Devonshire Manors in the Domesday Book
The principal land owners in Devonshire and their holdings as recorded in the Domesday Book.
In Devonshire at this period there were 980 vills containing about 9000 hamlets or farms.
Manors Held from the King
William Cheever, or Chievre
Was at the Battle of Hastings. Became a senior Baron of Devon, holding 47 lordships in barony in Devonshire. He and his brother Gosfried held in Normandy at La Chieve (Capra, Chevercourt, Capricuia) in the Seine-
Manors: Ash, Barton, Awliscombe, Badgworthy, Bradford Witheridge, Colebrook, Cullompton, Hemyock?? Ivedon, Lynton, Mackham, Membury, Mildon, Pirzwell, Puddington, Radworthy, North Molton, Shillingford, Southleigh, Virworthy, West Putford, Whipton, Yowlestone, Cadeleigh, Buckland, Braunton, Buckland, Haccombe, Combe-
Walter Claville
Does not appear in the rolls of the Battle of Hastings. Following the battle, he seems to have acquired holdings as an under-
Manors: Appledore, Ayshford, Boehill Leigh (Churchstow), Leonard Shobrooke (Morchard Bishop), Withycombe Raleigh, Wolfin, Bywood, Buckland Tout Saints, Burlescombe, Craze Loman, Dowland, Drayford, Loosedon, Murley, Canonsleigh, Instow Coombe (Uplowman), Sydeham.
Ralph de Pomeroy
Was at the Battle of Hastings. His home domain was at La Pommeraie in Bayeux, Normandy. Earthworks of his Castle still remain near Falaise called the Chateau Ganne. Granted 60 manors by Duke William, many in Devonshire. His chief domain in Devon was at Berry Pomeroy. Joselin Pomeroy succeeded him. Through Henry, his son, they retained their estates in Normandy at the Castle of Pont-
Manors: Ash (Bradworthy), Ashcombe, AunkBerry Pomeroy, Radworthy, Brendon, Clyst St George, Curtisknowle, Dunsdon, Heavitree, Highleigh, Huxham, Keynedon, Lank Combe, Mamhead, Peamore, Sheldon, Smallridge, Southweek, Stockleigh Pomeroy, Strete Raleigh, Tale, Upottery, Washfield, Weycroft, Yeadbury, Great Torrington, Bruckland, Caffyns Heanton, Cheriton (Brendon), Dunkeswell, Dunstone (Widecombe in the Moor), Gappah, Holcombe, Mowlish.
Alfred or Auvrai Le Breton
Came from Brittany with Count Alain Le Roux (Red) Count of Penthievre. The Count, son of the Duke of Brittany, was sent by his father with a huge contingent of knights to the invasion of England. Count Alain was made Earl of Richmond by Duke William for his assistance at the Battle of Hastings. Auvrai Le Breton held 22 Lordships, mostly in Devonshire, at the taking of the Domesday Book. Throughout England there were another eight Le Bretons. Each probably had a different genealogy and it is not known what their relationship, if any, was to each other. However, judging from the size of his grants, it is reasonably certain that Auvrai Le Breton was no mere knight. Possibly the son of Count Alain.
Manors: Battleford, Bradninch, Creacombe (Witheridge), Peters, Tavy, South Milton, Sprytown, Tamerton Foliot, Ugborough, Willsworthy, Battisborough, Blaxton, Creacombe (Newton Ferrers), Curworlhy, Grimpstone, Grimpstonleigh, Ingleigh, Moreleigh Budshead.
Countess Gytha
Daughter of Thorgils Sprakaleg, first cousin of King Cnut, wife of Godwin, the great Earl of Wessex, mother of Earl Harold, and descended from Danish King Harald Bluetooth, kindred to the Norman Viking element, also received grants in Devonshire, continued from Edward's time and confirmed by Duke William.
Manors: ??
Theobald FitzBerner
Probably the eldest son of Hugh or Hugo de Bernieres, of Bernierers, near Falaise, Normandy who, with brothers Ralph and Richard Berners, held in Essex, Cambridge and Middlesex. The family eventually descended to Lord Berners in the mid 15th century. Descending further, the name evolved to the surname Wilton and Strangeways.
Manors: Rifton, Bickleton, Milford (Hartland), Oussaborough, Speccott, Spreakcombe, Widworthy, Bucks Cross, Cheriton Fitzpaine, Coombe (Cheriton Fitzpaine), Little Marland, Molland (Forth Molton), Owlacombe, Saunton, Culm Davy, Georgeham, Gorwell, Hollowcombe (Fremington), Woolacombe.
Robert d'Aumale
Descended from Stephen, Count of Aumale in the Seine-
Manors: Stoke (Devonport), Thuborough, Westleigh, Whitefield (Marwood), Willestrew, Woodleigh, Bickham, Cookbury, Wick Milton, Damerel, Collacombe, Flete, Gidcott, Goodleigh, Ottery (Lamerton).
Robert le Bastard
Claimed to be an illegitimate son of Duke William, the other one being William Peverel who received holdings in Shropshire. A recipient of Duke William's favours. It is claimed that Robert commanded a ship of the Hastings invasion but was blown off course, down the channel, landed at Salcombe, and received a barony in Devonshire. From the size of the barony granted by Duke William there had to be more than just a passing relationship. His descendents later became Sheriffs of Devonshire. Robert's chief domain was at Efford. The name is sometimes spelt Baistard and Bestard, but the main stem of the family retained the spelling Bastard with some pride.
Manors: Combe, Royal Dunstone (Yealmpton), Backstone, Bickford, Efford, Hazard, Stonehouse.
Baldwin the Sheriff, (aka Baldwin de Brionne)
Constituted, by Duke William, the hereditary Viscount or Sheriff of Devonshire. He was known by a number of different names such as Baudoin of Exeter, Baudoin de Meules, Baldwin the Viscount, Baudoin de Meules et du Sap. He was also known as FitzGilbert, since he was the eldest son of Gilbert, the Count of Brionne and Eu, who was the son of Richard I, Duke of Normandy. William (Baldwin the Sheriff) was granted vast domains, 164 manors, 159 of which were in Devonshire, 19 in Exeter. He built Rougemont Castle. He was Governor of the city of Exeter, Sheriff of Devonshire, one the most powerful men in the west country. He also built his Castle at Okehampton. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Richard FitzBaldwin (aka Richard de Brionne), who also succeeded as Sheriff of Devonshire. Richard died without issue. His sister, Adeliza became Vice-
Manors: Inwardleigh, Lincombe, Aller (Kentisbeare), Appledore (Clannaborough), Ashclyst, Ashford, Ashmansworthy, Aylesbeare, Blackborough, Blakewell, Boasley, Bradford (Cookbury), Chevithorne, Clayhidon, Clifford, Englebourne, Germansweek, Great Fulford, Haccombe, Hemyock?? Hennock, Highampton, Hittisleigh, Hockworthy, Ilfracombe, Kentisbeare, Kentisbury, Landcross, Langford (Cullompton), Langstone, Lashbrook, Manhood, Manaton, Manhood, Meeth, Melanin, Melhuish, Mockham, Monkokehampton, Musbury, Neadon, Newton (Chittlehampton), Nymet Rowland, OakOffwell, Okehampton, Oldridge, Parkham, Payhembury, Ringcombe, Ringmore (in St Nicholas), Rocombe, Rushford, Shirwell, Smallicombe, Snydles Parkwell, Spreyton, Stedcombe, Tapps, Tedburn St. Mary, Teigngrace, Uppacott, Walson, Wembworthy, West Buckland, West Clyst, West Prawle, Whimple, Whitestone, Whiteway, Whitstone, Wilmington, Wilson, Wolborough, Woodburn, Woolladon, Woolleigh, Worthy, Yard, Yarde, Yarnscombe, Exbourne Shapley (Chagford), Beetor, Belstone, Bratton Clovelly, Bridestowe, Brixton, Brushford, Burston, Charles, Chawleigh, Chettiscombe, Chichacott, Chulmleigh, Clannaborough, Clyst Hydon, Colwell, Comboyne, Culm Pyne, Dolton, Dotton, Drewsteignton, Dunsland, Dunterton, Eggbeer, Exwick, Fursham, George Teign, Gorhuish, Great Beere, Greenslade, Halse, Heanton Punchardon, Heanton Stachville, Holcombe, Honeychurch, Kelly, Kenn, Kigbeare, Kingsford, Leigh ( Coldridge), Lewtrenchard, Loxhore, Maidencombe, Martin, Meshsaw, Middleton (Broadwood Kelly), Poltimore, Ponsford, Potheridge, Rackenford, Rose Ash, Sampford Courtenay, Sellake, Bridford, Cheldon, Larkbeare.
Fulk, Count of Anjou, or Fulk le Rechin
His son, "the younger" was crowned King of Jerusalem in 1130. He was closely related to the Norman heirarchy and lent his assistance to the Hastings venture being close to the Norman Montforts through marriage.
Manors: Four manors held from Iudhael of Totnes: West Portlemouth, Ilton, Alston, Sorley; Ferding held from Alfred the Breton.
Iudhael of Totnes
An unfamiliar spelling, probably one of the many variations of Eudes, which in turn translates to Odo. There were two Odos, the Bishop of Bayeux, half brother of Duke William (who later founded Winchester Cathedral); and Odo, Count of Champagne. Which one is herein referred is questionable, but is most likely, Odo, the Bishop of Bayeux who received many manors and lordships scattered throughout England after the Conquest, the name being modified by a local spelling. Eudo or Odo. The Count of Champagne came into prominence about the time of the Domesday survey when he was granted Holderness by Duke William of Normandy. He was not recorded at the Battle of Hastings.
Manors: Alston, Ashleigh, Baccamoor, Bagton, Blachford, Bradford (Pyworthy), Brixham, Brixton (Shaugh Prior), Brixton (Yealompton), Broadley, Broadwoodwidger, Butterford, Charleton, Chittlebum, Chivelstone, Clawton, Coldstone, Coleridge (Buckland), Coleton, Collaton (Marlborough), Compton, Gifford, Conworthy, Downicary, Down Thomas, Eggbuckland, Elfordleigh, Fernhill (Shaugh), Ford (Chivelstone), Galmpton (South Huish), Halwell, Henford, Holland, Hooe, Lambside, Langdon, Loddiswell, Loventor, Lupton, Malston, Manadon, Mary Tavy, Meavy, Membland, Mutley, North Huish, Okenbury, Pethill, Pool, Poulston, Pyworthy, Raddon (in Marystowe), Ringmore (Bigbury), Shaugh Prior, Sherford (Brixton), Shiphay, Collaton, Soar, Sorley, South Allington, South Hewish, Stadbury, Staddiscombe, Staddon, Stancombe, Sydenham, Sydenham Damerel, Tetcott, Thrushelton, Thurlestone, Tillislow, Totnes, Weston Peverel, West Portlemouth, Whitleigh, Wollaton, Woodford, Woolston, Worthele Burrington (Weston Peverel), Combe Fishacre, Leigh (Modbury), Churston Ferrers, Combe (Pool), Leigh (Harberton), North Bovey, Norton (Broadwoodwidger).
William de Poilley
Does not appear in the rolls of the Battle of Hastings. He may not have been Norman. The name comes from Bourgogne, where they were the Lords of the Castle of Pouilly sur Saone. Several knights of the name attended the first Crusade. They were to become one of the most distinguished families in 16th century France.
Manors: Battisford, Bickleigh ( Plymouth), Blagrove, Bowley, Melbury, Pedley, Stoke Rivers, Buckland Monachorum, Cadbury (Thorverton), Challonsleigh, Dart (Cadeleigh), Dart Raffe, Farwood, Goosewell, Radworthy (Challacombe), Beaworthty, Sampford Spiney.
Osberne de Sacey, or Sassy
Was from Sacey in Avranches. In 1030 Duke Robert of Normandy built a castle on the border of Normandy and Brittany which became the seat of the Sassy family, and the records became confused with the Kyriell family. Osberne was at the Battle of Hastings. The two Saceys mentioned at Hastings, Osberne and brother Ralph, received large grants, the former a barony in Devonshire, the latter in Herefordshire. After the Domesday Survey the family would proliferate to Oxford, Buckingham, Nottingham, Derby and Northampton.
Manors: Lambert, Shilston Bridge, Parford, Clyst Gerred.
William de Falaise, Sire de Falaise
Lord of Moulins-
Manors: Luscombe (Rattery), Rattery Stoke (Holne), Washford PyneWorth, Churchill, Combe Martin, Dartington, Dean Prior, Furze (West Buckland), Harbourneford, Holne, Parracombe, Cockington.
Walter de Douai
From Douai. near Lille, in Normandy. Son of Urso de Douai, Walter was at Hastings but his brother Hugh does not appear in the rolls and probably remained at the chief domain in Normandy. Walter received large baronies in Devonshire and Somerset. His chief domain was at Bampton, and from him descended the Barons of Bampton. Ralph de Conteville was his under-
Manors: Bampton, Berrynarbor, Coleridge (Stokenham), Combe Raleigh, Dipford, Dunsford, Goodrington, Greenway, Kerswell (Hockworthy), Knowstone, Little Rackenford, Luppitt, Mohun's Ottery, Shapcombe, Spurway, Stoke Fleming, Townstal, Uffculme, Woodcombe, Holacombe.
Fulchere, or Foucher
A Breton,probably younger son of Adam FitzDurand who were both at the Conquest. His main holdings were in Rutland, and the barony of Walgrove in Northampton, hence the distinguished family of Walgrave. The family were from Maloures. near St Brieux in Brittany.
Manors: Leigh (Loxbeare), CulmVale.
Godbold
Probably a Saxon pre-
Manors: Doddiscombsleigh, Hook (Ashreigney), Lowley, Lowton, West Whitnold, Yard (Silverton), Halstow, Mullacott, Satterleigh.
Gotshelm
Probably a Saxon pre-
Manors: Ash, Thomas Huish (Dolton), Newton (Zeal Monachorum), Uplowman, Villavin, Washbourne, Whitnage, Woodbeare, Dodscott, Fenacre, Gittisham, Hampson, Newton Tracey, Nichol's Nymet, Riddlecombe.
Easthelm
Probably a Saxon pre-
Manors: ??
Richard FitzThorold
Not well documented. Probably son of Saxon Thorold the Sheriff during King Edward's time. He was near kinsman of the Northumberland Earls, Edwin and Morcar.
Manors: East Allington, Natsworthy, Woodhuish.
Hervey de Hellean, or Herve d'Helion (sometimes Ailion)
A Breton at the Battle of Hastings. He came from Hillion, St.Brieux, in Brittany. He was granted a large Barony in Devonshire by Duke William. Descended were the Lords of Arriston, Ashton and Credy Helion.
Manors: Hackworthy.
Roald Dubbed
Another mystery. Presumably, kinsman of Raoul the Gael, a very powerful Breton Baron, Lord of the Castle of Guader. The term Dubbed may relate to his knighthood. On the other hand, he may be Raoul de Limesi, (see Ralph de Limesey) a powerful Norman who also held lands in Devonshire.
Manors: Aveton, Gifford, Hankford, Hemerdon, Hollam, Huxhill, Kimber, Lamerton, Lobb, Lovacott (Shebbear), Monkswell, Panson, Peters Marland, Praunsley, Pulham, Sigford, Train, Twigbear, Weare Gifford, Whitchurch, Winscott, Winswell, Wonford, Crockernwell, Dockworthy, Peeke (in Luffincott), Rutleigh.
Ralph de Feugeres (Fougeres)
A Breton at the Battle of Hastings. Ralph was youngest son of Main II who was the powerful Baron Fougeres in Brittany. Ralph succeeded him in 1084. He also held in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Buckingham. He was ancestor of the Bohuns, and many other noble families.
Manors: Adworthy, Afton Ipplepen, Galmpton (Churston Ferrers).
Richard FitzGilbert (aka Richard de Brionne)
Eldest son of Baldwin the Sheriff (see this page, FitzGilbert was Baldwin's father's name) by Albreda, his wife. He succeeded his father as Sheriff of Devonshire and his chief domain became Okehampton. He died in 1137 without issue and his estates went to his sister Adeliza, Vice-
Manors: Lympstone.
Ansger de Montacute
Probably a close kinsman of Robert, Count of Mortain, or his son William. Both held the Castle of Montacute in Somerset as their chief domain.
Manors: Muxbere, Stafford, Brimblecome.
Alfred d'Epaignes
From a distuished Norman family.
Manors: Arlington, Ashbury, Twitchen, Orway.
Odo FitzGamelin
Unknown.
Manors: Almiston, Hillersdon, Plymtree, Stallenge, Thorne Stowford(Lifton), Whiddon, Willand, Chilton (Cheriton Fitzpaine), Delley, Essebeare, George Nympton, Hacche, Honiton (South Molton), Huntsham, Little Weare, Brayley, Broadhembury, Buckland ( Dolton).
Manors Held by the Church??
Cullompton, Norton (in Churchstow), Ash(Petrockstowe), Ashton Petrockstowe, South Brent, Trusham, Zeal Monachorum, Buckfast, Charford, Heathfield, Loosebeare, Uplyme, Umberleigh, Abbotskerswell, Littleham (Exmouth), Seaton, Dennington (Yarcombe), Otterton, Yarcombe, Newton, St Petrock, Swimbridge, Chardstock, Ottery St Mary, Rawridge, Sidmouth, Northam, Abbotsham, Burrington (Chulmleigh), Liddaton, Raddon (in Thorverton), Tavistock, Thornbury (Holsworth), Worthygate, Coffinswell, Denbury, Milton Abbot, Plymstock, Romansleigh, Houndtor, Leigh (Milton Abbot), Barnstaple, Ashburton, Bentton, Bishop's Nympton, Branscombe, Dawlish, Haxton, Newton St Cyres, Paignton, St. Mary Church, Salcombe Regis, Sidbury, Slapton, Staverton, Stoke Canon, Talaton Bishop's, Bishopsteignton, Bury, Chudleigh, Knighton, Crediton, Dittisham, Ide, Culmstock, Stockland.
Return to Hemyock Castle.
Glossary of Feudal, Medieval and Castle Terms.
Glossary of Ancient Weights and Measures.
Glossary of Official and Slang Money Terms.
Domesday Book and Other Historical Information.
Adapted from sources including:
http://www.infokey.com/Domesday/Devonshire.htm
Part of this source seems now to have moved to:
www.domesdaybook.co.uk/devonshire.html.
Note, this information is published "as is". It needs thorough checking against sources.
Comments welcome.
Milton Combe is a village in Devon approximately 2 miles from Yelverton and 8 miles from the city of Plymouth.
The name Milton Combe is derived from the village's historic name, first mentioned in 1249, of 'Mile Cumbe' literally meaning 'Middle Valley'. The Post Office gave the village its current name in 1890, to distinguish it from the many other 'Miltons' in the nearby area.
During the Second World War, the village used by inhabitants of the Royal Navy Hospital at Maristow, the American Army Camp at Bickham and RAF Harrowbeer. The village has its own small War Memorial dedicated to the men of Milton Combe who fell in the Second World War.
Milton Combe is known locally for its annual duck race along the Milton Brook starting from the Who'd Have Thought It public house through the village.
Edgar I (Old English: Ēadgār
c. 943 – 8 July 975), known as Edgar the Peaceful or the Peaceable, was King of England
from 959 to 975.
Ælfthryth was the daughter of Ealdorman Ordgar. Her mother was a member of the royal family of Wessex. The family's power lay in the west of Wessex. Ordgar was buried in Exeter and his son Ordwulf founded, or refounded, Tavistock Abbey.[1]
Ælfthryth was first married to Æthelwald, son of Æthelstan Half-
Later accounts, such as that preserved by William of Malmesbury, add vivid detail of unknown reliability.
According to William, the beauty of Ordgar's daughter Ælfthryth was reported to King Edgar. Edgar, looking for a Queen, sent Æthewald to see Ælfthryth, ordering him "to offer her marriage [to Edgar] if her beauty were really equal to report." When she turned out to be just as beautiful as was said, Æthelwald married her himself and reported back to Edgar that she was quite unsuitable. Edgar was eventually told of this, and decided to repay Æthelwald's betrayal in like manner. He said that he would visit the poor woman, which alarmed Æthelwald. He asked Ælfthryth to make herself as unattractive as possible for the king's visit, but she did the opposite. Edgar, quite besotted with her, killed Æthelwald during a hunt.
The historical record does not record the year of Æthelwald's death, let alone its manner. No children of Æthelwald and Ælfthryth are known.
Mercia (Old English: Miercna rīce) was one of the kingdoms of the Anglo-
The kingdom was centred on the valley of the River Trent and its tributaries, in the region now known as the English Midlands.[1] The kingdom's "capital" was the town of Tamworth, which was the seat of the Mercian Kings from at least around AD 584, when King Creoda built a fortress at the town.
For 300 years (between AD 600 and 900), having annexed or gained submissions from five of the other six kingdoms of the Heptarchy (East Anglia, Essex, Kent, Sussex and Wessex), Mercia dominated England south of the River Humber: this period is known as the Mercian Supremacy. The reign of King Offa, who is best remembered for his Dyke which designated the boundary between Mercia and the Welsh kingdoms, is sometimes known as the "Golden Age of Mercia". Nicholas Brooks noted that "the Mercians stand out as by far the most successful of the various early Anglo-
Mercia was originally a pagan kingdom, but King Peada converted to Christianity around 656, with Christianity firmly established in the kingdom by the late 7th century. The Diocese of Mercia was founded in 656, with the first bishop, Diuma, based at Repton. After only 13 years at Repton, in 669 the fifth bishop, Saint Chad, moved the bishopric to Lichfield, where it has been based ever since. In 691 the Diocese of Mercia became the Diocese of Lichfield. For a brief period between 787 to 799 the diocese was an archbishopric, although it was officially dissolved in 803. The current bishop, Jonathan Gledhill, is the 98th since the diocese was established.
At the end of the 9th century, following the invasions of the Vikings and their Great Heathen Army, much of the former Mercian territory was absorbed into the Danelaw. At its height the Danelaw included London, all of East Anglia and most of the North of England.
The final Mercian king, Ceolwulf II, died in 879; the kingdom appears to have thereby lost its political independence. Initially it was ruled by a lord or ealdorman under the overlordship of Alfred The Great, who styled himself "King of the Anglo-
Mercia is still used as a geographic designation, and the name is used by wide range of organisations, including military units, public, commercial and voluntary bodies.
Ogham /ˈɒɡəm/[1] (Modern Irish [ˈoːmˠ] or [ˈoːəmˠ]; Old Irish: ogam [ˈɔɣamˠ]) is an Early Medieval alphabet used to write the early Irish language (in the so-
The vast majority of the inscriptions consist of personal names.
According to the High Medieval Bríatharogam, names of various trees can be ascribed to individual letters.
The etymology of the word ogam or ogham remains unclear. One possible origin is from the Irish og-