Do you have Devon history and heritage in your past?

In partnership with Devon Family History Society, we're bringing you all the records and resources you need to trace amazing family stories. Unlock your Devon history online today.

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A whistle-stop tour of Devon history

Located along the South coast of England, Devon has a rich maritime heritage. Shipbuilding and fishing were key industries. Much of the landscape is rural; the cities of Plymouth and Exeter being the only large concentrations of population. The Medieval wool trade was the foundation of Devon's wealth, with the south of the county benefitting more than the north. In the 19th century, the Devon Consols copper mine, near Tavistock, employed many. There is a significant Devon diaspora, with many emigrants moving to Canada. Religiously, Baptists and Independents were found, particularly in the south. Several branches of Methodism were also strongly represented, notably Bible Christians in the north and west.

Devon parish records

Parish records are essential for taking your Devon family history back further. On Findmypast, you can explore Devon baptism, marriage and burial records, right at your fingertips from anywhere in the world. These important records document the major milestones in your Devon ancestors' lives, allowing you to trace their stories from cradle to grave.

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Devon social & institutional records

Whether you're delving into South Molton history, Exmouth genealogy or the history of Heavitree, ordinary Devon lives are illuminated in this rare collection. Covering everything from smallpox vaccination registers to lists of children who were given Christmas gifts while their fathers were away at war, incredible stories of love, crime and survival are brought back to life with details you won't find in any other records.

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Plymouth & West Devon rate books

Did your ancestors rent or own property in the Plymouth region? These rich records can give you owner and occupier names, a description of their property and the rate that was paid. What's more, the collection spans over 330 years of Devon history.

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3 quick tips for tracing Devon family history

Know what's available

Most pre-1858 Devon wills were destroyed. Findmypast's index can help plug the gaps.

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Map your origins

Devon ancestors from the mid-1800s? Check out local tithe maps.

Explore Devon maps

Find elusive ancestors

From Methodists to ministers, Devon FHS Tree House service can help.

Find out more

Devon Family History Society

At Devon FHS, a warm welcome awaits anyone interested in the county's storied past. The society offers:

Devon Family Historian, its quarterly publication in print or digital
An award-winning website with a self-service members' area
Devon parish registers, marriage, and cemetery indexes and gravestone photos, free for members
The Tree House Research Centre, a large library of maps, parish files, and Methodist records
Virtual and in-person research help
A varied program of virtual speakers
Active record transcription programs
The Acorn Club for young researchers
Popular message boards, online chats, and Facebook communities
An online shop

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A must-search for Devon genealogists

Findmypast is continually adding new records and with so many Devon and London records, it's extremely relevant to me. Often I find ancestors here when I have failed to find them elsewhere.

Sonia

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More Devon family history resources

Plymouth & West Devon Parish Chest Records 1556-1950keyboard_arrow_down

This vast and varied collection features jury lists, bastardy papers, workhouse registers, vestry minutes and more, all perfect for enriching your Devon family story. Search the Parish Chest Records now.

Devon, Land Tax and Valuation Recordskeyboard_arrow_down

Unravel the relationships between owners and occupiers in Devon's history. These records can tell you their names, a description of their properties and rates paid on them. Search the Land Tax and Valuation Records now.

Plymouth Borough Records 1519-1905keyboard_arrow_down

Explore accounts, ledgers, court reports and more to discover the part your ancestor played in Devon's local government over the centuries. Search the Borough Records now.

Plymouth & West Devon Electoral Registers 1780-1973keyboard_arrow_down

Handy for tracing house history or pinpointing relatives, these electoral rolls record everyone who was registered to vote over nearly 200 years of Plymouth history. Search the Electoral Registers now.

Plymouth Prison Records 1832-1919keyboard_arrow_down

Discover the bad apples on your family tree with registers from Plymouth Prison. The records not only reveal useful detail on Devon's past prisoners but its prison officers too. Search Prison Records now.

Devon, Port Bookskeyboard_arrow_down

Go back in time to the ports of Appledore, Barnstaple, and Bideford. This fascinating record set can help you uncover ship, master and merchant names, along with destination and cargo details. Search the Port Books now.

US Servicemen In North Devon, England 1943-1945keyboard_arrow_down

Thousands of American soldiers were stationed at the Assault Training Centre at Woolacombe and Saunton Sands during World War 2. Discover their remarkable stories with these unique records. Search the records now.

Plymouth & West Devon Apprentices 1570-1910keyboard_arrow_down

Butcher, baker, candlestick maker? If your ancestor served as an apprentice in Devon, they might be listed in these records. In them, you'll find essential family tree information including names, addresses and birth years. Search the Apprentices records now.

Tavistock Borough Court Luxton Manuscripts, 1839-1896keyboard_arrow_down

Summonses, depositions and convictions are among the detail-rich records included in this collection. They can prove to be a treasure trove of family heritage if you've got roots in and around Tavistock. Search manuscripts now.