigny.+Ferrers+of+Churston+Ferrers,+Devon+appear+to+have+been+cadets+of+this+family,+and+it+is+probable+that+all+those+of+the+name+in+Devon+and+Cornwall+were+of+the+same+stock.%22&dq=%22In+1086+Bere+Ferrers+(Birland)+and+Newton+Ferrers+(Niwetona)+were+both+held+by+Reginald+de+Valletorte+of+Robert+count+of+Mortain.+At+a+later+date+both+were+held+by+Ferrers+of+Valletorte+as+of+the+barony+of+Trematon.+The+earliest+recorded+existence+of+this+family+in+Devon+was+Ralf+de+Ferrers+in+1168.+Ferrieres+is+12+kil.+S+of+Mortain+and+26+kil.+N+of+Vautorte+(dept.+and+arr.+Mayenne,+cant.+Ernee).+In+1112+Roger+de+Ferrariis+occurs+among+the+witnesses+%27de+valle+Moritonii%27+to+Henry+I%27s+charter+of+confirmation+for+the+abbey+of+Savigny.+Ferrers+of+Churston+Ferrers,+Devon+appear+to+have+been+cadets+of+this+family,+and+it+is+probable+that+all+those+of+the+name+in+Devon+and+Cornwall+were+of+the+same+stock.%22&printsec=frontcover
Thanks
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I usually look for the origin and meaning of surnames and also given names.
This was the answer to:- "What is the origin and meaning of the surname Ferrers?"
"A Norman name deriving from 'ferrum' (iron) because for centuries, the family owned large ironworks in France. One of the great French Baronial Families, the Ferrers were allied to the then Duke William of Normandy."
Presumably they would have manufactured items made from metals, to be used by William for his army.
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Hi Rena,
The Ferrers of Bere Ferrers in Devon are believed to be descended from Roger de Ferrers from Ferrières in Normandy, who was a vassal of Geoffrey II, Count of Mortagne and Count of Perche (who for his service in the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror gave a reward of significant property in England). You're right the name derives from Latin and is associated with iron, suggesting the area had iron deposits or smithing activity in antiquity or early medieval times.
I'm looking at his son or more likely grandson Ralph de Ferres which the "The earliest recorded existence of this family in Devon was Ralf de Ferrers in 1168" refers to. It is likely then that Ralph was able to obtain land through a later Count of Mortagne/Count of Perche.
Thanks
Lee