Ferrers - Origins of Some Anglo-Norman Families by Lewis C. Loyd

[Lee Ross]

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

[Rena]

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.

[Lee Ross]

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

[suzanne2812]

Hi Lee,

I am in the parish. There is a book 'History of Bere Ferrers Parishes' published in 1975, re-printed in 1992 & 2025 that was written by the vicar of the time, Rev Arthur J C Beddows. It's full of information long forgotten even to those who were around at the time.
It mentions The Domesday Book & the chairman of The Domesday Book Commission was Sir Henry de Ferrers called 'cousin of the conqueror'. Bere Ferrers was called Birlanda & the lord was Rainald de Ferrers. The Bere Peninsula is a mining area. Both silver & lead. Bere Alston was a bit of a 'Wild West' kind of place & there are two silver lodes. Bere Alston was a borough in 1295, years before Tavistock. A grant was given in that year to run a market on a Wednesday in that year & a fair on St Andrews Day. The Barton in Bere Ferrers was home to William de Ferrers who had a licence to castellate it in 1337 from The King. There is rumour of a castle, but even our resident archaeologist is stumped on that.
William & Matilda were instrumental in making Bere Ferrers a success & paid the Bishop of Exeter to have an Archpriest. The first being Reginald Pypard on the 17th January 1334. He had 4 assistants. They said Mass five times a day for William & Matilda.

Other information say that the de Ferrers became lords in the reign of Henry II. The church is of Norman origin, but is mostly 13th century & partly rebuilt by William. Their tomb is in the church. There is an effigy of a knight. It is thought to be a Reginald de Ferrers.

If I find anything else I will let you know.

Suzanne.

[suzanne2812]

Just to add.

Prior to the de Ferrers took over from the Valletort family. Reginald de Valletort was from Vautort in France took tenancy of 57 manors in South Devon/East Cornwall after The Conquest. He was fairly young when he died, but is believed to have connections to Robert de Mortain to be given such a large area. Two more generations & Ralph born in 1140 was the last born here. He moved to Trematon in Saltash. As to how/why the de Ferrers were here is probably answered by the comment above & the abundance of lead.

[suzanne2812]

I have a book on mining & it says the King claimed the four local mines & the earliest record in 1290. The silver was taken to The Tower of London & the lead part (barren lead) sold locally. So with this in mind, perhaps the delivery Ferrers family were tempted here because of this.