Transcript

of

History of Ottery St. Mary

Devon & Cornwall Notes and Queries vol. VII, (1912-1913), Exeter: James G. Commin. 1913, pp. 214-215.

by

Frances Rose-Troup

Prepared by Michael Steer

The Note’s author seeks information to complete her impending history of the Manor of Ottery St Mary. The place-name is first attested in the 1086 Domesday Book, where it appears as 'Otri' and 'Otrei'. 'Oteri Sancte Marie' is first mentioned in 1242. 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 152. HISTORY OF OTTERY ST. MARY. - After nearly fifteen years of research work I am now preparing my history of the Manor of Ottery St. Mary for the press, and although I have transcripts of nearly three hundred unpublished documents, there are still many gaps to be filled and much further information wanted. Perhaps someone can help me on the following points: -

1. Who was Agnes de Crues who had land in Ottery St. Mary granted to her by Henry le Gras before 1255? This land was claimed by the Bishop of Exeter, who said he had obtained it from Mary, late wife of Henry Thebaud — probably of the family of Theobald of Rockbeare. Agnes de Crues was excommunicated by Bishop Bronescombe, but eventually they made a final concord concerning the land in dispute. I have several references to the subject and think I have identified the estate.

2. When did Fluxton in Ottery become an Episcopal manor? The earliest reference I can find to it in the Episcopal Registers is under 1272.

3. Both Dr. Oliver and Prebendary Hingeston-Randolph refer to Bishop Grandisson's cousins the Courtenays. The late Prebendary once wrote to me concerning a supposed portrait of the Bishop that it had strong Courtenay characteristics, making it probable that it was a likeness of him - thus indicating that the Bishop had Courtenay blood in his veins, yet I have searched in vain in the Courtenay and Grandisson pedigrees and elsewhere, but can find no particulars of the relationship.

Any information concerning documents relating to Ottery in private hands will be most acceptable.

                                                          (Mrs.) Frances Rose-Troup.