yeoman

13
May
2020
The Mortimers of Powderham

The Mortimers of Powderham

Mark Mortimer of Mamhead 1638-

The first Mortimer to live near Powderham was Mark Mortimer, who was born in 1638 in Exbourne, the youngest son of Thomas Mortimer of Cheriton Bishop, husbandman, and his wife Frances. His mother died while he was a child, and his father died in 1654, leaving his son Mark £44 in his will. This was enough money to enable Mark to start working his own farm. He moved down to Powderham, on the Exe estuary.

He married Margery Ware, 26 Sep 1667 Mamhead, and together they had one son, Mark. He died sometime after 1670. He featured in a document dated 22 Jun 1670 in Exeter archives.

Mark Mortimer II (1670-1727)

Mark was the only son of Mark and Margery Mortimer. He was born 21 Nov 1670 and bapt. 8 Dec 1670. He married Dorothy Cook, 6 Nov 1692 Powderham. He was a yeoman and left a will dated 1727, which divided his goods between his wife and children:

1. William Mortimer 

2. Mary 1695, who m. Samuel Ware

3. Elizabeth 1696, who m. William Davy

4. Mark 1698-1705

5. Esther 1699, who m. John Row

6. John Mortimer 1701

7. Dorothy 1703, who m. William Row, 2 Mar 1721/2 Exeter Cathedral

8. Mark Mortimer 1705

William Mortimer of Powderham (1693-1736)

William was baptised 26 Sep 1693 at Powderham. He married in the mid 1720s to Mary and they had at least two sons born in Powderham. He was bur. 14 Apr 1736, Mary his wife was bur. 18 Sep 1741, in Powderham.

1. Mark Mortimer 

2. John Mortimer b. 1735, who may have lived in Bishopsteignton.

Mark Mortimer of Kenton (c.1725-1775)

Mark was born before 1727 and named after his grandfather. As a child, he was mentioned in the will of his grandfather Mark Mortimer in 1727. He married Jane Saunders 14 Feb 1746/7 in Kenton, and they had 8 children. As a yeoman in Kenton, he took on an apprentice on 11 May 1775. He made a will in 1775 and died that year. He was bur. 3 Dec 1775 in Powderham.

1. Thomas Mortimer 1747, married Mary Evans, 1772 Kenn.

2. Mark Mortimer II 1748-1791, who married Grace Thomas, 14 May 1775 Kenton. He was bur. 17 Jun 1791 Kenton.

3. James Mortimer 1752-1793, bur. 18 Oct 1793.

4. Martha 1754

5. Jane 1756-58, bur. 21 Mar 1758

6. Richard Mortimer 1760-1781, bur. 19 Nov 1781.

7. Jane 1764

8. William 1767-68

 

 

28
Apr
2020
The Mortimers of Silverton

The Mortimers of Silverton

Origin of the Mortimers of Silverton

The Mortimers of Silverton begin with Gilbert Mortimer (c.1624-c.1680). He was born before the start of the Silverton parish records, but may have been born outside Silverton. He married Wilmot before 1653, when they appeared in a Chancery record Jerman v. Jerman.

Philip Jerman brought a case against a group of defendants; Robert Jerman, Richard Jerman, Thomas Jerman, William Sellacke and Mary Sellacke his wife and Gilbert Mortimer and Wilmott Mortimer his wife. The association with the Jerman family suggests a connection with Thomasin Mortimer m. Richard Jerman, 9 Nov 1617 Exeter St Mary Major. The record suggests Gilbert and Wilmot Mortimer were living in Bradninch in 1653, but there is no clear connection to the previous Mortimer family at Bradninch, who had lived there since c.1500.

Family

In 1674 Gilbert Mortimer paid tax on one hearth in Silverton, though there is no further record of him. He presumably died some time after this date, and was perhaps buried in Bradninch. He married around 1651 to Wilmot, and they had the following children:

1. Gilbert Mortimer

2. Michael Mortimer 1656-1697, who had the following children:

i. Mary 1691-1692

ii. Agnes 1692

iii. Mary 1697, who m. Edward Martin, 22 Oct 1722 Silverton.

3. John Mortimer 1657-1694, who married Rebecca Chowne (1670-1712), and had a son. John died in 1694. in 1699 Rebecca remarried to Robert Pasmore of Cullompton, husbandman (d.1707) and had two daughters, Mary and Rebecca Pasmore.

i. John Mortimer 1693-1737 of Silverton, bapt. 1 Jun 1693, bur. 28 Aug 1737. He married Mary and had a daughter Joan 1715-1715, and possibly a son, John Mortimer of Cullompton c.1717.

4. Mary 1659-1701, married Samuel Chowne (1657-1705), 13 Jun 1687 Silverton and had children.

5. Elizabeth 1661, married Roger Tucker, 14 Jun 1692 Silverton.

6. Sarah 1663

7. William 1665

Gilbert Mortimer II 1654-1701

Gilbert was bapt. 28 Feb 1653/4 and was the earliest known son of Gilbert senior. He lived in a time of intermittent parish records. While he had children, their baptism dates are unknown. Mary, the wife of Gilbert Mortimer died in Jul 1689, and may have been the wife of the younger Gilbert, if Gilbert senior had already died by then. Gilbert II was presumably father of the following. It is possible all of the following sons were born in Bradninch, which would explain why their baptism dates have eluded research.

1. Gilbert Mortimer III c.1677, who married Elizabeth Mogford (c.1675-1746), 30 Apr 1697 Silverton. Their daughter Mary was born in December and sadly died the following January, at which point Gilbert was described as Gilbert Mortimer, junior in the burial record. It is possible that generations here are duplicated and that this Gilbert has been confused with Gilbert b. 1653, but that would not adequately explain the appearance of Philemon and Henry Mortimer [below] in the following generation. Gilbert and Elizabeth had the following children, of whom at least three died in infancy. The burial records for both Gilbert senior and his youngest son Gilbert are missing. Elizabeth his wife was buried 26 Apr 1746 Silverton. 

i. Mary 1697-1698, bapt Dec 1697, bur. 9 Jan 1698/9.

ii. William Mortimer 1698-1698

iii. William Mortimer 1699-1729

iv. John Mortimer 1704-1707

v. John Mortimer 1708-1710

vi. Gilbert Mortimer (IV) 1711- ?

2. Philemon? Mortimer c.1681-1733, probably a younger son, married Joan Bussell, 20 Sep 1706 Exeter St Sidwell. In 1723 he took the loyalty oath in Silverton, but died sometime afterwards. Both Philemon and his brother Henry may have been sons of a currently unknown Mortimer who lived in Bradninch.

3. Henry? Mortimer, of whom next

Henry Mortimer of Silverton (c.1684-1748)

Henry Mortimer’s birth year remains unknown, and though his parentage is uncertain, he was presumably the brother of Philemon Mortimer, and both may have been sons of Gilbert Mortimer II (above). He married Rebecca Horden (c.1687-1745), 28 Aug 1710 Silverton. He died in 1748, was buried the 11 Feb 1747/8, Silverton. Henry and Rebecca had the following children:

  1. William? Mortimer 
  2. Philemon Mortimer 1715-1779, who was named after Philemon Mortimer m.1706. On 17 May 1737, William Mortimer of Bradninch, yeoman and Philemon Mortimer of Silverton were bound over to appear at the assizes to answer a charge of assault. They were later acquitted. On 10 Apr 1771, Philemon witnessed the marriage of Thomas Hodge to Mary Furser. On 13 Mar 1772, Philemon made his will, mentioning his brother Richard Mortimer, and Richard’s children William, Thomas, John, Betty and Ann. Also his sister Joan wife of Thomas Heard, Mary Parser, nephew Richard Mortimer, and Jenny daughter of brother Henry Mortimer, deceased. Mary Purser was sole exor.
  3. John? Mortimer of Cullompton c.1717- who possibly relates to this family. See Mortimer of Cullompton and Exeter under Miscellaneous branches.
  4. Joan c.1719, who m. Thomas Heard.
  5. Henry Mortimer II c.1720-1760, of Silverton, who was perhaps a younger son. On 25 Jan 1751, he was convicted at the assizes for swearing. He married Joan Channon 26 Feb 1759 Silverton, and had an only daughter, Jenny (1761-1774). He died in 1760, and was bur. 4 Dec 1760. His daughter Jenny was mentioned as a niece in the will of his brother Philemon, 1772.
  6. Richard Mortimer c.1722-c.1780 of Silverton, who was presumably the younger brother. in 1757 he stood surety for Zachariah Maine, and in 1764 was described as yeoman, of Bradninch. In 1774 he was a party in a lease concerning land in Bradninch. He died sometime after this date, perhaps around 1780. He married Mary Heard, 5 Apr 1749, and had the following children:

i. Richard Mortimer (II) 1752-1789, who was a nephew of Philemon Mortimer. He was probably the elder son, as he was mentioned apart from his siblings in the will of Philemon Mortimer in 1772. Richard II married Susanna Reynolds (1759-1820) 5 Jun 1781 Broadclyst, and had the following children. He died intestate, in 1789. Administration was granted to his widow Susanna Mortimer. Bondsmen were William Mortimer and John Reynolds of Pinhoe, presumably his brother and brother in law.

      1. Mary Reynolds Mortimer 1782, m. Edward Moggridge
      2. Susanna 1784
      3. Salome 1786-1859
      4. Richard Mortimer III of Cullompton, 1788, whose father died when he was an infant. Richard was born 16 Oct 1788, and bapt. 30 Dec 1789 at Silverton. By 1819, he had moved to Cullompton, a centre of growth and industry. He married Harriet Anning, 16 Feb 1819 Cullompton, and had children:

i. Harriet R Mortimer 1825

ii. Richard Mortimer IV 1827-1875

iii. Salome R Mortimer 1829-1916

ii. William Mortimer c.1755-1821, who married Mary Row (1757-1830), 19 Sep 1780, at which point he was living in Bradninch. In 1784, William Mortimer made an undertaking to indemnify Hugh Pullem from rent and other expenses in Bradninch. He also acted as bondsman in the administration of Richard Mortimer’s estate, in 1789. William was a freeholder of Silverton in 1798. He died in 1821, Silverton. William and his wife Mary had an only daughter, Mary Ann Mortimer b.1780.

iii. Elizabeth 1758

iv. Mary 1760

v. Thomas Mortimer 1762-1831

vi. John Mortimer 1764

vii. Ann 1765

 

William Mortimer, (c.1712- ), of Bradninch

William Mortimer’s baptism record is also missing. He named one of his sons Philemon, and was related to the above family. He may have been either a son of Philemon the elder or a brother of Philemon the younger, although was not mentioned in his will. On 17 May 1737, both William Mortimer of Bradninch and Philemon Mortimer were bound over at the assizes. William perhaps he died before Philemon Mortimer’s will in 1772. He married Mary, in the late 1730s. They were probably parents of the following children:

  1. Thomas Mortimer
  2. Joan c.1742, m. Henry Hayman
  3. Henry c.1744-1806, m. Elizabeth Drew, Elizabeth Linsey and Ann Moggridge.
  4. Philemon c.1746-1748
  5. John Mortimer c.1747, m. Sarah Hayman
  6. Sarah c.1750, m. Henry Chown
Thomas Mortimer 1739-1779

Thomas was bapt. 5 Dec 1739 Silverton, and was probably the eldest son of William and Mary. He married Elizabeth Waters (c.1741-1779), 14 May 1768 Alphington, and they had the following children.

  1. Thomas Mortimer 
  2. William Mortimer of Plymtree (1773-1821), who m. firstly Betty Dilling, 25 Mar 1801 Silverton, and secondly, Maria Linley, 1812 Cullompton. He was bur. 28 Jan 1821 Plymtree, aged 48. The children by his second marriage were:

i. Maria 1815-1833

ii. William II 1820-

3. Elizabeth 1776

Thomas Mortimer II of Silverton (1769-1831)

Thomas was bapt. 26 May 1769, the eldest son of Thomas and Elizabeth. He married Mary Comer, 9 Apr 1792 Newton St Cyres, and together they had the following children:

  1. Thomas Mortimer III 1793, who lived in Silverton as a yeoman. As a farmer of 400 acres, he farmed the largest amount of land of any Mortimer in 1851, and represented perhaps the most prosperous branch of the family in Devon after the Mortimer family of Bideford.
  2. Richard Mortimer 1794
  3. Mary Comer Mortimer 1796-1850
  4. Elizabeth 1799
  5. William Mortimer, of Camberwell (1800-1857), not closely related to the other William Mortimer of Camberwell (c.1799- ), b. in Barnstaple.
  6. Jane 1802
  7. Ann 1807
  8. John Mortimer 1809
  9. Thomas Mortimer 1810
22
Apr
2020
The Mortimers of Kingsteignton

The Mortimers of Kingsteignton

Origins

The story of the Mortimers of Kingsteignton begins in Hennock, with John Mortimer, who was born in the mid 1530s. He was probably a younger son of Richard Mortimer of Tedburn St Mary, as he named his eldest children Richard and Joan. His youngest son, William Mortimer, moved to Bovey Tracey and was the father of John Mortimer of Kingsteignton. Later in the 18th century, the Mortimers moved down river to Ringmore in Shaldon, opposite Teignmouth on the mouth of the river Teign. One branch of the family became successful dyers in Plymouth.

John Mortimer of Hennock (c.1535-1587)

John Mortimer married firstly, Joan, 10 Jun 1559, Hennock and they had two children.

  1. Joan b. 29 Feb 1559/60, who m. Thomas Ford, 20 Jun 1579.
  2. Richard Mortimer b. 30 Oct 1561.

John’s wife Joan died in 1563, and was bur. 9 Jan 1562/3. John married secondly, in around 1570, to a woman whose name is unknown, and had the following children:

3. Frisset c.1573, m. Christopher Potter 26 Jan 1595/6.

4. Thomasin c.1576, m. William Pinsent 24 Oct 1597.

5. Joan 1578-79, b. 16 Dec 1578, bur. 14 Mar 1579/80.

6. Joan b. 25 Feb 1582/3, the youngest daughter.

7. William Mortimer

John was bur. 17 Mar 1587/8. His will was dated 1587, but unfortunately does not survive, and exists only as a listed entry. It would have most likely mentioned his wife and children, and maybe more distant relatives, perhaps in Tedburn. John might have been the father of John Mortimer, c.1584, who had children Martha b.1609 and John b.1612, Hennock. However, since these two children were born in the gap in christenings of children of John Mortimer of Tedburn, between 1607-1616, they perhaps belonged to the family in Tedburn.

William Mortimer of Bovey Tracey (1587-1616)

William was baptised, 13 May 1587, the youngest son of John Mortimer. His father died when he was ten months old. He married Joan, around the year 1611, and they lived in Bovey Tracey. They had a daughter, Joan, and his wife was pregnant with another child when William made a nuncupative will on 29 Aug 1616. William made his wife sole executrix and residuary legatee, and he died the same day. He was buried in his home parish of Hennock, the following day, probably beside his parents. Their child, a son, was born in September. He was named John, perhaps after William’s father, and he was baptised at Kingsteignton church, 20 Sep 1616. Joan proved her late husband’s will, 9 Nov 1616. Two generations of the Mortimers had now lost their fathers in infancy.

  1. Joan c.1613
  2. John Mortimer
John Mortimer of Kingsteignton (1616-1687)

John was bapt. 20 Sep 1616, the posthumous only son of William Mortimer. He married Catherine Fursland, 16 Sep 1641 in Exeter St Edmund. Catherine was the daughter of Walter Fursland. In 1664, John Mortimer and his wife Catherine featured in a final concord, with Francis Calmady and Joan his wife, and Andrew Holwell and Honora his wife. The women were three sisters, and the daughters of Walter Fursland. They were to convey land in Hennock, Knighton and Knighton Heathfield to Sir John Stowell. In 1674, John Mortimer paid tax on two hearths in Kingsteignton, and in 1680 acted as churchwarden in the parish. He died at the age of 61 years and was bur. 29 Nov 1687 at Kingsteignton. John and Catherine had the following children:

  1. Joan 1643-1706?, who may have died and was bur. in 1706, Kingsteignton. Alternatively, this record could relate to a wife of William, below.
  2. William Mortimer 
  3. Andrew Mortimer c.1650-1724, who became a husbandman in Kingsteignton but had no children. He left a will dated 10 Mar 1723/4, detailing his family members. He mentioned his brother William Mortimer, and John Mortimer, who was presumably the grandson of William. Also his brother in law, John Lange, and the three children of his niece Mary Lange, deceased, by Samuel Holman, who had since remarried. He mentioned the children of his nephew John Skeen, deceased. He also made a bequest to Mary Colman and the families of Humphrey Milton (husband of great-niece) and Richard Prowse. The residue was to John Mortimore and Joan Redstone, joint executors. Andrew died soon after, and was bur. 15 Mar 1723/4. His will was proved in Jun 1724.
  4. Mary c.1654, who married John Lang (c.1655- ), 6 Jan 1679/80 Kingsteignton, and had two daughters. She was bur. in Apr 1696, Kingsteignton.

i. Mary Lang 1681-bef.1720

ii. Joan Lang 1684-1688

5. Rebecca c.1657-1710, who married Thomas Skearns, 4 May 1683 Highweek. They had a son, John Skearns (1686-1721), whose children were mentioned in the will of Andrew Mortimer, above. She was bur. in 1710, Kingsteignton.

6. Elizabeth c.1660-1675, who died before reaching adulthood.

William Mortimer (c.1644-1730)

William was born in the mid 1640s, during the turmoil of the English Civil War, and was the eldest son of John. He was most likely a yeoman, and married in the late 1660s. William was mentioned as a brother in the will of Andrew Mortimer, husbandman d.1724. He was bur. in 1730, Kingsteignton. William survived his son William who died in 1716. His wife may have been Joan who died in 1706. Together they had the following children in Kingsteignton:

  1. John 1669-1672, the eldest son, named after his grandfather, but died in childhood.
  2. William Mortimer II
  3. Andrew Mortimer (c.1672-c.1704), named after his uncle. He married Margaret Norrell, 15 Jan 1696/7 Exeter St Thomas. He died before 1710, when his wife Margaret died a widow. In her burial record it was stated that she was the widow of Andrew Mortimer. This must have been Andrew Mortimer junior, for Andrew Mortimer c.1650 was still alive.
William Mortimer II (c.1671-1716)

William was born between the births of John b.1669 and Andrew b.1672, and was probably the second son of William d. 1730. William was so named after his father, but predeceased him. He was a nephew of Andrew Mortimer d.1724. He married Joan Cose (c.1675-1736), 7 May 1695 Highweek. They had the following children:

  1. Mary 1695, who married Humphrey Milton, 31 Jan 1720 Kingsteignton. Her eldest two children were mentioned in the will of her great uncle, Andrew Mortimer in 1724.
  2. John Mortimer, of whom next.
  3. Andrew Mortimer 1698, of whom nothing further is known.
  4. William Mortimer of Combeinteignhead (1699-1780), a contemporary of William Mortimer of Bishopsteignton (1703-1763). He married in 1728 Grace Pool (1700-1773). They had the following children, and he was bur. 1 Mar 1780.

i. Mary 1729

ii. William 1731-1732

iii. John Mortimer (1733-1796), married Rose Terry (1740-1780), 24 Jan 1764 Combeinteignhead and had the following children:

    1. John Mortimer of Plymouth (1768-1825), bapt. 9 Sep 1768 Combeinteignhead. He was a fuller and dyer, and moved from Combeinteignhead to Plymouth. He married firstly Patience Hammick (1769-1814), 1790 Plymouth. He married secondly in 1820, Mary Rew (1769-1854), who was born in South Molton. The children by his first marriage were:

i. Elizabeth 1792-1875

ii. Rose 1794, obviously named after her grandmother Rose Terry.

iii. John Mortimer II (1797-1834), also a dyer. He was born 23 Aug 1797, and bapt. 8 Jan 1798 Devonport. He married Rachel Brimble, or Bramble (c.1795- ), 21 May 1823 Plymouth. They had two children:

        1. Rachel Bramble Mortimer 1825-1894
        2. John Forrester Mortimer 1827- 

iv. Ann 1799

v. William 1801-1803

vi. William 1804-1807

vii. Samuel Mortimer 1806-1832, who died unmarried.

2. William Mortimer of Plymouth (1773-1822), who was a dyer like his brother John. Both William and John moved from Combeinteignhead to Plymouth. He married Mary Giles (1775-1816) and had two children:

i. William Mortimer II (1809-1877), Plymouth, who continued the family dying business.

ii. Mary Mortimer, 1811, who wrote a letter in around 1830/1 to her cousin John’s wife, Rachel.

iv. William Mortimer IV (1736-1812)

v. Frances 1737

vi. Jane 1740-1756

5. Joan 1701-1767, bapt. 4 Dec 1701, married firstly, John Lang (1699-1726), 26 Mar 1722/3 Exeter Cathedral, who was probably a distant relative of John Lang m. 1680 to Mary Mortimer. She married secondly, James Codnor (1701-1754), 22 Jun 1727 Exeter St Martin. In 1763 Joan Codnor was mentioned as a sister in the will of John Mortimer of Kingsteignton. She survived both her husbands and was bur. 29 Mar 1767 Wolborough.

John Mortimer of Kingsteignton, and Ringmore in Shaldon (1697-1763)

John was bapt. 10 Sep 1697 Kingsteignton, the eldest son of William Mortimer II of Kingsteignton (c.1671-1716). He married Mary Crabb (1699-1737), 17 Dec 1730 Kingsteignton. He made his will on 10 Sep 1763, and died the following year, aged 67. He was bur. 24 Jul 1764 and his will proved a month later, 22 Aug 1764. John was a yeoman and owned property in both his hometown Kingsteignton and Ringmore in Shaldon. John and Mary had the following children:

  1. Joseph Mortimer 
  2. John Mortimer II (1732-1796), an exact contemporary of John Mortimer of Combeinteignhead (above). In 1763 he was mentioned in his father’s will, with his children. He married Ann Way (1727-1817), 8 Feb 1755 Kingsteington, and had the following children:

i. John Mortimer III of Teignmouth, b.1756, who married Mary Gibson (1763-1826), 3 Jan 1790 Highweek, and had the following children in West Teignmouth:

      1. Elizabeth 1791-1865, who married John Orchard (1778-1827), 15 Dec 1818 Lustleigh. The marriage record states Elizabeth was residing in Lustleigh at the time. She was perhaps working there as a servant. The later 1851 and 1861 census records confirm Elizabeth was born in Teignmouth.
      2. George Mortimer of Teignmouth, 1792-1864, a thatcher by trade, married Ann.
      3. John Mortimer II 1795
      4. Mary 1797
      5. Susanna 1800
      6. Thomas Mortimer 1804-1879, a gardener.
      7. Ann 1808

ii. Ann 1758, who married William Langley.

iii. Mary 1759, who married John Langdon.

iv. William Mortimer 1761

v. James Mortimer 1764

vi. Catherine 1766

vii. Betty 1768-1791

3. Hannah 1735, who married John Drew

4. William Mortimer 1737-1784, bapt. 4 May 1737 Kingsteignton. He married firstly Grace Lang (1738-1762), 31 Jan 1761 Ringmore in Shaldon, but she died the following year. They had a daughter:

i. Elizabeth (1762-1838), who married her first cousin, John Mortimer of Ringmore in Shaldon (1763-1805) – see below.

William married secondly 11 Nov 1769 Kingsteignton, to Diana nee Watts (1734-1793), widow of Richard Langley (1724-1765). William died at the age of 46 and was bur. 27 Mar 1784 Ringmore in Shaldon. He was survived by his wife Diana, who died and was bur. 20 Nov 1793 Ringmore in Shaldon. They had two children:

ii. Mary 1773

iii. William Mortimer II 1774

Joseph Mortimer of Ringmore (1731-1777)

Joseph was bapt. in 1731 Kingsteignton, the eldest son of John Mortimer, yeoman, and Mary his wife. He married Elizabeth Lang (1732-1779), 17 Jan 1753 Exeter St Martin. He was bur. 10 Mar 1777, Ringmore in Shaldon. Joseph and Elizabeth had the following children:

  1. Joseph Mortimer II 1753-1816, bur. 9 Nov 1816, Ringmore in Shaldon, aged 62.
  2. John 1758-1759
  3. William 1760-1760
  4. Mary 1761-1761
  5. John Mortimer of Ringmore in Shaldon (1763-1805), was bapt. 1 May 1763 Ringmore in Shaldon. He married his cousin, Elizabeth Mortimer (1762-1838), 19 Dec 1784, at which point John Mortimer was living in Stokeinteignhead. They had the following children, the eldest son and daughter were presumably named after John’s parents:

i. Elizabeth 1786

ii. Joseph Mortimer 1791

iii. Mary 1794-1796

iv. John 1796-1796

v. Edward Mortimer of London (1798-1887)

6. Mary 1764

7. Thomas? Mortimer c.1766- , whose baptism record is missing, but presumably belongs in this family. He married Mary Harris (1763-1842), 29 Mar 1789 Ringmore in Shaldon, and they had the following children:

i. Thomas Mortimer II 1789

ii. William Mortimer of West Teignmouth (1791-1836), married Sophia Gilpin (1795-1854), 1821 Ringmore in Shaldon, and had the following children:

        1. William Mortimer II 1822
        2. Elizabeth 1823-1826
        3. John 1825-1827
        4. Elizabeth Susan 1827
        5. Sophia 1830-1914
        6. Mary Ann 1833

iii. Ann 1793

iv. George Mortimer of Ringmore in Shaldon, 1795-1844

v. Edward Mortimer of Ringmore in Shaldon, 1801-

8. Charlotte 1767

Related families

Read about the related Mortimer families in Devon

External Links

The Mortimer family of Plymouth – a blog which explores the Mortimers of Plymouth in more detail.

20
Apr
2020
The Mortimers of Newton St Cyres

The Mortimers of Newton St Cyres

Origins

The Mortimers of Newton St Cyres were presumably closely related to the Mortimers of Stockleigh and Sandford. The first known ancestor of the family was John Mortimer. 

John Mortimer of Newton St Cyres (c.1500-c.1550)

John was born before 1503, but is difficult to distinguish from his contemporaries of the same name. In the first half of the sixteenth century alone, there were John Mortimers in Woolfardisworthy (Emlett), Sandford, Tedburn St Mary, Cheriton Bishop, Rewe, Bradninch and Upton Pyne. It is possible that some of these John Mortimers owned land in more than one parish, meaning they would have appeared multiple times in the lay subsidies for the same year. John Mortimer was presumably born near Newton St Cyres, then moved there upon reaching his majority.

John Mortimer lived in Newton St Cyres in 1524 when his income was assessed at £3 in the lay subsidy. However, by the time of the 1543 subsidy his income had increased to £7. The reason for this increase is unknown. The two entries presumably relate to the same person, as no other Mortimer was assessed in Newton St Cyres in either subsidy. However, there were at least three Mortimers of the following generation resident in the parish by the 1560s, who were presumably all children of the above John. Either John II or Robert were the eldest, which fits with the family of Stockleigh who also favoured the names John and Robert.

John Mortimer II (c.1528-1596)

John was the namesake and probable son of the first John Mortimer of Newton St Cyres. He was probably born soon after 1524, by which point the first John had settled in the parish.

 

19
Apr
2020
The Mortimers of Bradninch

The Mortimers of Bradninch

Origins

The Mortimers appear to have settled in Bradninch at an early point, perhaps around the turn of the 15th century. They are unique among the Devonshire Mortimers in that they seem to have either used or claimed a coat of arms- the same used by the Wigmore Mortimers;

Mortimer heraldry

Mortimer coat of arms in stained glass

Barry of six or and azure an inescutcheon argent in chief a pale of the first between two gyrons of the second (Source: Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries Vol. 6; p. 36). Right: The Mortimer coat of arms in stained glass at a different location

The first Mortimer of Bradninch may have died before 1524, leaving a widow, Elizabeth, who lived in Silverton. Unfortunately the name of this Mortimer is presently unknown but it may have been John, for his eldest grandson was also called John. English naming tradition was for the eldest to be named after his paternal grandfather. Often it would be the eldest son who would inherit land, meaning that popular first names would repeat down generations of the same family.

John? Mortimer of Bradninch seems to have been a well off yeoman and must have owned property in Bradninch. A birth year in the 1470s perhaps seems reasonable. He was presumably related to the Mortimers of Stockleigh English or Sandford, and may even have represented the senior branch of the family that goes back to John Mortimer of Stockleigh, c.1420-1470. Constructing the early generations of the Bradninch family is fraught with challenges however, due to the absence of supporting information from either wills or land records in the early 16th century. It is also unknown how the Mortimers of Bradninch relate to the Mortimers of Newton St Cyres, despite the geographical proximity.

Family tree

The above Mortimer of Bradninch senior, married Elizabeth, but died before 1524, leaving his wife property in Silverton. In the 1524 Lay subsidy Elizabeth Mortimer’s value was assessed at £3 in goods, making her eligible to pay the tax. Elizabeth appears to have died before the next tax assessment in 1543, by which time her son John Mortimer’s income in Bradninch had increased by the same amount, presumably inheriting her property. Together, (John?) and Elizabeth had the following sons in Bradninch:

  1. John Mortimer, presumably the eldest son, was probably born just before the 1500s. In 1524 he had an income of £7, slightly more than Richard Mortimer in the same parish. By 1543, he had presumably inherited his mother’s dower estate, increasing his income to £10. This gave him the income expected of a well off yeoman.
  2. Richard Mortimer, who had an income of £6 in 1524. He was presumably the younger son. He appears to have died or moved away before the 1543 subsidy, at which point he was absent from Bradninch. The name Richard was chosen for the eldest son of Thomas Mortimer of Tedburn St Mary, so may have also been popular in other branches of the family. Another contemporary of Richard Mortimer of Bradninch was Richard Mortimer of Poughill, who was present in the 1524 lay subsidy but about whom little is known.

Either the above John or Richard Mortimer fathered the following son:

John Mortimer (c.1520-1575)

John appeared in the 1543 Lay subsidy for Bradninch with income of £2, at which time he was described as John Mortimer junior. He was presumably born around 1520, the son of either John or Richard who lived in Bradninch in 1524. John was possibly unmarried in 1543, as his sons weren’t born until a few years later. It was presumably John Mortimer who was mayor of the Borough of Bradninch in 1561, which date appears in a stained glass window of the Mortimer Coat of Arms in Bradninch church (see coat of arms above). In the 1569 Muster Roll, he appears as a harquebusier with his son, but died in the 1570s. He married, presumably Joan, who was a widow in 1581, and had the following sons:

  1. Richard Mortimer (c.1547-1597), of Bradninch, who featured in the 1569 Muster Roll for Bradninch as a harquebusier, along with his father John. Since his brother didn’t feature in the Muster Roll, Richard was presumably the elder son. He married Alice around the early 1570s, and had several children. He left a will in 1597, which was proved in the PCC, mentioning his wife Alice and their children. Alice Mortimer, widow, left a will proved in 1608.

i. Thomas Mortimer (c.1578-aft.1596), presumably the eldest son, who inherited the residue of his father’s goods. He may have been the same as Thomas Mortimer of Silverton d.1651, who married Emme d.1653. They had two sons, Hugh c.1605-aft.1674 and Anthony c.1609-1657, and two daughters, Ruth m. Roger Slee and Elizabeth m. John Bailiff. They had no male grandchildren in the male line.

ii. Elizabeth c.1579

iii. William Mortimer

iv. Wilmot c.1586, who married John Wright of Cullompton, by marriage licence at Exeter dated 18 Sep 1612. The marriage licence states Wilmot was of Bradninch, differentiating her from her contemporary Wilmot Mortimer of Rewe and Great Torrington, who m.1610 to Humphrey Beaple.

v. Joan c.1590

2. George Mortimer (c.1552-1608), who left a will dated 1608. His wife may have been Elizabeth d.1610.

William Mortimer (c.1583-1636)

William was a younger son of Richard Mortimer of Bradninch, who left the residue of his estate to his son Thomas. Thomas died after 1597, and William acquired the farm in Bradninch. He married Joan, and they had a son, Thomas. William left a will dated 31 Jul 1635, leaving a tenement called Bollam in Tiverton to his son Thomas, and the residue to his wife Joan. He died before 3 Mar 1635/6, when his will was proved by Joan his widow.

Thomas Mortimer (c.1610-1671)

Thomas was presumably the son of either Thomas Mortimer c.1573 or William Mortimer c.1580-1636. In 1642, he was living in Bradninch when he took the Protestation oath. He is known to have had at least two daughters. With Thomas, the line of Mortimers in Bradninch was presumably extinguished, until 50 years later, when another Mortimer family arrived.

  1. Mary c.1640, who married Thomas Harding, with whom she had children John, Joan, and Richard Harding.
  2. Elizabeth c.1648, who married William May, but may first have married a Venn, with whom she had children Thomas, Agnes, and Amos Venn.

Note

It is still unknown how the above family relate to later Mortimers in Silverton and Bradninch. The Bradninch parish records have yet to be examined, since they have not yet been indexed by LDS, digitised or published online. Since the parish register extends back to the late 1500s, the records should be incredibly useful in the study of the Mortimer family.

 

15
Apr
2020
The Mortimers of Uplowman

The Mortimers of Uplowman

Origins

The descent of the Mortimers of Hemyock can be traced with confidence back to Hugh Mortimer of Uplowman (c.1600-1685), but before this, the picture is unclear.

The family may trace back to Bow aka Nymet Tracey. Edmund Mortimer was recorded in Bow in the 1543 lay subsidy, assessed on good worth £3. He was presumably the son of William Mortimer of Bow, fl.1524. This was perhaps the same Edmund who moved to Halberton. He married Joan, and both were possibly mentioned in the will of Nicholas Mortimer of Sandford, who gave a bequest to Edward and Joan Mortimer. The names Edward and Edmund might have been seen as interchangeable during the the time period. In 1558, Edmund made his will, dividing his goods between his wife Joan, and children James, William, Mary and Margaret, who were all under the age of sixteen. James was possibly the older son, supporting a link with James Mortimer of Sandford. Though William’s son attained his majority and lived in Halberton, he died in 1588, leaving a will that was listed in the catalogue. It is not clear whether he had issue. It is possible his brother James predeceased him, as he did not feature in 1581 lay subsidy either in Halberton or elsewhere. In the 1570s or later, William, a younger son of John Mortimer of Priorton (c.1518-1559), moved from Sandford to Tiverton. He was perhaps apprenticed there in his early teens, as was the norm with yeoman families. He married Elizabeth, and they had several children including daughters Julian, Mary and a son Edward, who was probably born between 1585-1591. William’s “children”, unnamed, were mentioned in the will of his brother John Mortimer of Priorton in 1605. William’s wife Elizabeth died in 1602, and was buried in Tiverton. Following the death of his brother John, William moved back to Sandford, taking possession of the farm at Priorton before moving to Blackmanscombe. His son, Edward, died in 1612, Uplowman, but was buried in Tiverton, perhaps as he desired to be laid to rest near his mother. It seems likely from the above connections that William Mortimer also had a younger son, Hugh who went on to live at Uplowman. 

Hugh Mortimer (c.1601-1685) of Uplowman

Though it has been previously considered that Hugh was a son of Edward Mortimer of Uplowman d.1612 (le. will, Devon wills catalogue), Edward’s burial at Tiverton in 1612, stated he was a son of William, meaning that Edward’s father was still alive in 1612, and that Edward was probably unmarried. Hugh might instead have been a brother of Edward, both being sons of William Mortimer of Tiverton, then Sandford. Hugh lived in Uplowman before 1626, at which point he married Joan Pring, 8 Feb 1625/6 at Halberton. Hugh and Joan had at least three children. In 1655, he witnessed the marriage of his son Hugh Mortimer to Christian Oatway in Tiverton. He died in 1685 Uplowman, and was obviously of an advanced age by this point. 

  1. Catherine b. Apr 1626
  2. James Mortimer of Uplowman 
  3. Hugh Mortimer II (c.1633-1702), who was probably b. in the early 1630s. He married Christian Oatway (1633-1687), 7 May 1655 Tiverton, in the marriage record it states Hugh son of Hugh Mortimer of Uplowman and servant of Michael Osmond of Tiverton, married Christian, daughter of Joan Oatway, widow, of Tiverton, by banns. Witnesses were Hugh Mortimer (the father) and Henry King. Hugh Mortimer II was a contemporary of another Hugh Mortimer of Tiverton, hotpresser, (c.1648-1688), who was son of Humphrey Mortimer of Exeter. Hugh was bur. 17 Feb 1701/2 Tiverton, Hugh Mortimer and Christian had the following children. Hugh senior afterwards married Edith Chilcott, (1641-1707). 

i. George 1656-1660
ii. Joan 1658-1664
iii. James Mortimer, of Tiverton 1661-1713, who married and had daughters in Tiverton: Christian 1687 and Rebecca 1689-1690
iv. Humphrey Mortimer 1663
v. Mary 1665
vi. Elizabeth 1666-1668
vii. Hugh Mortimer III 1669-1724, who married Ann Henley (1670-1730), 6 Dec 1695 Tiverton. They had an only daughter Ann, 1701-1711. Hugh III died and was bur. 15 Feb 1723/4 Tiverton. 
viii. John Mortimer 1671-1691, who was bur. 13 Dec 1691 Tiverton. 
ix. Agnes 1674

James Mortimer (c.1631-1715) of Uplowman

James was presumably the elder son of Hugh Mortimer of Uplowman, as he stayed in Uplowman as a farmer, while Hugh moved to Tiverton, presumably as an apprentice. He married firstly Susanna Courtenay (c.1641-1679), 28 Oct 1663, who was presumably distantly descended from the Courtenays of Tiverton. She was bur. in 1679 Uplowman. He married secondly, 29 Sep 1679, Thamsin Quaint, (1640-1690). By his first wife they had children: 

  1. James 1663-1664
  2. James Mortimer II 1665-1715
  3. John Mortimer 
  4. Hugh 1668-1675
  5. Elizabeth? c.1670, whose baptism record is missing, but was presumably related to the family. 
  6. Susanna 1673
  7. Joan 1675

John Mortimer of Uplowman (1667-1729)

John was presumably the eldest surviving son of James Mortimer, and inherited the farm at Uplowman. He married Joan Waddams, 2 Jul 1688 Silverton, but was unrelated to the other Mortimers of Silverton. They had the following children: 

  1. Richard Mortimer 1688-1713
  2. Susan 1690-1714, presumably named after her grandmother Susanna nee Courtenay. 
  3. Joan? c.1691, whose bapt. record is missing. 
  4. Mary 1694
  5. James Mortimer, of Branscombe (1697-1791), married Ann Caswell 20 Apr 1731 Branscombe. His burial record is detailed, and is worth copying out in full: James Mortimer, a husbandman, aged 97, son of John & Joan Mortimer of Uplowman, was bur. His age is remarkably accurate given he was nearly a century old. It was not unknown for people to exaggerate their ages slightly as they got older. 
  6. John Mortimer 1700-1732, who married Thomasin, and had a son Richard 1729-1730, who died in infancy. Both were bur. in Uplowman. 
  7. Hugh Mortimer
  8. Joan 1707
Hugh Mortimer of Hemyock (1702- )

Hugh was bapt. 17 Jul 1702, Hemyock. He married Grace Daley, 12 Jun 1737 Tiverton. They had twin sons, both baptised 6 Mar 1737/8 Hemyock: 

  1. Hugh Mortimer of Hemyock II 1738-1818, who married Mary Holway, and had two children: 

i. Mary 1768, married Robert Drake

ii. James Mortimer (1774-c.1820) of Sampford Peverell (the residence of Katherine Mortimer c.1544/51). He was bapt. 29 May 1774 Hemyock, and married Jane Osbourne (1771-1847), 16 Feb 1800 Churchstanton, Devon/ Somerset. His burial record is missing, and he presumably died between 1804-1841. James and Jane had the following children: 

      1. John Mortimer (1800-1867) of Churchstanton, farmer.
      2. Hugh Mortimer 1802-1845
      3. James Mortimer II 1804-1883

2. John Mortimer of Hemyock 1738-1831, who married Jane (1739-1831), and had two children: 

i. Betty 1771

ii. Hugh Mortimer 1773-1852, who was bapt. 3 Dec 1773 Hemyock, and named after both his grandfather and uncle. He married Ann Carter 24 Apr 1810 Hemyock. In 1851 he was a farmer of 70 acres employing 3 labourers. He made a will dated 1852 and died that year. A copy of his will survives in the Inland revenue wills collection. 

Explore the genealogies of other related Mortimer families: 

 

 

 

 

 

11
Apr
2020
The Mortimers of Dunsford

The Mortimers of Dunsford

The surrounds of Dunsford

Dunsford is a scenic village 8 miles west of Exeter, situated on the north eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park. The village retains an air of idyllic charm, creating the impression of time that has stood still. Many Mortimers lived in Dunsford and the nearby village of Bridford from the late 16th century onwards.

Nathaniel Mortimer (1610-c.1688)

Nathaniel founded the branch of the Mortimer family who were millers in Dunsford, and who still live as farmers near the area today. He was presumably b.1610 Tedburn St Mary, the third son of Thomas Mortimer. As a younger son, he didn’t inherit property in Tedburn St Mary and presumably had to move to a different parish. He married, around 1642, Letitia (c.1619-1682) whose maiden name is unknown, as no marriage record survives. They had the following children:

1. John Mortimer of Dunsford (1644-1704) who in 1668 was a miller at Dunsford. He left a will dated 20 Apr 1702, leaving his leasehold in Dunsford to his wife, and legacies to his grandchildren, which will was proved 24 May 1704. He was buried 14 Mar 1703/4 Dunsford. He married firstly, Mary (d.1668) in around 1662 with whom he had the following children:

i. Mary 1664-1707, m. Robert Harris,

ii. Grace 1666-1671

iii. John Mortimer II (1668-1694) who may have predeceased his father, as he was not mentioned in his will.

He married secondly, Joan, who was living in 1704, when she proved her husbands will.

1. George Mortimer (c.1646-1695)

2. Wilmot 1653-1693

3. Henry Mortimer 1655-1686, who married firstly Rose Payne, 21 Jul 1681 in Dunsford. They had three children;

i. Nathaniel 1682-1695

ii. John 1684-1685

iii. Henry Mortimer II 1686-1711, who m. Mary Mortimer, 7 Sep 1708 in Dunsford. They had two daughters;

1. Wilmot 1708-1715

2. Mary 1711-1713

4. Simon Mortimer 1657-1698. His first wife is unknown. Simon m. secondly to Thomasin Seaward, 24 Jun 1696, Dunsford, and they had one daughter; Thomasin b.1697. The children of Simon and his first wife:

i. Simon 1687-1688

ii. Nathaniel Mortimer 1689-1762, of Whitestone. He m. firstly Elizabeth Hill (1689-1763) on 8 Jun 1724, Exeter St Thomas, and they had issue;

1. Nathaniel Mortimer II 1725-1804, tailor, of Exminster. He m. firstly Susanna Macey/ Massey, 2 Aug 1752, Exeter All Hallows’ Goldsmith St. He m. secondly, Rebecca Hore (c.1733-1788), 4 May 1773, Kenn. He was bur. in 1804, Kenton. Nathaniel and his first wife had the following children:

i. John Mortimer 1753-1782, bap. 11 Jun 1753 Shillingford St George, was a mariner who served aboard HMS Royal George, who made a will dated 2 May 1780, which made his father Nathaniel Mortimer of Exminster, Devon, tailor, sole beneficiary and executor. His will was proved in 1783. John Mortimer presumably died in the unfortunate loss of HMS Royal George on 29 Aug 1782, while undergoing hull repairs at Portsmouth.

HMS Royal George sailed under the command of John Bourmaster, and took part in the attack on the Caracas convoy on 8 Jan 1780, the Battle of Cape St. Vincent on 16 Jan 1780, and the successful relief of Gibraltar three days later. On 29 Aug 1782, HMS Royal George was undergoing routine repairs while anchored near Portsmouth, as part of the preparation to sail to Gibraltar. Most of the crew’s compliment were aboard the ship; crew leave had been cancelled so 200-300 relatives were also on board. The ship was intentionally rolled for hull maintenance, but the roll became unstable and out of control, and the ship took on water and sank. More than 800 lives were lost, making it one of the worst maritime disasters in British territorial waters.

ii. Mary 1756-1789, bap. 18 Jan 1756 Shillingford St George, who m. William Sandford (1755-1812) 22 Nov 1782 Kenton. She was bur. Jun 1789, Kenton.

iii. Elizabeth 1759, bap. 25 Mar 1759. She perhaps married James Conant, 24 Nov 1780, Exeter St Thomas.

iv. Nathaniel Mortimer 1762, bap. 5 Nov 1762, who married Marguerite Esther Ousqué, 19 Nov 1781, Jersey St Helier. At the time of the marriage Nathaniel Mortimer was described as sojourner, of St Thomas, Exeter, Devon. Marguerite his wife was bur. 1 Feb 1814, Nathaniel died in 1825 was bur. 14 Sep 1825, Jersey St Helier. They had the following children, all bapt. in Jersey St Helier:

1. John (Jean) Clement Mortimer 1784, bap. 28 Jan 1784 Jersey St Helier, presumably d. before 1790.

2. Mary (Marie) 1785, bap. 14 Dec 1785.

3. Nicholas Mortimer 1787, bap. 26 Dec 1787.

4. John (Jean) Mortimer 1790, bap. 18 Apr 1790, m. Elizabeth Hocquard 15 Jun 1811, Jersey St Helier. Elizabeth his wife was bur. 3 Aug 1825, Jersey St Helier. They had a daughter Elizabeth Marguerite Mortimer b. 1817, and bap. 30 Mar 1817, Jersey St Helier.

5. Frederick (Fredéric) 1793, bap. 20 Mar 1790, presumably d. before 1800

6. Joseph (Josué) Mortimer 1796-1877, bap. 26 Aug 1796, bur. 9 Jun 1877, Jersey St Helier.

7. Nathaniel Mortimer IV 1798-1846, bap. 20 Mar 1798, d. 31 Mar 1846, bur. 3 Apr, Jersey St Helier.

8. Frederick (Fredéric) Mortimer 1800-1839, bap. 23 Apr 1800. He m. Jane Romeril, 31 Dec 1831 Jersey St Helier. Joseph was bur. 9 Jan 1839 Jersey St Helier.

9. Elizabeth 1802, bap. 14 Apr 1802. She may have died unmarried in 1873, aged 70, and bur. 21 Jan 1873, Jersey St Helier.

2. Simon Mortimer 1732- , who m. Ann Herdon 3 Feb 1761, Exeter St Paul. They had the following children in Exeter;

i. Simon Mortimer II 1761

ii. John 1764

iii. William 1766

iv. Ann 1768-1768

v. Ann 1769

vi. Elizabeth 1772-1777

vii. Mary 1774

viii. Elizabeth 1779

ix. Parmena 1783-1783

iii. Andrew 1691-1695

iv. George 1695-1695

George Mortimer (c.1646-1695)

George was born during the parish register gap in the English civil war. He married firstly, Wilmot (1641-1670), the daughter of Simon Mortimer, 14 May 1667 Dunsford, indicating a long standing connection between the two families, by whom he had one son, George. George Mortimer senior died and was buried 27 Oct 1695, Dunsford.

1. George Mortimer 1668-1672, who died a child. In 1668 he was mentioned as a son in law in the will of Simon Mortimer. He married secondly, Elizabeth Langman (c.1644-1680) 4 Feb 1672/3 Dunsford, with whom he had the following children:

2. Elizabeth 1673-1689

3. George Mortimer II

4. Nathaniel 1680-1681

George Mortimer II (1675-1738)

George was a miller at Dunsford. He was baptised 6 Sep 1675. In 1723 he took the Loyalty Oath. He married Ann Soper (1677-1741) 20 Oct 1698 at Dunsford. They had the following children:

1. George 1699-1699, died an infant.

2. George 1700-1711, died in childhood.

3. John Mortimer (1702-1790) of Dunsford, who married firstly, Susanna Hutchings (1698-1754), 21 Jan 1728 Exeter St Mary Major, and secondly, Mary Ramsey (1711-1782). He died and was bur. 1 Sep 1790, Dunsford, aged 88.

4. Richard Mortimer

5. Henry 1707-1708

He left a will dated 14 Apr 1733, mentioning his sons, John and Richard, his wife Ann, and his grandchildren George and Elizabeth Mortimer, which will was proved 23 Oct 1738. He died and was buried 23 Sep 1738.

Richard Mortimer (1705-1774)

Richard Mortimer was also a miller. He married Ann Sircombe (1707-1778), 5 May 1731 Dunsford, with whom he had the following children:

1. Elizabeth (1731-1802)

2.George Mortimer

3. Ann (1735-1794)

4. Mary 1737, m. 24 Aug 1756 Dunsford to John Conant.

5. Susanna 1745-1762

He made a will 20 Nov 1768, in which he left his mills to his son George, with bequests to his daughters Elizabeth, Ann, Mary wife of John Conant. His wife Ann was sole executor, and the will was proved 20 Jul 1774. Richard died and was buried 14 Mar 1774.

George Mortimer (1733-1778)

George was baptised 26 Mar 1733, Dunsford. George Mortimer married Ann Berry (1745-1828), 6 May 1767 Dunsford, with whom he had the following children:

1. George Mortimer

2. John Mortimer, of Exeter (1770-1829), a dairyman, who m. Mary Sircombe (c.1771- ), 16 Jan 1794 Dunsford, but had no children. He died and was bur. 8 Feb 1829, Exeter St Thomas.

3. Elizabeth b.1772

4. Richard Mortimer (1775-1833), who appears in the 1821 census for Dunsford. He was bur. 30 Jan 1833, Dunsford, aged 58.

George Mortimer (1768-1851)

George was baptised 14 Feb 1768 Dunsford. In 1798 he held land in Dunsford as a freeholder. In 1829 George and his brother Richard were joint executors of their uncle John Mortimer’s will. In 1841, he lived in Ide, Devon, and was a farmer. He married Mary Tuckett (1770- ), 4 Jul 1793 Stockleigh Pomeroy. George died and was bur. 26 Jan 1851, aged 84. George and Mary had the following children:

1. John Mortimer 1794-1868

2. Elizabeth 1796-1799

3. Mary 1798

4. Elizabeth 1800

5. Richard 1810

John Mortimer (1794-1868) of Exmill

John was baptised 24 Apr 1794. He was a farmer and lived in Exmill, Powderham, in a farm house still occupied by Mortimers. He farmed approximately 350 acres. He married his cousin Mary Ann Tuckett (1797- ), 17 Dec 1818 Bridford, and they had the following children:

1. John Mortimer 1819-1906

2. Mary 1820

3. Harriet 1822

4. George 1824

5. Maria 1826

6. Richard 1828-1903

7. William 1830

8. Charlotte 1832

9. Thomas 1835

10. Samuel Mortimer 1837-1931

11. Nicholas 1840

12. James 1841

07
Apr
2020
The Mortimers of Totnes

The Mortimers of Totnes

Family origins

The history of the earliest generations of the Mortimer family of Totnes is particularly challenging and hard to pin down with certainty. Circumstantial evidence points towards the Mortimers having an early connection with the town, which in the late Middle Ages was an important market town and trading centre, defended by its imposing motte and bailey castle and town wall.

The earliest definitive record of Mortimers in the Totnes area is in the 1524 Lay Subsidy, when Thomas Mortimore paid tax on an income of £2 in Berry Pomeroy, two miles away from Totnes. Two years previous, a Thomas Morhilmore features in a record alongside John Guy concerning land Kingsbridge. The name is probably a mistranscription of Mortimore, so this could be the same Thomas Mortimer, as Thomas Mortimer of Tedburn was presumably dead by then. The Guy family were connected to Sandford in Devon, through the marriage of John Guy to Mary Prowse, heiress of the Prowse estates. An early branch of the Mortimer family originated in Sandford.

A contemporary of Thomas Mortimer was James Mortimer, (c.1499-aft.1524) of West Teignmouth, who in the 1524 Lay subsidy was assessed with income of £1. He was presumably a younger son, and on the basis of geography was perhaps connected to either the family of Tedburn St Mary or Totnes. If he was born in Totnes this takes the presence of the family there back a previous generation, although documented evidence remains lacking for this time period.

Presumably the same Thomas Mortimer as above, brought suit in chancery against Edward Miller, husbandman, between 1538/44, concerning lands in Berry Pomeroy. In this document, Thomas is described as a yeoman. In the 1543 Lay subsidy, Thomas was joined by a family member, Richard Mortimer, presumably his son. Importantly, nearby in Totnes, Robert Mortimer was also assessed on an income of £5, marking the first appearance of the Mortimers in Totnes in official records. The Mortimers of Berry Pomeroy perhaps also owned property in Totnes.

Between 1544/1551, Thomas Mortimer brought a case against Walter Bulley, concerning copyhold in Berry Pomeroy. In 1554, Thomas was a party in a copyhold lease of property. The Mortimers’ dispute with the Milles continued in court. Between 1556/1558, Thomas Mylle the elder brought a case against Thomas Mortimer, concerning Mortimer’s refusal to deliver a lease of closes in Chudleigh made by Mylle and Sir Thomas Pomeroy. Thomas Mortimer presumably died sometime after this date, as there is no further reference to him. Estimates suggest he was by then in his sixties or even older.

Thomas Mortimer (c.1495-1560) of Totnes and Berry Pomeroy

Thomas was obviously born before 1500. He probably had the following children:

1.Richard Mortimer (c.1517-aft.1543. Between 1538/1543, James Goodrich sued Richard Mortimer for ouster from lands in Berry Pomeroy and false imprisonment in the stocks. Richard was presumably the father of:

i. John Mortimer, of Berry Pomeroy (c.1555- ), m. Joanna Ellis of Rattery, 1 Feb 1580, Exeter.

ii. William Mortimer of Totnes c.1556-1615, who in 1578 was mentioned in a copy lease concerning property in Broadhempston, with his wife Joan. William appears in the 1581 Lay subsidy in Broadhempston, with income assessed at £7 in goods. Between 1596/1607, William and Walter Mortimer recorded a dispute in chancery concerning land in Berry Pomeroy and Totnes. William was bur. 9 Apr 1615 Totnes.

iii. Walter Mortimer, was presumably a brother or son of the above John m.1581. Walter featured in the above court case. He was bur. 5 Jul 1607 Berry Pomeroy.

2. Robert Mortimer

Robert Mortimer (c.1520-1555) of Totnes

In the 1543 lay subsidy, Robert appears more affluent than the neighbouring Mortimers at Berry Pomeroy, with whom he was doubtlessly closely connected. Robert was assessed on income of £6. The Mortimers of Berry Pomeroy had yeoman status, and Robert was presumably also a yeoman or a well to do tradesman. Robert does not feature in the 1569 muster roll in Totnes, so perhaps died before then. Robert was presumably the father of the following generation of Mortimers in Totnes, though Richard Mortimer might have been their father otherwise:

1.Thomas Mortimer

2. Joan c.1545, m. Thomas Bartlett 24 Nov 1567, Totnes.

3. Richard Mortimer (c.1550-1590), who had a son Richard b.1580, but is missing from the 1581 lay subsidy. Richard and his son were bur. 26 May 1590 and 15 Aug 1590, Totnes, though it is not known which burial relates to which Richard.

4. John Mortimer (c.1553-1603), who is missing from the 1581 Lay subsidy in Totnes, m. Mary Nightingale, 12 Sep 1584 Totnes, had a son, Geoffrey Mortimer b.1585. John was bur. 26 Jul 1603, Totnes.

5. George Mortimer (c.1554-1608) of Diptford, presumably born in Totnes.

6. Nicholas Mortimer (c.1555- ) of Dartmouth, who might have been born in Totnes then simply moved down river to Dartmouth. Burial records from Dartmouth have not yet been transcribed. Further research is necessary to determine the full details of this family. He had at least two sons, and possible older sons born before the start of the parish register:

i. Nicholas Mortimer II 1589

ii. James Mortimer 1590

Thomas Mortimer (c.1542-1601) of Totnes

Thomas was born in the early 1540s. In 1569, he featured in the military survey for Totnes as a pikeman. In the 1581 Lay subsidy, Thomas’ income for the tax was assessed at £5 in goods, nearly equivalent to the £6 income of Robert Mortimer in 1543. Thomas was presumably a yeoman and a progenitor of the senior branch of the family. Thomas Mortimer made a will proved in 1601, which abstract is kept at the College of Arms. He had the following children:

1. Richard Mortimer 1569

2. Joan 1572

3. Christopher Mortimer 1574

4. John Mortimer 1577

5. Protese 1584-1599

6. Jacquetta 1587

Explore related Mortimer families in South Devon

07
Apr
2020
The Mortimers of Tedburn St Mary

The Mortimers of Tedburn St Mary

Origins

The first known member of this family was Thomas Mortimer, born c.1466, who probably lived in Tedburn St Mary. The parish adjoins Crediton, and Thomas was presumably connected to the Mortimers of Sandford.

Thomas Mortimer of Tedburn St Mary (c.1466-c. 1512)

In 1500/1501, John Byrgyn, John Moxhay the elder, and Stephen Flode, brought suit against in Chancery against Thomas Mortimer for detaining deeds relating to land in Uppecote, Tettebourne (Tedburn St Mary). Thomas died before the 1524 lay subsidy, when his widow Margaret, lived in Tedburn St Mary. Her income was assessed on goods worth £2, and she presumably inhabited a dower house.

Thomas married Margaret, (c.1470-c.1533) and had sons:

1. Richard Mortimer

2. John Mortimer (c.1497-c. 1555) who lived in Tedburn St Mary in 1524 and was taxed on wages worth £1 in the lay subsidy of that year. He was still living there twenty years later when he was assessed at the same income in the 1543 subsidy. His income assessment suggests he was a servant or worker.

Richard Mortimer of Tedburn St Mary (c.1493-1559)

In the 1524 lay subsidy Richard was assessed on goods worth £10.

In 1538 he leased the capital messuage of Hakeworthy (Great Hackworthy) from John Ackland, with entail to wife Joan and son Thomas. By 1543, Richard had inherited his mother’s dower property, which saw his income increase to £12. Richard Mortimer was bur. 26 Dec 1559. His will was proved in 1559/60. His wife was Joan (c.1505-bef.1574) who died in either 1565 or 1574, Tedburn St Mary. Richard and Joan Mortimer had the following children.

1. Thomas Mortimer

2. (Robert) Mortimer c.1533-1561, of Tedburn St Mary, who might otherwise have been a son of John Mortimer fl.1524. He had sons John b.1559, and 1560/1, although no further record of his son is found in the parish. This John may have lived in Exeter; see Misc: Mortimers of Exeter. Robert may have had an older son, Thomas Mortimer of Tedburn b. c.1555 who in the 1581 subsidy had an income of £3. It’s possible Robert died soon after his son was born, and his widow Joan remaried to Richard Perlyn in 1564, Tedburn St Mary

3. John Mortimer of Hennock (c.1535-1587), perhaps fits into the family here. Hennock is a nearby parish to Tedburn St Mary. John Mortimer had sons Richard, John and William Mortimer, though Richard was the eldest.

• Margery Mortimer (c.1540-1593), who was perhaps named after Margaret wife of Thomas. She married Thomas Strange (c.1540-1565), 15 Oct 1564 Tedburn St Mary.

• Thomasin Mortimer c.1544, who m. 8 Nov 1572 Tedburn St Mary to Robert Strange

Thomas Mortimer of Tedburn St Mary (c.1530-1599)

As the eldest son of Richard Mortimer, Thomas inherited property in Tedburn St Mary from his father in 1559. He was first mentioned in the 1538 deed between John Ackland and Richard Mortimer, concerning the leasehold estate of Hackworthy, Tedburn. Thomas Mortimer featured in the 1569 Muster Roll, with income of £7 in goods. 12 years later in the 1581 Lay subsidy, Thomas’ income was assessed at £5 in goods. He was buried the 5 Dec 1599, Tedburn St Mary. Thomas married Elizabeth, c.1535-1606, and they had the following children:

1. Joan b. 8 May 1559 Tedburn St Mary. Though her parentage was not stated in the baptism record, she was presumably a daughter of Thomas, and was born slightly earlier in the year than John son of Robert (see above)

2. William Mortimer (1561-aft.1606), b. 3 Aug 1561, was mentioned in the will of his mother Elizabeth in 1606, at which time he had a wife Margery and children living. Though he was just old enough to have adult children if he had married in his 20s, his children mentioned in 1606 were evidently underage. He presumably lived in Cheriton Bishop and had sons Thomas and John, and was still living at the time of the 1642 Protestation Oath, which he signed as William Mortimer the elder. Other Mortimers living in Cheriton Bishop at the time were Thomas, John and William Mortimer. Following such an interpretation, his sons were:

i. Thomas Mortimer of Cheriton Bishop (c.1603-1654), the eldest son, presumably named after his grandfather. He was perhaps one of the children of William Mortimer mentioned in the will of Elizabeth Mortimer of Tedburn, widow, in 1606. He married Frances Bremelcomb of Cadleigh (c.1603-c.1650) by licence dated 2 Aug 1630 at Exeter, at which time he was living in Drewsteignton. In 1642 he appeared in the Protestation return taken at Cheriton Bishop, alongside his presumed John Mortimer, and William Mortimer the elder and younger. His father William Mortimer was presumably still living, he was born 1561 so would have been aged over 80 at the time, a grand old age but not an impossible achievement. His will was dated 1654, Cheriton Bishop, by which time his wife had obviously died, as he left his property to his sons. Their children were:

1. William Mortimer of Bridford 1631-pos. 1695? Bovey Tracey, yeoman. William was the eldest son and named after his grandfather William Mortimer of Cheriton Bishop. He was bap. 23 Oct 1631, and m. Joan Dreamed 25 Oct 1653, Cheriton Bishop. They had two children, William b. 7 Nov 1654, Bridford and Frances (named after her grandmother Frances Bremelcomb), b. 27 Dec 1657, Bridford. No further information about them or their children is known. He possibly died in 1695, Bovey Tracey, when the estate of William Mortimer was administered, though equally this may instead have been his son of the same name. William should not be confused with the William Mortimer of Tiverton c.1631-1681, whose wife was also called Joan but whose first child was born before 1654.

2. Mary c.1633

3. John Mortimer of Torbryan 1635-1685, ancestor of related Mortimer families in Ilsington and Ashburton. His son was possibly John Mortimer of Exeter St Edmund

4. Mark Mortimer of Mamhead 1638-1680, ancestor of the Mortimers of Powderham.

ii. John Mortimer of Cheriton Bishop c.1606-1664, who was presumably the younger brother of the above Thomas Mortimer. He m. Christian Pollard, 22 Jun 1636, Cheriton Bishop. They had no issue. In 1642 he appeared in the Protestation Oath taken at Cheriton Bishop, as stated above. John Mortimer and Christian his wife featured in the poll tax of 1660 in Cheriton Bishop. He died in 1664, Cheriton Bishop when his will was proved by his wife, Christian. She died in 1666 and was laid to rest beside her late husband.

3. Thomas Mortimer II, of whom next.

4. Wilmot 1566-1572, who died in childhood; bap. 21 Jan 1565/6, bur. 7 Mar 1571/2.

5. John Mortimer (1569-1641), ancestor of the Mortimers of North Bovey, Drewsteignton and Christow. He was bap. 20 Oct 1569. He married Thomasin c.1595, and they had the following children. John was bur. 11 May 1641 Tedburn St Mary. Thomasin his wife was bur. Christmas Day 1635, though her first name is obscured by a register defect.

i. Maud 1597, bap. 18 Oct 1597 Tedburn St Mary, m. Richard Vinderhay 29 Nov 1621 Bovey Tracey.

ii. John 1600-1600, died in infancy; bap. 3 Feb, bur. 6 Feb 1599/1600.

iii. Walter Mortimer of North Bovey (1601-1672), mentioned as a “cousin” in the will of his grandmother Elizabeth Mortimer, 1606.

iv. Nicholas Mortimer of Drewsteignton (1604-1663)

v. Matthew Mortimer of Christow (1607-1679)

(vi). Martha? 1609 Hennock

(vii). John? Mortimer II 1612 Hennock

vi. Joan 1616, bap. 5 Apr 1616

vii. Ursula 1619-1619, who died in infancy; bap. 17 Jan, bur. 9 Feb 1618/19

6. Thomasin c.1571-, who married John French 4 May 1594, Tedburn St Mary. Thomas was presumably born around 1570, perhaps too late to be the daughter of Robert. She was mentioned as a daughter in the will of Elizabeth Mortimer, 1606. John and Thomasin had two children, who were mentioned in the will of their grandmother:

i. Joan French b. 1594

ii. Thomas French b. 1596

Thomas Mortimer II of Tedburn St Mary (1564-1619)

Thomas was b. 28 Sep 1564, the second son of Thomas and Elizabeth. Thomas perhaps appeared in the 1581 lay subsidy with income of £3, despite being in his minority. Together the income of the two Thomas Mortimers in this subsidy adds up to the income of Richard Mortimer in 1543, suggesting they were his heirs. Thomas Mortimer left a will dated 26 May 1619 in Tedburn St Mary, which was proved on 17 Dec 1619. He married Wilmot (c.1565- ), and had the following children:

1. Elizabeth b.1598, bap. 17 Nov 1598, Tedburn St Mary, mentioned as a cousin in the will of her grandmother Elizabeth d.1606, also mentioned in her fathers will, 1619,perhaps m. Mark Perriman, in 1635 Ashcombe.

2. Thomas Mortimer III (c.1600- ), the last of the family in Tedburn St Mary. He may have been either the eldest or second son. He was presumably named after Thomas Mortimer (c.1530-99).

He married firstly Elizabeth Strong (d. 1637) 22 Apr 1634 Tedburn St Mary, with whom he had a daughter, Margaret (1636-7) who died in infancy.

He married secondly Elizabeth Moore (d. 1669), 29 Apr 1637, and they had a son Thomas Mortimer III (b. 1637). It’s unknown how long Thomas lived, but there are no further references to the family in the parish after the civil war.

3. John Mortimer of Tedburn (1604-1652), bap. 22 Jul 1604, m. Mary Hooper, 12 Jun 1627, Crediton. John Mortimer bur. 1652, Crediton, which burial record stated he lived in Tedburn, and mentioned his wife Mar_. They had a daughter Catherine b.1627.

4. Nathaniel Mortimer, ancestor of the Mortimer family of millers in Dunsford and later Powderham.

Further Reading

Read about related Mortimer families in Devon:

 

07
Apr
2020
The Mortimers of Sandford (Part 1)

The Mortimers of Sandford (Part 1)

Origins in Sandford

The Mortimers had lived in Sandford since at least the late 15th century. James Mortimer was the first known member of the family, and was perhaps a son of John Mortimer of Woolfardisworthy. James was born about 1490, as he seems to have married by about the 1510s when his daughter Thomasin was born. He also fathered a son John, who was perhaps named after James’ father. Around this time, James’ mother Alice died, leaving a will and bequests of plate and other goods to her granddaughter Thomasin upon reaching majority or her marriage. James Mortimer was the executor and perhaps the eldest surviving son, acting as a trustee for Thomasin in her minority.

Between 1515-18, John Guy brought suit against James Mortimer in Chancery for detention of deeds relating to land near Crediton. John Guy was a prosperous yeoman from Kingsbridge who married Mary the daughter of Thomas Prowse Esq., a local landowner. Through this marriage, the Guys gained property in Sandford and enhanced their regional connections. The Mortimers also intermarried with the Guys in later generations, so it is possible the two families were already connected before John Guy moved from Kingsbridge to Sandford around the year 1515.

James Mortimer prospered through farming and the burgeoning wool trade, which by the early 1500s had started to recover from a low ebb in the mid 15th century. Many yeomen in the Crediton area were starting to exploit opportunities in the wool trade, by producing serge or unfinished cloth, which would then be sent to Exeter for export. By 1524, James had become relatively wealthy with a yearly income of £20, making him the richest Mortimer in Devon.

James’ daughter Thomasin married Richard Hawkridge, to whom her father made an agreement of payment in a marriage settlement. Sometime between the years 1533-38, James had yet to make the payment, so Richard sued James in the Court of Chancery. Whilst the Mortimers were hardly unfamiliar with family lawsuits, further research is required to determine the outcome of this case. It seems likely the two sides managed to reach agreement.

Mortimers of Priorton

The 1530s were a time of great constitutional change in England. The Church of England was founded in 1531, and Henry VIII broke with the Roman Catholic Church in the 1534, making himself Supreme Head of the Church. This effectively made England a pariah state. In order to provide income for the wars in which England was embroiled, the suppression of monasteries and religious houses began soon afterwards. The first Act of Suppression in 1535 dissolved the lesser monasteries, intending to act as a cash flow for the nation’s coffers. The 1539 Act of Supremacy dissolved the larger religious houses untouched by the first act. This was one of the most revolutionary events in English history and would shake the very foundations of the state, with far reaching repercussions affecting the whole country. In Devon, the monasteries and priories were the largest landowners, and when their lands were sold, there was a huge rush to acquire land. Many people with existing means were able to quickly climb the social ladder.

While it’s not certain which side of the political and religious divide the Mortimers sympathised with, the majority of the West Country was largely supportive of Protestant reform. It is also clear that some members of the Mortimer family directly benefited from the changes. Plympton priory was a particularly large landowner in Devon, and one of their holdings was Priorton Barton in Sandford, where ancient farm buildings and a later farm house still exist. The name of Priorton itself suggests a connection to the priory. Unfortunately no illustrations of Plympton priory survive. Priorton Barton was a neighbouring farm of the Guy’s farms of Prowse and Dodderidge. Upon dissolution, Plympton priory was dismantled for building materials and all the priory’s land sold off. Most of the land was acquired by wealthy gentleman, including the Guy family. Anthony Harvey bought Priorton manor but then leased the land to the Mortimers. Around the 1550s, either James or John Mortimer acquired the leasehold of Priorton.

James Mortimer died in 1558, naming his son John as his heir, his wife appears to have predeceased him. He gave a small bequest to John Hokeridge (Hawkridge), who was presumably a grandson and godson. He gave half the residue of his flock of sheep to godson John Mortimer, presumably also a grandson. He appointed his neighbour Robert Guy, gent., a trustee and the will was witnessed by Thomas Mortimer (d.1581).

John Mortimer senior held Priorton, Sandford, and died the following year, though unfortunately his will doesn’t survive. His son was John Mortimer, yeoman, of Priorton, d.1605, who married Wilmot but had no surviving issue. In his will he left various bequests to his household servants, including James Mortimer, who was presumably over the age of 21. John also mentioned brothers William Mortimer and Nicholas Mortimer, with sisters Alice and Joan, both married to yeomen. He also named a nephew, Hugh son of William Mortimer, who was perhaps the Hugh who died in 1627 without surviving issue. John’s brother, William, lived at Priorton Barton after 1605.

Mortimer family tree in Sandford

The parish of Crediton in mid-Devon was home to the Mortimer family in the early 16th century. This raises the suggestion that the family could perhaps trace its origin in Devon nearby.

Several of these Mortimers resided in Sandford, a chapelry of Crediton, but which later became a separate parish with its own register (which sadly only dates back to within a few years of 1600. Despite this late register, the general relationships of the family can perhaps be estimated with reference to other records, including the Devon lay subsidy rolls and various extracts which were made of Mortimer wills, before these wills were destroyed in the Exeter Blitz.

The first member of the Mortimer family in Devon was perhaps named John, guessing from the popularity of the name in subsequent generations. Various sporadic references to both “John Mortymer” and “Robert Mortymer” were made in a nearby manor court roll in the preceding century, which may relate to the preceding generations following a conventional naming pattern. The pedigree here begins theoretically, with a John Mortimer, who married Alice, and who may be the same as John Mortimer of Woolfardisworthy/ Wolsworthy, but further research is required to determine the facts. An absence of any available evidence may mean having to resort to educated guesswork to fill in the blanks for the earlier generations.

John Mortimer (c.1466-c.1510)

The ancestor of the successive Mortimer generations was presumably John Mortimer, who may have been born nearby. He married Alice and they had a son, James Mortimer d.1558. His wife Alice died after the birth of her granddaughter Thomasin daughter of James. Alice presumably outlived her husband, as she left goods to her granddaughter Thomasin, presumably in her will. This insight is recorded in a document from the 1530s. She certainly died and left a will before 1533.

In the 1524 Devon lay subsidy, several Mortimers were listed in Crediton. At this time, Sandford was a chapelry and part of the parish of Crediton. Since all of the Mortimers living in the parish at that time had different names and similar birth dates, it seems reasonable to assume they were siblings of James. If the individuals listed were of different generations, we may expect to see a repetition of names, as can be observed in the 1642 Protestation Oath roll. The John Mortimer and Richard Mortimer who lived in Bradninch in 1524 perhaps represented a separate branch, despite the fact both these names are missing from Sandford/ Crediton in 1524.

Alice Mortimer was not listed in 1524; she had perhaps died or remarried. A Joan Mortimer was living in Sandford in 1524, presumably a widow. Her husband’s name will probably remain uncertain unless further documentation comes to light.

John and Alice Mortimer may have had the following children:

1. John Mortimer of Rewe (c.1490-aft.1526), recorded at Rewe near Exeter in the 1524 Lay Subsidy, with a value assessed at £18 in goods, only slightly lower than James Mortimer. He may have been the John Mortimer, Merchant of the Staple in Exeter, recorded in 1526. It is unknown if he had issue.

2. James Mortimer of Sandford (c.1491-1558), was the most prosperous member of the family, as can be seen from the lay subsidy. As such, he would have been a yeoman farmer and perhaps represented the most senior line of the family. The lay subsidy shows James Mortimer had goods assessed at a value of £20 in 1524, which was significantly higher than many other Mortimers nearby.

James is unexpectedly absent from the 1543 subsidy, but assuming James Mortimer who died in 1558 is the same individual as in the 1533/38 court case, he should be present. The entry for Thomas Mortimer, with income of £20, exactly matches James Mortimer’s entry in 1524, and could be a scribal error for James. Otherwise, the entry is particularly curious. There is an additional entry for Thomas Mortimer in 1543 with income of £4, who was presumably the same Thomas Mortimer to witness James Mortimer’s will in 1558, and who died leaving a will in 1581.

James Mortimer was already old enough to be a grandparent in the 1530s. It is possible to construct the pedigree by suggesting two successive generations of James Mortimers, but in the absence of evidence, the different records for James Mortimer presumably represent the same person. James was possibly related in some way to the Guy family, as there was a legal case between James and John Guy in 1515/18 but he appointed Robert Guy as a trustee in his will. Nicholas Mortimer owed him a debt of 40s. in 1556. James Mortimer made a will dated 19 Oct 1558, as related in the following extract:

Will of James Mortymer

To be buried in parish church, and leaves to the maintenance thereof two sheep.
He disperses the residue of his flock between his “godchildren ” John Mortymer the younger and Ebbot Rowe.
To John Hokeridge, £3 6s. 8d.
To Nicholas Tree, 33s. 4d.
Residue to son John Mortymer, “he to dispose of part of my goods for the wealth of my soul, and the rest for the preservation of his bodye.”

Trustee: Robert Gye, “gent.”
Witnesses, Sir Thomas Lobone, clerk, and Thomas Mortymer.
Proved 15 Nov 1558.

1. Thomasin c.1513, was given a bequest in her grandmother Alice Mortimer’s will. She married Richard Hawkridge before 1533/38, and had a son, John Hawkridge fl.1558, mentioned in James Mortimer’s will.

2. John Mortimer, perhaps the same John Mortimer of Priorton (c.1519-1559).

3. _ Mortimer c.1493-c.1520?

From sporadic records of the preceding generations, we may expect John and Alice to have a son named either John or Robert, and there is documented reference to a John Mortimer of Woolfardisworthy, whose son Robert was married before c.1505 to Joan. This may have been the same mystery family member who was the husband of Joan Mortimer (widow), living in 1524. If this was Robert Mortimer, it would indeed match up, but the evidence is perhaps not compelling enough to connect the families definitively, especially given the presence of another Joan Mortimer, widow, listed in 1524 in the parish of Stockleigh English.

i. Thomas Mortimer (c.1520-1581); was listed in the 1543 lay subsidy with goods assessed at £4, the same as Joan Mortimer, widow in 1524. He witnessed the will of James Mortimer in 1558, and was presumably the same Thomas Mortimer who died in 1581, who left a will as follows:

The last will of Thomas Mortimer “well disposed & god.wende”
He devizes to be buried in the Church-yard of Sandford” betweene the Chancell door & the palme crosse & to have a limbe upon my burial & a broad stone upon it”.
He leaves to the maintenance of Sandford Church 12d.
To each “of the poor of Sandford Town, two seams of wool & to the poor of Bridge (Credy?) a seame apeece”.
To each of his five servants 20s. each.
To Joan wife of John Milford 6s. 8d.
To John Maunder’s children 3s. 4d. each
The same to John Robert’s children
Residue to John Maunder “my son in law” & Mary wife of John Roberts “my daughter”, who are joint exors.
Witnesses. Thos Hutchings, Thos Moxage
Proved 3 Jun 1581
Sum £88 18s.

5. William Mortimer (c.1494-c.1550) was recorded in Crediton in 1524, assessed on £6 in goods and 1543 at the same amount. He was a contemporary of William Mortimer of Bow (c.1496-c.1533). If William Mortimer had a son named John Mortimer c.1522-c.1555), it seems likely that William’s father was called John. William was present in the 1543 lay subsidy, but had perhaps died before both James and Nicholas Mortimer, for he is not mentioned and did not act as a witness to either will.

i. John? Mortimer c.1528-c.1560?, may have been the mystery ancestor of the Mortimer family of Ranscombe in Sandford.

4. Nicholas Mortimer of Sandford (c.1497-1556), was presumably a brother of James Mortimer d. 1558. He was listed in Crediton in 1524, with goods assessed for £4, and in 1543, assessed for £2. Nicholas Mortimer made a will dated 12 Dec 1556 with an abstract as follows:

Will of Nicholas Mortymer

Bequeaths his ” soul to Almighty God and our Lady the Virgin, and to all the Holy Company of Heaven.”,
To the ” High Cross,” 20d.,
To son John, six silver spoons,
To son Davye Mortymere, a littill crocke, and a four gallon panne, and three silver spoons
To daughter Agnes, a white panne of five gallons,
To Margaret Parkhouse, a five gallon panne,
To Edward Mortymere, a two gallon panne,
To Joane Mortymere, a gallon panne,
Residue to wife Joan, sole executrix.

Debts owed: To Christey Hop, 12s, to James Mortymer, 40s.
Witnesses: Sir William Tristamb, John Vilvayne, James Mortymore.
Proved 19 Feb 1556/7.

Note that his first three beneficiaries are his children, and Margaret Parkhouse, Edward and Joan Mortimer may also have been his children. John was presumably the eldest:

i. John Mortimer – may have married Agnes Mortimer whose will follows:

Will of Agnes Mortimer of Sandford, 27 May 1569

She devises to be buried in Sandford Church, and leaves to the poor there 2s.
To my servant “my best round gown”, two kerchiefs & pletter
To “my son in law” John Dier 43s. 4d. “which he owes me” and a brazen pot etc.
To Elizabeth Dier 3s. 4d.
To John & Richard, children of John Dier, 3s. 4d.- half a dozen sheep & a “Chandeler” apeece
To “my daughter Alice Kelond” “my best new panne” etc.
Also a cow “now in John Richards hands at Morchard”
Residue to my son John Mortimer, who is sole exor.
Two trustees. Jno Dier & Jno Osborne,
Witnesses. Jno Delfe, Jno Osborne, “with others”
There are several legacies to servants. 

Proved 4th May 1571
Sum £3 17s 8d.

Agnes and her husband had the following children:

1. John Mortimer, perhaps the same as John Mortimer of Ashridge (c.1542-1609).

2. A daughter, married John Dier.

3. Alice (c.1545- ), married a Mr Kelond.

ii. Edward Mortimer (c.1523- )

iii. Davy Mortimer (c.1525- )

1. John Mortimer (c.1552- ), m. Margery Webber 8 Feb 1574/5 Tiverton. Perhaps died 1618 Tiverton, admon. granted to Silvester Parkhouse (son of William Parkhouse of Knowstone c.1555-1594 and Margaret his wife c.1556-1598). Perhaps John d.1618 was their son and Margery remarried to William Parkhouse.

2. Mary (c.1556- ), m. Robert Beddle 11 Apr 1577 Tiverton.

3. William Mortimer of Tiverton (c.1560-c.1615), m. Elizabeth bur. 29 Dec 1602. Had at least one son:

i. Edward Mortimer (c.1600-1612), bur. 7 May 1612. [It is noted that a will of Edward Mortimer of Uplowman dated 1612 existed but no extract survives]

4. Agnes (c.1561-1589)m. Thomas Dunn, 14 Jul 1582 Tiverton, bur. 30 Jul 1589 Tiverton.

5. Robert Mortimer of Cove (c.1566-1592), bur. 27 May 1592 Tiverton. He may instead have been a son of John Mortimer of Priorton, as Nicholas son of John also resided in Tiverton.

6. Joan m. Richard Dunn, Jan 1593/4 Tiverton. She was probably born c.1570, as her youngest child Tamsin was born in 1610. She died in 1644, Tiverton. Potentially the widow of Robert Mortimer d.1592.

iv. Margaret? (c.1530- ) m. _ Parkhouse.

v. Agnes (c.1535- ), fl.1556.

5. Roger Mortimer of Crediton (c.1500-c.1550) was recorded in the 1524 and 1543 Lay Subsidies, and assessed at £1 in Wages and £1 in Goods respectively. Perhaps the father of Walter Mortimer, assessed at £1 in 1543. It would not be a surprise if he also had a son John. [It is noted that there was a John Mortimer of Witheridge and John of Thorverton, both assessed for £1 in 1543. Walter may have been the mystery ancestor of the Mortimer family of Crediton.

Mortimer farmsteads

The Mortimers lived at several farms over the centuries, presumably holding the leasehold. These included Priorton, Blackmorescombe, Ashridge, Ranscombe (New Buildings), Lithybrook (Lillybrook) and Dogbeare (Doggetsbeare). Farmhouses still exist on these sites, but Lillybrook is the only one to show signs of antiquity. In some cases it is possible to follow the different Mortimer families based on where exactly they lived. Here we follow the different Mortimer family lines within Sandford:

John Mortimer (c.1519-1559) of Priorton

John was born around the mid to late 1510s, presumably the son of James Mortimer (c.1491-1558). John Mortimer was listed in Sandford in 1543, with goods assessed at £4. Either John or James Mortimer acquired Priorton Barton manor after the dissolution, which was formerly owned by Plympton Priory. In 1558, he executed his father’s will, and Thomas Mortimer was a witness. He died the following year while residing at Priorton, his will unfortunately does not survive. He married Maud, with whom he had the following children, and Maud remarried after his death to Gilbert Philip, yeoman, who was listed in the 1581 lay subsidy in Sandford.

1. John Mortimer (c.1548-1605), perhaps the same John Mortimer mentioned as a godson in the will of James Mortimer. When he reached full age, he sued his step father Gilbert Philip for failing to deliver property to him that was his birth right. John married Wilmot before 1592. John Mortimer and Wilmot his wife were also mentioned in a marriage settlement dated 15 May 1595. Around 1600, John became a godparent to John son of Roger Mortimer, yeo., who died in 1614, Crediton. John of Priorton left a will dated 1 Feb 1604/5, mentioning his capital messuage of Priorton, and his wife Wilmot. A full transcription of the will can be read here. He also gave various bequests and legacies to his family members. The will mentions his brother William Mortimer, who had a daughter Julian and other minor children, and his brother Nicholas who had a daughter Bridget and son Hugh. John’s widow Wilmot may have been bur. 1 May 1610, Sandford.

2. Alice Mortimer c. 1550, was mentioned as sister Alice Gifford in the will of John Mortimer d. 1605. She perhaps married William Gifford of Crediton. Amy daughter of William Gifford was born in 1593, Crediton but died in infancy.

3. Joan Mortimer c. 1552, who perhaps married John Fugars d. 1583. She was mentioned as sister Joan Fugars in the will of John Mortimer d. 1605. The Fugars family later lived in Poughill.

4. William Mortimer (c.1553-1625), who appears to have lived in Sandford. He was perhaps the William Mortimer with income assessed at £1 in Land, in the 1581 Lay subsidy, unless this was William Mortimer of North Creedy d. 1604. He presumably married in the 1580s, as both his children mentioned in his brother John’s will in 1605 were under age 21. In Feb 1605, he was mentioned in his brother’s will and had a daughter Julian, along with other children still in their minority. References to William survive in Sandford parish register: John Ware, his servant, was buried 28 Dec 1605, and Thomas Brodford, servant of William Mortimer of Priorton was buried 4 Jun 1606. He was perhaps the William Mortimer of Blackmanscombe named in a counterpart of lease in 1619, which also recorded his daughter, Mary. In 1624, Hugh, manservant of farmer Mortimer was buried, which record perhaps referred to the same William Mortimer. William Mortimer of Blackmanscombe, was buried 5 Apr 1625.

William Mortimer of Sandford had the following children:

i. Julian c. 1590, was the eldest daughter, mentioned in the will of John Mortimer of Priorton in 1605, and m. Edward Barlabin 7 Dec 1618 Sandford.

ii. Joan? c.1592-1643, may fit here: m.1. Roger Clash (1588-1623), 22 Jun 1612 Sandford; m.2. Leonard Tricker (c.1599-c.1650), 28 Jan 1631/2 and bur. 31 Aug 1643, Sandford.

iii. Zippora? c.1594-1665(?), m. Thomas Spicer (c.1590-1643), 25 Sep 1615 Sandford, and bur. 21 Jun 1665, Sandford.

iv. Naomi? c.1596- m. James Labdon (c.1597-1652) 10 Aug 1618 Sandford, bur. 4 Apr 1637, Sandford.

v. Mary? c. 1598-aft. 1619, daughter of William Mortimer of Blackmanscombe, was mentioned in the lease record dated 1619.

vi. Elizabeth c.1601-1603, bur. 20 Sep 1603 Sandford.

vii. John 1603-1603, bur. 17 Sep 1603 Sandford.

5. Roger Mortimer of Crediton (c.1555-1614), was the brother of John Mortimer of Priorton, but not mentioned in his will. His son John was John Mortimer’s godson. Roger Mortimer witnessed a land grant in Crediton, 24 Apr 1599. He married Joan, and they had issue, three sons and a daughter. Roger Mortimer of Crediton, yeoman, made his will 24 Oct 1613, at Crediton, which mentioned his late brother John Mortimer and stepfather Gilbert Philip:

He leaves to his wife Joanna £5 13s. 4d., the first year after his death, & after that a yearly rent of £13 5s 8d., charged on the tenement “where I now dwell” also certain beds etc.
To “my son” Robert, “the lease of my tenement & living where I now dwell”
To “my son” John £20 at 23. to include a legacy left him by Gilbert Phillip decd. also £3 to cover “a legacy left him by the will of my brother John Mortimer decd.”
To my son Roger £20 & to my daughter Joanna £20, to include legacies left them by the said Gilbert Phillip.
Residue to Robert his said son who is sole exor.
Witnesses: Hugh Harris, clerk, Peter Gye gent., Wm Thomas, yeoman
Proved 13 Jun 1614

i. Robert Mortimer (c.1590- ), born in Crediton, was perhaps named after Robert Gye, who may have been his maternal grandfather. He was sole executor of his father’s will and inherited the lease of Roger’s house in Crediton.

ii. Roger Mortimer (1596-aft.1622), bapt. 8 Dec 1596 Crediton, married c.1621, had one son, Henry b.1623. He was a contemporary of Roger Mortimer of Ashridge (c.1595-1659), whose sons were Thomas b.1625 and John b.1628. Perhaps the same as Roger Mortimer of Whitestone, who had a son Henry:

1. Henry Mortimer (1623- ), bapt. 3 Jan 1622/3, bur. 4 Jan 1622/3 Crediton.

iii. John Mortimer (c.1602- ), a godson of John Mortimer of Priorton d.1605, who he was perhaps named after. He was below the age of 23 in 1613. Perhaps lived in Tiverton. Mary Mortimer m. John Puddington, _1630 Tiverton could have been his widow.

1. William Mortimer of Tiverton (c.1623-1682), may have been a son of John. A fuller by trade, he leased property in Tiverton in 1670. In 1671, the “Mortimore tenement” was mentioned in the will of John Prowse of Tiverton. In the 1674 Hearth Tax, William was taxed on 3 hearths in Tiverton, the most of all Mortimers listed in the Hearth Tax records. William Mortimer married Joan, about 1655, who predeceased him and was bur. 28 May 1682 in Tiverton. In his will he expressed the wish to be buried in Crediton, presumably where he was born. William was bur. 6 Sep 1682 Crediton and an abstract of his will follows:

Will of William Mortimore the elder, of Tiverton, 22 Aug 1682.

Desires to be buried in Crediton Churchyard.
“To William Mortimore’s wife my three gold rings.”
To son, John Mortimore, ” one sylver spoone.”
Residue to sons, William and John Mortimore, who are joint exors.

Proved 16 May 1683.

William and Joan Mortimer had the following children:

i. James (1656-1661), bapt. 19 Jun 1656, bur. 22 May 1661 Tiverton.

ii. Thomas (1659-c.1660), bapt. 21 Feb 1658/9; not mentioned in father’s will, presumably predeceased him.

iii. John (c.1660-1662), unknown bapt. date, was bur. 21 Aug 1662.

iv. William Mortimer of Crediton (1661-1696?), bapt. 23 Dec 1661, a fuller, lived in Crediton. He seems to have been married before 22 Aug 1682, perhaps to Elizabeth Hambling in 1677, Crediton. William and John were executors of their father’s will. In 1684, William and his brother assigned a lease to Mark Daw of Tiverton. Administration of the estate of a William Mortimer of Crediton was granted in 1696. An abstract of this record exists but has not yet been reviewed.

v. John Mortimer of Tiverton (1663-1724), bapt. 9 Dec 1663, a wool comber. Listed in the Oath Roll taken at Exeter Castle 4 Dec 1723. He was bur. 1 Oct 1724 and had no known children.

iv. Joan Mortimer of Poughill (c.1598-c.1623), who never married, made a will dated 27 Aug 1622 as follows. She may have been the same Joane Mortymr bur. 6 Jul 1623 Sandford.

Abstract of the Will of Jane Mortimer

To my mother, Joan Philpe, 40s.
To brothers John and Roger Mortimer, 30s. “To the ringers of my knell,” 12d. each.
Other bequests to William Dodridge, and to Robert, his son, and to Walter Barton.
Residue to cousin, Robert Gye, sole exor. Proved 19 Sep 1623.

Her “cousin” Robert Guy, was the son of Thomas (c.1560-1620) son of Robert Guy (c.1532-1608). This suggests that Joan wife of Roger Mortimer was the also a daughter of Robert Guy. It is worth noting that Robert Mortimer married in 1619, Friston, Sussex. That Robert Mortimer was not living in Devon might explain how he was not recorded in his sister’s will.

6. Nicholas Mortimer of Tiverton (c.1558-1624), was perhaps the younger son, and was an ancestor of a branch of the Mortimers in Tiverton. He married Elizabeth Duder (c.1556-1615), 5 Nov 1582 Tiverton, and they had at least two children, Bridget and Hugh.

John? Mortimer (c.1528-c.1555) of Ranscombe

Ranscombe had belonged to the Mortimers since at least 1532, when a fragmentary lease mentioned “wife and son Mortymer of Rennyscomb”. Unfortunately the catalogue doesn’t provide their first names. The original document may provide some additional insight which could help ascertain the early generations. The “son” in the above record may have been a John Mortimer, who had the following children. He was not listed in the 1543 lay subsidy, but may have been too young to be recorded in the assessment.

1. John Mortimer of Ranscombe (c.1551-1613)

2. William Mortimer of North Creedy (c.1550-1604). William left a will as follows:

He leaves to the poor of this quarter of Sandford 5s. 
To his brother Richard 5s.
To Joane Meire, my daughter, £6
To William & Edward, sons of William Meire, one pair of lombes each
To Margaret “my daughter” 40s. and the remainder of certain furniture
To each of John Mortimer’s children 12d. each.
To John Mortimer, the younger, son of the said John, my son in law 40s. at 21
To Ann Ponsford my daughter £10
To John Ponsford son of William, “my son in law” one yeo lamb.
Residue to Joan who is sole executrix
Trustees: Richard Rede, Mr Densham & Wm Ponsford
Witnesses: The first two trustees, & John Hall
Proved 31 Aug 1604
Sum £19 8s. 3d.

William’s son in law John Mortimer is presumably the son of John Mortimer, of Ranscombe, whose wife was Margery. Margery held property in Creedy, Sandford, and the parish register records the burial of Margaret Mortimer, widow, in 1640. John and his wife were presumably therefore related. Margaret, wife of John Mortimer of Rookwood, was bur. in 1628, Sandford, but it is more likely she was the wife of John born d.1642.

3. Hugh Mortimer of Sandford (c.1554-1614), was first recorded in the 1581 lay subsidy in Sandford, when he was taxed on £3 in goods. Hugh was bur. 6 Mar 1613/4 Sandford and administration was granted on 12 Mar 1614 to Elizabeth his widow, at which time the summary value of his estate was £63 0s. 10d. His wife must have inherited half the value of his estate, as Elizabeth his widow made a will dated 18 Apr 1614 as follows. She was bur. 16 May 1614 Sandford.

She leaves to Joane Downe “my daughter” “my great best chest & all that is in it” also “my best gown, my best stamys wast-coat, a laffatn apron & my best carpet”.
To Edward Clotworthy 10s.
Residue to Andrew Mortimer, my son, who is sole exor.
Trustee, Andrew Payne, who witnesses with Ambrose Carpenter,
She further leaves to Marie Clotworthy her best stainell coat, white apron, & one yard & a half of new lynnen cloth in my coffer.
Proved 7 May 1614
Sum £32 3s. 4d.

Hugh and Elizabeth Mortimer had the following children:

i. Mary Mortimer c.1584- m. John Clotworthy 29 Apr 1605, Sandford.

ii. Joan c.1587 m. _ Downe (Alexander Down d.1619?)

iii. Andrew Mortimer c.1589-1617, married Agnes Wilson by licence, 17 Jan 1613/4; Agnes was a resident of Newton St Cyres. They had one child, a son John. Andrew Mortimer died about 1618 (no burial record extant), and made a will dated 20 Feb 1617/8 as follows:

Leaves to wife rent charge on land in Crediton and Cheriton FitzPain, terminable on the life of Thomas Mortymore, charged with an annuity of _ to son, John Mortymer.

Residue to wife, sole executrix.

Trustees, in minority of said son, William Bremridge and William Esworthy. Proved 20th March, 1617/8.

Agnes, widow of Andrew Mortimer, remarried to Christopher Payne, 6 Oct 1621. Her son John predeceased her according to a court record dated 1625.

Hugh Mortimer died intestate, leaving open the question of whether he had any children by an earlier marriage. If he had a first marriage, he may have been the father of John Mortimer of Lithybrooke (c.1575-1640), and Elizabeth would have had no reason to mention him in her will in 1614. This suggestion is supported by the records of his estate: his estate was valued at £60, Elizabeth his wife left £30, and the estate of John Mortimer of Lithybrooke amounted to about £30.

1. John Mortimer of Lithybrook (c.1575-1640). John was a contemporary of John Mortimer junior of Ranscombe, and lived at Lillybrook Cottage, less than a quarter of a mile from Priorton Barton.

John made a nuncupative will 11 Feb 1639/40, incorrectly transcribed as Cheriton Bishop by Burke, which is repeated in the book Devonshire wills by Charles Worthy. It’s not known what the origin of this error is, but there is a hamlet called Cheriton Cross in Sandford parish. Careful study of the will abstract confirms the will was made by John Mortimer of Lithybrook. His children were all baptised in Sandford. John left the residue to his wife Wilmot, who was the sole executrix. The witnesses were John Woodley and Roger Mortimer, perhaps either Roger Mortimer of Ashridge (c.1595-1659) or Roger Mortimer (1617-aft.1640). John was buried only a day after the nuncupative will, 12 Feb 1639/40 Sandford, and the burial record also states he was of Lythibrooke.

John Mortimer m.1. Bridget (bur. 20 Mar 1606/7); m.2. Wilmot Eveleigh (c.1582-c.1642), 12 Jun 1609 Sandford. Wilmot Mortimer survived him and died c.1642, Sandford.

Will of John Mortimer of Lithybrook, Sandford, _th Feb 1640 (1639/40)

Sons James, John, and Gilbert
daughters Frances wife of Robert Chapell, and Ann and Joan Mortimer.
Residue to wife Wilmot Mortimer, sole executrix.

Witnesses John Woodly, Roger Mortimer.
Proved Feby 1639(/40).
[Sum £30 9s. 10d.]

John and Bridget Mortimer had issue:

i. James Mortimer of Sandford (c.1596- aft.1642), m.1. Joan Webber, 16 Jan 1616/7, who was bur. 18 Sep 1618, and m.2. Agnes Bishop, 21 Feb 1619/20. Perhaps the same James Mortimer was listed in Crediton in the 1642 Protestation Oath Roll.

ii. John Mortimer (c.1601-aft.1640) presumably born before the start of the parish register; perhaps the same John Mortimer m. Joan Strong, 1635 Sandford. Joan Mortimer, widow was bur. in 1649 Sandford.

iii. Frances bapt. 20 Oct 1605, m. Robert Chappel (b.1599 Lapford?). Perhaps m. firstly, John Kerslake, 1624 Thorverton.

* Hugh Mortimer (c.1602-c.1633), perhaps also a son of John of Lithybrook. Hugh Mortimer of Shobrooke m. Alice Elworthie of Crediton by marriage licence dated 21 Jan 1627/8. They had two children, but both died in childhood. Hugh was not recorded in the 1642 Protestation oath and presumably died before this date, around 1633. Alice his wife may have remarried to Robert Vinnicombe, 21 Sep 1636 Sandford. Alice wife of Robert Vinecombe was bur. 11 Aug 1644.

i. John Mortimer, bapt. 4 Jan 1628/9, bur. 25 Jan 1628/9 Sandford.

ii. Grace; bapt. 3 Jan 1629/30, bur. 12 Feb 1629/30 Sandford.

John and his second wife Wilmot had the following children:

iii. Wilmot (1610-1636), bapt. 15 Jul 1610, bur. 16 Dec 1636 Sandford. Admon. was granted to John Mortimer her father, 11 Jan 1635/6 with sum of goods totalling £6 13s.

iv. Roger (1612-1613), bapt. 16 Aug 1612, bur. 9 Aug 1613 Sandford.

v. Robert (1615-1626), bapt. Sep 1615, bur. 7 Mar 1625/6 Sandford.

vi. Ann (1618- ), bapt. 27 Jan 1617/8, presumably m. George Benson, 13 Apr 1658 Sandford.

vii. Joan (1620-aft.1640), bapt. 6 Sep 1620 Sandford, fl.1640.

viii. Gilbert Mortimer (1620-1656), bapt. 6 Sep 1620 Sandford, presumably a twin of Joan Mortimer. He was listed in the 1642 Protestation return in Sandford alongside Gilbert Mortimer senior. He m. Agnes Hill (1619-1688), 3 May 1647 Sandford and they had two daughters. Gilbert was bur. 14 Mar 1655/6, and his wife remarried 2 Oct 1658 Sandford to Roger Tucker, of Sandford (1628-1701), and had two sons, Robert 1660 and Simon 1665. She was bur. 24 Mar 1667/8 Sandford.

1. Elizabeth bapt. 5 Mar 1649/50 Sandford, perhaps m. John Ponsford, 11 Feb 1672/3 Dunsford, and bur. 8 May 1673.

2. Thomasin (1656-1697) bapt. 15 May 1656, m. Simon Drew 19 Jan 1680/1 Sandford, bur. 22 Dec 1697 Sandford.

2. James Mortimer (c.1580-aft.1605), servant of John Mortimer of Priorton, who gave him a bequest of £100 in his will. James was presumably over the age of 21 in 1605 as the bequest was not contingent on him reaching his age of majority, as there was for other minor beneficiaries of the will such as Thomasin Fulford. Therefore he may have been a brother of John Mortimer of Lithybrooke.

There does not appear to be further record of James, assuming that the marriage register entries of 1617 and 1620 refer to James c.1595 son of John Mortimer of Lithybrooke.

4. Richard Mortimer of Sandford (c.1557-1606), mentioned as a brother in the will of William Mortimer. He was bur. 20 Mar 1605/6. Unfortunately no will survives so it is impossible to determine whether he married or had any children. He was perhaps father of the following Lawrence Mortimer, although this could instead have been Richard Mortimer of Crediton (d.1590) whose brother was named Lawrence.

Wilmot Mortimer married John Hedge (d.1619) 3 Feb 1606/7 Sandford, and was bur. 13 Dec 1622 Sandford, widow. She may have been wife of Richard.

* Lawrence Mortimer (c.1576-1623) bur. 6 Oct 1623 Sandford. His wife may have been Lucy Mortimer, widow, bur 20 May 1653.

1. Richard Mortimer bapt. 15 Oct 1605, Sandford, perhaps m. Emmine Westlake, 22 Sep 1629, Thorverton. No children were recorded.

2. Alice? c.1613-1659, m. William Burrowe (d.1655) 19 Oct 1639, Sandford, was bur. 25 Mar 1659, a widow. Alice may instead have been the widow of Hugh Mortimer, m.1627.

3. Thomas Mortimer, bapt. _Oct 1615, Sandford, who may have been the same Thomas Mortimer of Ranscombe (1615-1681).

John Mortimer of Ranscombe (c.1551-1613)

John Mortimer was perhaps born about 1550. In the 1581 lay subsidy, John Mortimer “of Ramescombe” was assessed at £6 in goods. He was presumably living in 1604, when a John Mortimer junior of Ranscombe was documented in the parish register. This younger John was presumably a son of the John Mortimer fl.1581.

John Mortimer of Ranscombe made a will 28 May 1607, as follows:

He leaves to his son John “all my lands tenements & hereditaments of Ranscombe to him & his heirs for ever, together with the “Here corner close called the Parcke”
To William Weekes, the younger “one heyfer” & to each of the other children of William Weeks, my son in law, one yeo lamb apeece
The same to William Halse & “to the rest of Robert Halse’s children”, The same to “the children of John Mortimer”
To Agnes, wife of Robert Halse, 40s.
To the poor of Sandford 10s.
To William Jossop 12d.
Residue to Katherine his wife who is sole executrix.
Witnesses. Thos Kelland, Jno Phillip, Jno Chilcott
Proved 12 Feb 1612/3
Sum £153 0s. 6d.

John Mortimer of Ranscombe was bur. 9 Feb 1612/3, Sandford. His wife Katherine Mortimer survived him by one year and was bur. 8 Jul 1614. There is no record of a will or letters of administration for her.

i. John Mortimer II (c.1575-1637), who was mentioned as John son of John Mortimer, and son in law in the will of William Mortimer of North Creedy, Sandford, 28 Jul 1604. He married Margery (c.1575-1640), and they had the following children, all of whom were baptised in Sandford. Their son John’s baptism is missing from the parish records, perhaps because of him being born before the start of the register. John Mortimer of Doggbeare was bur. 22 Jan 1636/7 Sandford.

Letters of administration to the effects of John Mortimer

Were granted on the 9 Feb 1636/7 to Margerie his wife
James Mortimer of the same parish joins the bond.
Sum £234 1s. 8d.

Margaret Mortimer, widow, was bur. 7 Oct 1640, and left a will as follows:

She leaves a tenement in Creedy, Sandford, granted by Sir Robert Chichester of Ralegh, & determinable on the lives of her children John & Margerie, as follows. One portion of the sd. tenmt. defined by met* & bounds to her son Roger.
A dielf of 9 acres, called Chaunter’s park, to her son James, during his life & that of her son Robert.
The rest of the Creedy tenmd. to her daughter Agnes & Catherine, who are sole exors.
Residue to her said daughters.
2 Trustees: Jno Vickery & Roger Lane will 4s. each.
Witnesses: Wm Vickery, Margery Lane
Proved 30 Oct 1640
Sum £205 13s. 0d.

1. John Mortimer (c.1598-1642), presumably the eldest son. Margaret, wife of John Mortimer of Rookwood was bur. 2 Jan 1627/8 Sandford. Rookwood cottage is less than half a mile from Dogsbeare, where John Mortimer d.1637 lived at the time of his will, and is a short walk along Coppice Lane.

John Mortimer of Sandford died intestate and was bur. 10 Dec 1642. Administration of his estate was granted to his sister Katherine on 13 Oct 1643 who exhibited the inventory of his goods (valued at £35).

i. John Mortimer (c.1621-1622); John son of John Mortimer was bur. 23 Feb 1621/2 Sandford. He was presumably the son of John and Margaret of Rookwood.

2. Thomas Mortimer of Sandford (c.1600-c.1630), an important connection in the family tree, married before 1623.

i. Thomasin Mortimer, bapt. 3 Dec 1623 Sandford, presumably m. Thomas Mortimer of Ranscombe (1615-1681).

3. Simon 1604-1612, b. 28 Oct 1604, bur. 15 Mar 1612.

4. Robert Mortimer (1606-c.1608), bapt. 13 Jul 1606 Sandford.

5. Sybil, bapt. 7 Jun 1607 Sandford, perhaps the same Sibley Mortimer bur. 23 Apr 1623, Shobrooke.

6. James Mortimer (1608- ), bapt. 11 Dec 1608 Sandford, presumably m. Joan Marry 31 Jan 1635/6 Exeter St Lawrence, and had the following children. The name Sapience shows a connection with Robert Mortimer d. 1645 who also chose the same name for one of his daughters (see below). James Mortimer of Sandford joined the bond in the record of a grant of administration for the estate of John Mortimer, 9 Feb 1636/7, perhaps the same James Mortimer m.1617 and 1620, Sandford.

i. John Mortimer (1636- ), b. 29 Nov 1636 Exeter St Lawrence

ii. Elizabeth (1637-1640), b. 12 Nov 1637 Exeter St Mary Major, bur. 20 Jul 1640

iii. Nathaniel b. 19 Apr 1640

iv. Sapience (1642-1644), b. 18 Sep 1642, bur. 22 Mar 1643/4 Exeter St Mary Major

v. Urath b. 25 Aug 1644

7. Agnes 1611, b. 25 Aug 1611 Sandford, had a natural daughter Sarah b.1639; Agnes may have m. Leonard Davey, 11 Nov 1643 Crediton.

i. Sarah (1639- ) bapt. 14 Dec 1639 Sandford.

8. Robert Mortimer of Sandford (1614-c.1645), b. 3 Apr 1614 Sandford, m. Mary Elliot, 24 Sep 1636 Sandford.

i. Sapience 1638-aft.1657, b. 28 Dec 1638 Sandford, m. Thomas Lutton (1634-1687), 20 Oct 1657 Sandford, was bur. 30 Oct 1681 Sandford.

ii. Robert Mortimer II 1644-1716, bapt. 20 Feb 1643/4 Sandford, presumably the same Robert Mortimer of Sandford, m. Ann Greenslade, widow, _ 1678/9 Stockleigh English. Ann his wife was bur. _ 1701 Sandford. Robert Mortimer, yeoman left a will dated 1716, of which there is a College of Arms abstract, and was bur. 23 Feb 1715/6 Sandford.

9. Katherine 1615, b. 2 Feb 1614/5 Sandford.

i. Andrew (1635-1635), illegitimate son of Katherine Mortimer, bapt. 6 Feb 1634/5 bur. 12 Mar 1634/5 Sandford.

10. Lewis 1617-1617, b. 6 Apr, bur. 19 Jul 1617 Sandford.

11. Roger 1617, b. 6 Apr 1617, who may have died in childhood.

ii. Agnes (c.1577- ), m. Robert Halse.

iii. a daughter, m. William Weeks fl. 1607, perhaps the same William Weeks d.1609 North Tawton.

Thomas Mortimer of Ranscombe (c.1615-1681) is hard to place in the family tree. Thomas Mortimer “of Ranscombe” features in a lease of property in Sandford in 1679 with his wife Thomasin and son Thomas. Nicholas Mortimer of Crediton and Alice his wife are also parties to the lease. Thomas of Ranscombe married in around 1646 to Thomasin (c.1623-1688); no marriage record exists. He was bur. 12 Jun 1681 Sandford, and his widow Thomasin bur. 11 Sep 1688. Gaps in the parish register in the 1640s and 50s means that several baptism records are missing. They had the following children:

i. Thomas Mortimer II (1647-aft.1679), b. 12 Dec 1647 Sandford.

ii. Elizabeth c.1650-1654, bur. 4 Jun 1654 Sandford.

iii. Lawrence c.1652-1655, bur. 3 Apr 1655.

iv. Mary 1661-1670, b. 19 May 1661, bur. 8 Jun 1670, Sandford

v. John Mortimer 1665, b. 2 May 1665 Sandford, who may be an ancestor of later generations

Mortimer of Ashridge

This family perhaps originates with John Mortimer, son of Nicholas d.1558.

John Mortimer (c.1542-1609) of Ashridge

John was presumably born in the 1540s and was a contemporary of John Mortimer senior of Ranscombe (c.1551-1613). In the 1581 Lay subsidy, his goods were assessed at £4. John Mortimer was bur. in Jan 1609, Sandford. Julian Mortimer of Ashridge, widow, was bur. 16 Jan 1611/2 Sandford. John and Julian Mortimer presumably had the following children:

1. Gilbert Mortimer of Witheridge (c.1565-c.1597). This generation is particularly confusing given that Gilbert Mortimer of Ashridge mentioned a brother in his will of the same name. He was perhaps either a half brother, illegitimate, or either a brother-in-law or step brother. If so, he would be the son of an otherwise unknown member of the family. From the birth dates of his children, it would not be surprising if Gilbert of Witheridge was slightly older than Gilbert of Ashridge.

A Mortimer alias Tanner family also lived in Witheridge at the same time but their connection to the main Mortimer family is unclear. Gilbert was only called Mortimer, rather than Tanner. The will of Gilbert Mortimer of Witheridge dated 1597 is listed in the records of the probate registry, but the original document does not survive. There is no record of his burial in Witheridge, perhaps because of a burial in another parish, perhaps Sandford. Gilbert presumably married Agatha, as Agatha Mortimer married William Garnsey 8 Jul 1598, Witheridge. Gilbert and Agatha Mortimer had issue:

i. Thomas Mortimer bapt. 26 Jan 1588/9 Witheridge: may have been the Thomas Mortimer of Morchard Bishop (c.1589-aft.1620).

ii. Julian, bapt. Jul 1592 Witheridge, the same name as Julian wife of John Mortimer of Ashridge, perhaps her grandmother.

iii. Anne bapt. 31 Mar 1595 Witheridge.

2. Gilbert Mortimer of Ashridge (c.1570-1620), was presumably the eldest son of John of Ashridge. He married Joan, who survived him by 18 years. Gilbert Mortimer made a will 27 Mar 1619/20 as follows:

He desires to be buried in Sandford church “neare my seate therein”
He leaves to the common stock of the parish of Sandford 40s. 
To his sons, Roger & Gilbert £60 each with remdr. to survivor, & to his son in law Robert Smale.
To his brother William, 20s. & to his children 1s. each.
To his sisters Mary Downe, & Joane Moore, 10s. each & to their children 1s. each
To Phillip Winter “sometimes the wife of my brother Thomas” 2s. & to her children by my brother 1s. each
To “the three children of my brother Gilbert of Witheridge” 1s. each
Residue to Joan my wife who is sole executrix
2 Trustees. James Aysshe, Robert Smale
Witnesses. the sd. Trustees & Richard Bonyfont
Proved 26 Apr 1620
Sum £177 0s. 6d.

Gilbert Mortimer was bur. 2 Apr 1620. Joan Mortimer of Ashridge, widow, was bur. 4 Sep 1638, Sandford. They had the following children:

i. Roger Mortimer of Ashridge (c.1595-1659), continued below.

ii. Grace c. 1597, m. Robert Smale, 21 Oct 1618 Sandford.

iii. Gilbert Mortimer c.1600-aft.1642. His baptism date is unknown. One of two Gilbert Mortimers recorded in the 1642 Protestation oath roll in Sandford. Wilmot wife of Gilbert Mortimer is recorded in a 1653 court record relating to land in Bradninch. Gilbert and Wilmot were presumably the parents of Gilbert Mortimer of Silverton (c.1630-1704), who married his wife Mary Saunder that same year in Bradninch.

iv. Mary (c.1602-1604), bur. 24 Mar 1603/4 Sandford, presumably born before the start of the register.

v. Alice (1606-bef.1620), bapt. 12 Dec 1606, perhaps died in childhood, as she was not mentioned in her father’s will despite the fact she would have still been a minor.

3. Thomas Mortimer (c.1573-c.1600?), who had children with Philippe Winter, “sometimes his wife”. She was perhaps the widow of Thomas and remarried, (Samuel Winter alias Benson was bur. 15 Sep 1617 Sandford). If the aforementioned children were born out of wedlock they would presumably have been called Winter. Philippe Winter married Richard Roberts 7 Aug 1620, Sandford (bur. 29 Dec 1635 Sandford).

4. Mary (c.1577-1637), m. _ Downe, was bur. 17 Jan 1636/7 Sandford.

5. Joan (c.1579-1645), m. Thomas Moore (alias Street), had a daughter Julian (c.1599- ), was bur. 18 Feb 1644/5 Sandford.

6. William Mortimer of Sandford (c.1580-1625), m. Grace Reed, 2 Nov 1605 Sandford. William died between 1622 and 1659. He may have been listed in the 1642 Protestation oath in Sandford, and bur. 10 Feb 1651/2. It is possible this record instead relates to his son William. Grace his widow was bur. 11 Sep 1659, Sandford. They had the following children:

i. Mary c.1607- , m. Robert Elston 21 Jan 1626/7 Sandford, presumably either the daughter of William c.1555- or William c.1580.

ii. Eleanor 1609-1667, bapt. 12 Mar 1608/9, bur. 14 Nov 1667 Sandford.

iii. Julian 1611-1656, bapt. 22 Apr 1611, m. Richard Bellamy of Colebrooke 10 Oct 1640 Sandford, bur. 15 Nov 1666 Colebrooke.

iv. William Mortimer (1614-?), bapt. 6 Mar 1613/4 Sandford.

v. Joan 1616-1623, bapt. 20 Oct 1616, bur. in 1623, Sandford.

vi. John Mortimer of Sandford (1619-1679?), bapt. 22 Aug 1619 Sandford; presumably the same John m. Ann, who was bur. 10 May 1678 Sandford. John Mortimer was bur. 27 Jun 1679 Sandford.

vii. Margery 1622-1694, bapt. 17 Mar 1621/2, m. John Lovell 20 May 1657, bur. 28 Dec 1694, Sandford.

Roger Mortimer of Ashridge (c.1595-1659)

Roger was the eldest surviving son of Gilbert Mortimer of Ashridge, yeoman, and was a contemporary of Roger Mortimer of Crediton (b.1596). He may have witnessed the will of John Mortimer of Lithybrook in 1640, and was recorded in the 1642 Protestation oath. Roger married Richord, and had two sons. His will dated 1659, states he was a yeoman of Ashridge Farm, Sandford, and provides for his surviving son and grandsons. It mentions William, Thomas and John, children of son Thomas Mortimer deceased, and Roger and Mary, children of his son John. The will mentions his aunt Mary Wivill, kinswoman Elizabeth Wivill, and George son of Alexander Wivill. Mary was presumably a maternal aunt, sister of Joan, as his paternal aunt Mary married a Mr Downe of Sandford and died in 1637, a widow. Roger Mortimer’s will also mentions property in Thorverton and appoints John Richards and John Morrish/ Norrish of Thorverton overseers and trustees, who were perhaps related to his wife. Roger was bur. 7 Mar 1658/9 Sandford, and his wife died sometime afterwards.

1. Thomas Mortimer (1625-c.1655) of Thorverton, the eldest son, was bapt. 13 Nov 1625 Sandford. He must have been a contemporary of Thomas Mortimer of Ranscombe, above. He predeceased his father, dying around the mid 1650s. His wife (whose maiden name may have been Norrish), perhaps remarried to a Mr Melhuish after his death. Their children were:

i. William Mortimer (c.1650-c.1678) of Thorverton, died intestate, and admon. was granted to his brother John Mortimer. He may have married Margaret Hill 19 Sep 1672, Cadbury. No burial record exists in Thorverton.

1. Margaret (1675- ) bapt. 29 Apr 1675, Thorverton.

2. John Mortimer of Thorverton (c.1678-c.1728) presumably the son of William of Thorverton. John m. Jane c.1708 and died c.1728. Jane Mortimer m. Samuel Stocker (b.1685 Huxham) 3 Jan 1729/30 Thorverton and was bur. 24 Mar 1731/2 Thorverton. John and Jane Mortimer may have been parents to:

i. Alice (c.1709- 1776), perhaps either a sister or older daughter of John Mortimer fl. 1721 Thorverton. Married Roger Reynolds, 6 Jan 1730/1 Thorverton, and was bur. 13 Jul 1776 Thorverton.

ii. Elizabeth (c.1718-c.1742), m. Thomas Moggridge 24 Jun 1740 Thorverton.

iii. William Mortimer (1721-1795), bapt. 23 Nov 1721 Thorverton, son of John. m. Sarah Mitchell 18 Oct 1750 Brampford Speke. William was bur. 3 Mar 1795 Brampford Speke, Sarah his wife bur. 19 Nov 1795. They had children:

1. Sarah (1750-1750) bapt. 1750 bur. 5 Nov 1750 Brampford Speke.

2. Margaret (1754-1754) bapt. 21 Aug 1754, bur. 24 Nov 1754.

3. William (1756- ) bapt. 18 Jan 1756.

4. Jane (1759- )bapt. 9 Sep 1759, m. Thomas Weeks 21 Sep 1787 Thorverton.

5. Elizabeth (1762-1833), bapt. 1 Jul 1762 Brampford Speke, m.1. John Dart (d.1802) 21 Nov 1782 Brampford Speke, m.2. Robert Rowse 22 Mar 1809 Brampford Speke, was bur. 7 Feb 1833 Brampford Speke, aged 70.

6. John (1765-1766) bapt. 30 Jun 1765, bur. 8 Jun 1766 Brampford Speke.

iv. John Mortimer (c.1723-1779), bur. 22 Jun 1779, having drowned.

v. Sarah (c.1725- ) m. Nicholas Thomas (1721-1748) 17 Feb 1745/6 Exeter St Petrock. Both were residents of Thorverton.

ii. John Mortimer (c.1652-c.1680) of Thorverton, died intestate; admon. of his goods was granted to his uncle John Norrish, for the benefit of his brothers, Thomas Mortimer and Lewis Melhuish. Dyonisius Melhuish joined the bond. This could be a female name and is a variant of Denys or Dewnes. Coincidentally, John Mortimer, their uncle married a woman called Dewnes. Lewis Melhuish was presumably a half brother of the Mortimers, rather than a brother in law, as Thomas had only brothers and was unmarried.

iii. Thomas Mortimer (c.1654- ), was living in 1680 at the time of the administration of his brother John Mortimers estate. and was presumably unmarried.

2. John Mortimer of Ashridge (1628-1691); John Mortimer was born in Sandford, the second son of Roger Mortimer of Ashridge. He was bapt. 24 Apr 1628 Thorverton. His father held land in Thorverton, and it may have been his mother’s home parish. He married Dewnes – who was presumably born in Thorverton – and they had the following children. In 1659, he was mentioned in his fathers will, who left him money to buy property in Thorverton. In 1674 he lived in Sandford and paid tax on two hearths in the Hearth tax. Dewnes his wife was bur. 29 May 1689 Sandford. John Mortimer, senior, husbandman, was bur. 20 Aug 1691 Sandford, he left a will as follows:

He leaves to Roger Mortimer “my eldest son” “my Table board”.
To Mary Mortimer “my eldest daughter” “my Easter dwelling house” & the chest” that was given her by her grandmother.
To “my daughter Joan” “my box to put clothes in” “my said daughters, and my daughter Jenny are to have the pewter dishes given them severally by their Godfathers, & God-mothers.
Residue to John Mortimer my son who is sole exor.
Witnesses: Joan Mortimer, David Vicarye
Proved 2 Aug 1692. 
Sum £46 16s. 2d.

John and Dewnes Mortimer had the following children:

i. Margaret (1654-1654), b.17 Oct 1654, bur. 3 Nov 1654, Sandford

ii. Roger Mortimer (1657-aft.1690), bapt. 9 Dec 1657, named after his grandfather Roger Mortimer, and possibly his godson, mentioned in his will dated 1659. He married Mary Lea, 20 Dec 1690 Puddington, but it is unknown whether he had issue.

iii. Mary (c.1659- ), mentioned in her grandfather Roger Mortimer’s will in 1659.

iv. Susanna (1660-1684), b. 13 Apr 1660, bur. 29 Feb 1683/4 Sandford.

v. John Mortimer II (1662-1730), b. 15 Oct 1662 Sandford, was presumably called John Mortimer junior, at the time John Mortimer senior died in 1691, Sandford. John was the sole residuary beneficiary of his father’s will. He was presumably the same John Mortimer of Sandford, m. Honor Place 1 Jul 1705 Sandford. They had five daughters, but as can be seen, the Sandford parish register does not record all the burials:

1. Joan bapt. 7 Apr 1706 Sandford.

2. Mary bapt. 15 Feb 1707/8, who had an illegitimate daughter:

i. Sarah Mortimer (1730- ), bapt. 11 Jan 1730 Sandford. Sarah had an illegitimate son:

1. William Mortimer (1755- ), bapt. 6 Apr 1755 Sandford.

3. Susanna bapt. 28 Sep 1712.

4. Sarah bapt. 19 Feb 1715/6, died in infancy, but burial record is missing.

5. Sarah bapt. 25 May 1718.

vi. Guinevere (1665-1697), b. 9 Nov 1665, presumably the same as daughter “Jenny” mentioned in the Will of John Mortimer, bur. 30 Sep 1697 Sandford, at which time she was of “Kinnerley”, presumably Kennerleigh, just north of Sandford.

vii. Joan Mortimer c.1668- presumably m. Alexander Norris, 16 May 1697 Sandford, bur. 28 Oct 1750, Sandford.

viii. Thomas Mortimer (1673-1755), continued in Mortimers of Sandford Part 2.

ix. William Mortimer (1676- ), b. 19 Jul 1676, of whom further details are unknown. A William Mortimer lived in Pinhoe in 1710, and he may belong to a different branch of the family.

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