Combs &c. Families of Okehampton, Devonshire, England

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Okehampton (Oakhampton), a borough, market town, and parish, in the northern division, having separate jurisdiction, though locally partly in the hundred of Black Torrington, but chiefly in that of Lifton, 4-1/2 miles northeast of Sourton, 5 miles southeast of Ashbury, less than six miles northeast of Bridestowe, and less than six northwest of Throwleigh; 22 miles northwest of Exeter, and 198 southwest of London... containing the hamlet of Kigbear... having been the head of the earldom of Devon, and the seat of the hereditary county sheriffs, keepers of the castle of Exeter... barony... given by the Conqueror to Baldwin de Brioniis, one of his most faithful followers, who distinguished himself for courage and generalship at the battle of Hastings... The castle erected by this nobleman, was remarkable for its grandeur, of which there is abundant evidence in the venerable remains. The power and possessions of the barons were co-extensive: they exercised the right of capital punishment over eight manors; besides these, they held a great number in demesne, no less than one hundred and sixty-four having been at one time occupied by inferior tenants. They acted as stewards at the installation of the bishops of the diocese, claiming on the occasion perquisites to a very great amount. They possessed also numerous advowsons, and were the patrons of several priories; holding three fees of the see of Exeter, and ninety-two by knights' service. In the reign of Henry II. this barony came, by marriage, to the COURTENAY family, in which it continued till the reign of Edward IV., when Thomas, Earl of Devon, was beheaded at Pontefract, for taking part with Henry VI. at the battle of Towton Field, in 1461. From this period until the accession of Henry VII. it passed through divers hands, but in that reign it was restored to the COURTENAYS, of whom Henry having forfeited his life under a charge of treasonable correspondence, the park of Oakhampton was laid waste, and its noble castle reduced to ruins. During the great civil war, this town was twice visited by King Charles, and as often by his victorious enemy, Sir Thomas Fairfax. Oakhampton is situated in the lowest part of a valley, watered by a rapid stream, called the Ock, or Oke, over which there is a bridge, leading into the market-place. The forest of Dartmoor lies on the south and southeast, and the town is on all sides surrounded by hills. It is of mean appearance, but is a great thoroughfare between Exeter and Cornwall: there is a plentiful supply of water from pumps. The roads in the vicinity have been lately improved (1830), a new road having been made to Plymouth about eight years since. The forest of Dartmoor affords pasturage to numerous flocks of sheep, the flesh of which, from the sweetness of the herbage, is esteemed for its superior flavour, in consequence of which, great numbers are sent hence to the London market..."

Note: The above film has not yet been read. There are no 18th century IGI extracts for this parish, but there are 19th century entries that have not yet been extracted.

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