Using the Devon Record Offices for Family History Research

29 October 2018 09:41

Every county holds historical records pertaining to their area, usually in a County Record Office. These paper records are far more extensive than the records which are currently available online, and it is often worthwhile making a trip to look at documents which can help you discover more about your ancestors. Historical records for Devon are kept at the Devon Heritage Centre in Exeter, and also at the North Devon Record Office in Barnstaple and at the Plymouth and West Devon Record Office. In this article I will talk about the Exeter centre, located at Great Moor House, Bittern Road, Exeter EX2 7 NL (open 10am to 5pm, closed on Mondays). You will need to take ID so you can be issued with a readers' card and it’s a good idea to check on the website or phone 01392 888700 to find out whether they hold the kinds of records you are looking for.

The Devon Heritage Centre generally holds collections relating to the whole county, including the diocesan records, county quarter sessions and county council collections. This includes estate and family collections, and solicitors' collections which cover more than one area of Devon. Most of these records are not filmed or digitised, and are only available in their original format. The Centre also holds non-conformist registers, bishops' transcripts, tithe maps and apportionments, plus electoral registers, land tax assessments and the Inland Revenue wills series. The West Country Studies Library, which contains the county collection of local history material is also available at the Devon Heritage Centre. It includes published books, manuscript volumes, pamphlets, journals, maps, prints, engravings, photographs, newspapers and various files relating to local parish and family history.

The staff at the centre are very helpful. You can sometimes also order photocopies or photos of documents via phone or email, if you cannot visit the centre.

Susan Francia

Family History Research Services

01822 820855

fhistoryresearch@gmail.com