The Devon FHS WWWBoard

Coming to Devon to discover my JOHNS roots

Posted by Mike on 6/3/2025, 11:45 pm

Seeking assistance while in Plymouth. I’m an Aussie arriving in Plymouth on 13 March, staying until 18th, to carry out some family history research and enjoy the famous Devon hospitality. My 3GGrandfather John JOHNS, born 1805 Bere Ferres, wife Catherine BROOM, born 1809 Bere Ferres. Married 29 March 1834 Stoke Damarell. Details from IGI and parish records. I would like to go back further and would welcome any guidance on resources that I can tap into while in Devon. I am planning to visit the towns and visit any libraries, historical societies etc as relevant. My dad was also studying as a naval engineer at RNC Darmouth, Keyham and Manadon during WW2 (when he met and married my mum). Looking forward to immersing myself and reconnecting with my roots. Thanks.

Re: Coming to Devon to discover my JOHNS roots

Posted by Judith on 11/3/2025, 4:28 pm, in reply to "Coming to Devon to discover my JOHNS roots"

Dont forget Devon Heritage centre at Exeter, Great moor House, lots of info there covering the whole county, indexes, wills etc.

Re: Coming to Devon to discover my JOHNS roots

Posted by Deborah on 8/3/2025, 9:15 am, in reply to "Coming to Devon to discover my JOHNS roots"

You will need to plan certain things in advance. In Plymouth you should visit The Box which is the modern reincarnation of the Plymouth Records Office. You have to book in advance https://www.theboxplymouth.com/permanent-galleries/the-cottonian-research-room
The DFHS Tree House is also a must see https://www.devonfhs.org.uk/tree-house/
Also, see https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/DEV/BereFerrers

Re: Coming to Devon to discover my JOHNS roots

Posted by Mike on 8/3/2025, 9:42 pm, in reply to "Re: Coming to Devon to discover my JOHNS roots"

Thank you Deborah. Very helpful. I have done a lot of research many years ago but I need to brush up on my researching skills again. Some good leads.

Re: Coming to Devon to discover my JOHNS roots

Posted by Ceciloia Margaret Lister on 12/3/2025, 4:08 pm, in reply to "Re: Coming to Devon to discover my JOHNS roots"

You may be interested to know that there was a family called Johns living in Ugborough, near Ivybridge in Devon. I know this because Charles Johns(1878-1950) married my great aunt Margaret Fice Elford in 1901 at the Weslyan Chapel in Ivybridge. They emigrated to Canada in 1913 and lived in Barrie Ontario. Margaret died there in 1965

Re: Coming to Devon to discover my JOHNS roots

Posted by Mike on 17/3/2025, 6:20 am, in reply to "Re: Coming to Devon to discover my JOHNS roots"

Thanks Ceciloia

I’m in Plymouth right now now and heading up to Bere Alston today. My family dates back to the early 1800s where they were lead miners in the Tamar Valley. Not a particularly healthy profession I would imagine, particularly back then. What I do know is that there is no shortage of Johns’ in this area. A very common name back then. To make it even more of a challenge, I have three John Johns in my lineage. Not very imaginative! Thank you for your feedback, and Happy St Patrick’s Day.

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