The Visitations of the County of Devon are a significant part of English genealogical and heraldic history. Conducted during the 16th and 17th centuries, these visitations were official inspections carried out by heralds of the College of Arms. The primary purpose was to regulate and record the use of coats of arms and to verify genealogical claims. The County of Devon, with its rich history and numerous noble families, was a key area for these inspections. This article explores the purpose, process, and historical impact of the Devon visitations, shedding light on their enduring importance in genealogical research.
Historical Context and Purpose
The heraldic visitations were instituted by the Crown to maintain the integrity of heraldic practices and ensure that only those entitled to bear arms did so. The College of Arms, established in 1484, was responsible for overseeing these visitations. Heralds, acting as representatives of the College, traveled across the counties of England to inspect the pedigrees and coats of arms of the gentry.
The visitations served several purposes:
- Verification of Arms: Ensuring that coats of arms were used correctly and only by those legally entitled to them.
- Genealogical Records: Compiling detailed genealogies of noble and gentry families, preserving family histories and lineages.
- Heraldic Authority: Asserting the authority of the College of Arms and the Crown over matters of heraldry and genealogy.
The Process of Visitations
During a visitation, a herald would visit a county and summon the local gentry to present their pedigrees and coats of arms for inspection. The process typically involved the following steps:
- Summons: Notices were sent to noble and gentry families, requiring them to appear before the herald.
- Presentation of Proof: Families presented their genealogical records and coats of arms for verification. These records often included family trees, marriage records, and proof of noble descent.
- Verification: The herald examined the documents and compared them with existing records. If discrepancies were found, families had to provide additional proof or face the risk of having their arms disallowed.
- Recording: Verified genealogies and coats of arms were recorded in the visitation books, which were then preserved by the College of Arms.
The Visitations of Devon
The County of Devon, with its historic estates and noble lineages, was visited multiple times. The most notable visitations occurred in 1531, 1564, 1620, and 1672. Each of these visitations provides a snapshot of the county’s genealogical landscape during different periods.
1531 Visitation
The 1531 visitation was one of the earliest and set a precedent for subsequent inspections. It was conducted by Thomas Benolt, Clarenceux King of Arms. This visitation recorded the genealogies of several prominent Devon families, such as the Courtenays and the Fortescues, establishing a foundational genealogical record for the county.
1564 Visitation
Conducted by William Harvey, Clarenceux King of Arms, the 1564 visitation expanded upon the earlier records. Harvey’s meticulous work added more families to the genealogical records and updated existing pedigrees. His visitation book is noted for its detailed entries and comprehensive approach.
1620 Visitation
The 1620 visitation, conducted by Henry St. George, Richmond Herald, and Sampson Lennard, Bluemantle Pursuivant, is one of the most extensive. It included detailed family histories, coats of arms, and even descriptions of family estates. This visitation is particularly valuable for genealogists due to its thoroughness and the breadth of information recorded.
1672 Visitation
The final significant visitation of Devon occurred in 1672, conducted by Sir Edward Bysshe, Clarenceux King of Arms. Bysshe’s records reflected the changes in the county’s genealogical landscape over the previous century. This visitation also addressed disputes over heraldic entitlements, settling several long-standing issues.
Historical Impact and Legacy
The visitations of Devon have had a lasting impact on genealogical and heraldic research. They provided a systematic approach to recording and verifying noble lineages, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of heraldic practices. The records from these visitations are invaluable resources for historians, genealogists, and researchers, offering detailed insights into the social and familial structures of the time.
- Preservation of Lineages: The visitations preserved the genealogies of many noble and gentry families, providing a continuous record that spans centuries.
- Heraldic Regulation: By enforcing heraldic laws, the visitations helped maintain the prestige and exclusivity of coat arms, ensuring that they remained symbols of legitimate noble status.
- Genealogical Research: Today, the visitation records are essential tools for genealogists tracing the lineage of English families. They offer a wealth of information that is often unavailable elsewhere.
The visitations of the County of Devon are a testament to the importance of heraldry and genealogy in English history. These official inspections ensured the accuracy of noble lineages and regulated the use of coats of arms, preserving the integrity of heraldic traditions. The detailed records compiled during these visitations continue to be invaluable resources for genealogical research, providing a window into the past and helping to trace the rich tapestry of Devon’s noble families. As such, the visitations remain a cornerstone of historical and genealogical scholarship, reflecting the enduring legacy of England’s heraldic heritage.