Transcript

of

Fry of Cotleigh

Devon & Cornwall Notes and Queries vol. VI, (January 1910 to October 1911), p. 221.

by

A.J.P. Skinner

Prepared by Michael Steer

The Note relates to and supplements Note 82 that provides much genealogical information on the Fry family of Yarty (page 93 this volume). The surname Fry has many spelling variations including Frey, Frye and Frei, all probably starting as a designation for someone who was free (i.e., not a serf and not belonging to a lord). The Old English root frig, meaning "free born", is associated with the name. Thus, anyone earning their freedom or who wished to be known for their free-born status, was potentially known by that name. The article, from a copy of a rare and much sought-after journal can be downloaded from the Internet Archive. Google has sponsored the digitisation of books from several libraries. These books, on which copyright has expired, are available for free educational and research use, both as individual books and as full collections to aid researchers.

Note 204. FRY OF COTLEIGH (VI., par. 82, p. 93). -  From Cotleigh Parish Church Registers: -