An Index to the Names of Persons Found in the Monumental Inscriptions in Devonshire Churches

Copied in the years 1769-93

by Thomas Wainwright

(Read at Teignmouth, July, 1904)

[Transcription by Jonathan Frayne]

Note: The books of MIs have themselves have apparently never been transcribed - they are in the North Devon Record Office, to whom any requests for further information should be addressed.

In three volumes preserved in the Muniment Room of the North Devon Athenaeum Barnstaple [now in the NDRO] are given copies of the inscriptions on the monuments and tombstones in the churches and churchyards of 128 Devonshire parishes, in which inscriptions the names given below occur. These parishes are situated in the rural deaneries of Barnstaple, Shirwell, South Molton, Chumleigh, Torrington, Hartland, Holsworthy, Tiverton, Collumpton, Honiton, Aylesbeare, Ottery and Moreton.

These copies were made in the following years, 1769-72, 1774-6, 1779-81, 1788-93, by Mr Benjamin Incledon, Recorder of Barnstaple, excepting those made from monuments in the churches of the following parishes: Huish, Merton, Petrockstow and Saterleigh, which were taken by Mr. Thomas Bemridge; Welland, taken by Rev. John Sydenham; Bradford, East Putford and Langtree, by Rev. John Phillipps. A few lines are often prefixed descriptive of the church and its bells, making mention of any other religious foundations in the parish, giving the name of the incumbent, and frequently that of the "resident" curate. In the case of married women it has been considered advisable to give in this index their maiden names, when stated, as well as their married names, as in this way families may be traced which would otherwise not be found. Since many of the monuments from which these inscriptions were taken have been destroyed by church "restorations" or otherwise, and since in other cases inscriptions which could be deciphered a century and a quarter ago are now illegible, it is hoped that this index may be of service to antiquaries and genealogists by directing attention to the parishes in the registers of which information may be looked for concerning any families whose pedigrees are being investigated.

Brian Randell, 3 Apr 2002