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Hi - I happened across this chain today and as I have copies of the 1811 Parish Returns for Hackney & part of the same for 1821, I took a look. Now I know this is an earlier period than the original enquiry asked about but in 1811 there is a William WARD staying at the Rivers Lodging House in Well Street. The family lived abroad but perhaps Hackney is where they stayed if and when they made earlier trips back for whatever purpose? Hope this may be of some use. Hilary

Hello,

I'm not sure if or how I can help but I live at Lower Eastcott, Northlew & found your post by searching online for our address. I have looked at the 1841 census, as did you. There are 2 houses here now on opposite sides of the road: Lower & Higher Eastcott. In some censuses these were listed as West & East but in most as just 'EASTCOTT'.  Over at Higher Eastcott they have another building with a chimney, so this may have housed the 3 families as in 1841 (and also 1851).

Its fascinating that in the 1840's people left West Devon for Ontario. But now as then, it is hard to earn a living here. We run a vineyard & winery, which we established from scratch. In total we have just 12 acres, so very much a 'small holding' rather than the farm as of days gone by. But we understand the farmhouse to be 16th century, so more history here than we'll ever know as little documentation survives.

Best wishes,

Hilary