Above: George Matcham’s grave
Above: Photo of history panel at Quicke’s Farm, taken 10 Jun 2018
Source: Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries, Volume XIII part one, Jan 1924
Text of Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries, Volume XIII part one, Jan 1924:
9. Bidwell Family. When did Bidwell, in Newton St. Cyres, pass out of the possession of this family, and where can I find a pedigree of the race ?
Risdon, under Newton St. Sires has, " In this parish is Bidwell, the ancient seat of that name, and by one of them alienated to Roope," and in his Note Book (edited by Dallas and Porter) gives their Arms . . .. on a bend . . . . between six crosses crosslet (itchy . . . three escallops . . . Can any of your readers supply the correct tinctures ? Strangely enough, Risdon is the only heraldic authority I have come across who notes this bearing, although one would have thought it would be well known.
After the loss of Bidwell they appear to have settled at Little Credy in Newton St. Cyres, and I find Richard Bidwell, gent., was Receiver of the Subsidy for His Majesty King Henry VIII ; he appears to have left two daughters, one married to Dennis, and the other to Robert Cary, second son of Robert Cary of Clovelly.
Westcote, in his View of Devonshire, says : " As we pass to Newton St. Cyres it Credie receiveth, a pretty bourne that cometh from Hitsleigh (Fordtown water) and is increased from Horwell. Here Culver joins with Creedy where the river leaves his name, and it was the habitation of a noted family whereof I find Johannes de Creedy, of late years Bidwell, Dennis, and now by alienation Prydham . . . . and by Bidwell, alias By-the-well, anciently possessed by one of the same name whose Armories are quartered by Dennis and Cary, but the farm in Kyrkham's possession."
The family remained in St. Cyres and neighbourhood for some considerable time, but the name is now I believe un-known. I should, however, be glad to know if there are any descendants still in Devon.
Below I give a few stray notes on the name for purposes of record. A John Bidwell married one of the coheirs of John Gutton, and had a daughter Elizabeth married to Richard Quicke, of Newton St. Cyres ; Francis Bidwell, married Joan, daughter of John Copleston of Copleston ; John Bidwell, married Laurencia, daughter of Edward Bamfield of Poltimore ; and Hugh Bidwell, of Exeter, married Ursula, daughter of Fitzwilliam Southcote, 28 March, 1692.
I should be glad of the dates of these marriages.
Devon Wills :—Bidwell, Hugh, of St. Thomas, Exeter, 1664.
“ Francis, of St. Sidwell, 1664.
“ Andrew, of Exeter, 1675
“ John, of Crediton A., 1679.
“ Edward „ t., 1714.
“ Francis, Exeter W. 1733.
In the Will of John Morrish of Newton St. Cyres in 1683, an Anthony Bidwell, and Thomas Moxhay, were witnesses, and " his good friends John Quicke and Richard Bidwell " were appointed overseers.
Wills proved in London during the Commonwealth. Hugh Bidwell, of Newton Saint Sires, co. Devon, Yeoman. Leaves—legacy to poor. Dated 23 Jan., 1657.
Mentions—sons James & Hugh.
daughter, Johane, now wife of Walter Browne.
William Colwill, of Upton Pyne.
Edward Roberts' two children, Wm. & Elizabeth.
Margaret Bidwell, daughter of Edward Bidwell.
Elizabeth Bidwell, daughter of Ann Tucker.
Emaunuell Tocker.
Ann, wife of Jeffery Courtney.
Robert, Elizabeth & Marie, children of Robert Collings of psh. of Shabbrock.
Son Hugh exor. X
Witnesses, Richard Clarke. John Roberts. Agnes Pidesly.
Proved 8 May, 1658.
G. T. Windyer Morris.
Above: Newton St. Cyres photographed 10 Jun 2018
Above: Henry VIII
Source: wikipedia.com
Above: Edward VI
Source: wikipedia.com
Above: Mary I
Source: wikipedia.com
Above: Elizabeth I
Source: wikipedia.com
First name(s) Elizabeth
Last name Bidwell
Baptism year 1567
Baptism date 22 Oct 1567
Place Newton St Cyres
County Devon
Country England
Father's first name(s) John
Father's last name Bidwell
Mother's first name(s) -
Mother's last name -
Source: findmypast.co.uk
Above: Parish Church of Saint Cyr and Saint Julitta, Newton St. Cyres, photographed 10 Jun 2018
Name: Walter Bidwell
Baptism Date: 7 Oct 1582
Baptism Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Father: Robert Bidwell
Source: ancestry.co.uk
Name: Hugh Bidwell
Baptism Date: 9 Mar 1587
Baptism Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Father: John Bidwell
Source: ancestry.co.uk
Name: Elizabeth Bidwell
Baptism Date: 24 Jan 1590
Baptism Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Father: John Bidwell
Source: ancestry.co.uk
First name(s) Elizabeth
Last name Bidwell
Baptism year 1592
Baptism date 13 Mar 1592
Place Newton St Cyres
County Devon
Country England
Father's first name(s) Robert
Father's last name Bidwell
Mother's first name(s) -
Mother's last name -
Source: findmypast.co.uk
Name: Edward Bidwell
Baptism Date: 11 Aug 1599
Baptism Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Father: Ralf Bidwell
Source: ancestry.co.uk
Bidwells 1500s
This early Bidwell genealogical research has no direct ancestors pinpointed, and comprises instead a scrapbook of related records.
Newton St Cyres Bidwell ancestry
It is stated on my 4th great-grandfather George Matcham’s tomb (picture left) that his mother was:
“the youngest daughter of Hugh Bidwell of Exeter Esquire descended from the family who derived their name from the manor of Bidwell in the Parish of Newton St Cyres in the County of Devon”
Tudor Thomas Bidwell?
Quicke’s Farm say their land came to them via Thomas Bidwell who had in turn been given the land by Henry VIII in 1540 (below)
Quicke’s Farm History
1540
Quicke’s Farm website states Henry VIII gave Thomas Bidwell was given the land at Newton St Cyres on which the Quickes are still farming:
We've got a lot to thank Anne Boleyn for.
It was because of her that Henry VIII fell out with the Catholic church, dissolved the monasteries and reallocated their land. Some of that land – a particularly beautiful stretch near Newton St Cyres in Devon, to be precise - he allotted to a chap called Thomas Bidwell.
And when our distant ancestor Richard Quicke walked Thomas' daughter Elizabeth up the aisle of the local church, the Quicke family became established in this green and very pleasant corner of Devon.
Source: quickes.co.uk
Records, however, suggest the land at Newton St Cyres was granted to Richard son of John Bidwell and Denise née Gutton:
1500s
24 Jun 1509
Henry VIII (pictured left) crowned King of England and Ireland.
1509-14
Henry VIII Pardon Roll, Part 4
John Bidwell of Newton St. Cyr’s and his wife “Dionysia” widow of John Elyot:
John Bidwell or Bidwill, of Newton St. Cyr's, Devon, and Dionysia his wife, kinswoman and next heir of John Frankecheyne, late of Clistgerard, Devon, esq., and late the wife of John Elyot, of Stoke Canon, gent., dec., 8 May
Source: british-history.ac.uk
It seems unlikely that I’m directly descended from John Bidwell unless he had a younger son not shown in these records
Above: Bidwell Barton Source: www.devonassoc.org.uk
1500s
Bidwell family builds Bidwell Barton:
The name Bidwell, according to Westcote (View of Devonshire 1630) means "By the Well" and there are certainly springs beside the
house with an adjacent pond. The present house was built in the
sixteenth century by the family who took their name from the property, and although Bidwells remained at nearby Langford until the 1750s by 1600 the farm was owned by Edward Roope
Source: www.devonassoc.org.uk
1511
John Bidwell dies
See second extract from Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries Vol. XIII (above)
Above: detail of 1575 Christopher Saxton map of Devon with Newton St Cyres and Shobrooke circled. Source: oldmapsonline.org
1535
Earlier Quicke/Quyck-Bidwell intermarriage
Joanne Bidwell of Shoggbroke [Shobrooke near Newton St Cyres] writes will naming:
Richard Quyck my son in lawe
Agnes daughter of the said Richard (to be paid a sum when married)
Thomas Nuttcombe
My daughter Joanne Ingram
Source: ancestry.co.uk
Before 1536
Denise widow of John Bidwell granted by Henry VIII lands at:
Clyst Gerard, Woggewyll Peytevyn, Knighton, Morton Hampsted, Aulescombe, Upottery and Brockhyll
See second extract from Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries Vol. XIII (above)
2 May 1536
Denise widow of John Bidwell dies
“The said Dennis died 2 May, 27 Henry VIII.”
See second extract from Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries Vol. XIII (above)
15 Nov 1541
Tiverton inquisition records Henry VIII had “seised “ (granted) land to Denise Bidwell (widow of John) now inherited by her son through her first marriage John Elyot
“P.R.O. Chancery Inquisitions p. m. ii. vol. 83, No. 173.
Dennis Bydwell, late wife of John Bydwell.
Inquisition taken at Tiverton, 15 November, 32 Henry VIII. The said John and Dennis were seised in her right of the manors of Clyst Gerard…
John Elyott, her son and heir, is aged 32 and more.”
See second extract from Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries Vol. XIII (above)
28 Jan 1547
Edward VI (pictured left) crowned King of England and Ireland. He supports Protestant reform
10 July until 19 July 1553
Lady Jane Grey (pictured right) Queen of England and Ireland.
She supports Protestant reform
1 Oct 1553
Mary Tudor (pictured left) crowned Queen of England and Ireland. She enforces reversion to Catholic worship.
26 Feb 1558
Thomasyn Bidwell buried at Newton St Cyres (right)
Before 1561
Richard Bidwell (son of Denise Bidwell) granted:
“a messuage & 30 acres in Saint Cyres Newton & another messuage & 4o acres there, held respectively of Thomas Southcote, esq., as of his manor of Marshe, & of John Northcote, as of his manor of St. Cyres Newton on 10th July in the 3rd year of Elizabeth’s reign (c. 1561)
See second extract from Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries Vol. XIII (above)
17 Nov 1558
Elizabeth I (pictured left) crowned Queen of England and Ireland.
She supports Protestant reform
6 Jan 1561
Richard Bidwell (son of Denise Bidwell) dies
“Richard Bydwell, esq.
Inquisition taken at Exeter 10 July 3 Elizabeth…
He died 6 January last.”
See second extract from Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries Vol. XIII (above)
The Newton St Cyres baptism records below show at least three Bidwell fathers – John, Ralf and Robert – bearing children in the late 1500s
22 Oct 1567
Elizabeth Bidwell (daughter of John Bidwell) baptised at Newton St Cyres (left)
14 May 1571
Ralf Bidwell and Johan Colwill married at Newton St Cyres (right)
9 Jul 1581
Richard Bidwell (son of Ralf Bidwell) baptised at Newton St Cyres (right)
24 Jul 1581
Thomas Bidwell (son of John Bidwell) baptised at Newton St Cyres (right)
24 Sep 1582
Ralph Bidwell paid Subsidy in the parish of Newton St. Syers, l0th Sept., 24, Eliz.
See second extract from Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries Vol. XIII (above)
7 Oct 1582
Walter Bidwell (son of Robert Bidwell) baptised at Newton St Cyres (below left)
21 Oct 1582
Richard the son of Robert Bidwell buried at Newton St Cyres (right)
9 Mar 1587
Hugh Bidwell (son of John Bidwell) baptised at Newton St Cyres (left)
8 Nov 1589
Robert Bidwell and Mary Longe married at Newton St Cyres (right)
13 Mar 1592
Elizabeth Bidwell (daughter of Robert Bidwell) baptised at Newton St Cyres (left)
14 Sep 1597
Johan wife of Ralf Bidwell buried at Newton St Cyres (right)
12 May 1599
Johan Bidwell and Peter Radford married at Newton St Cyres (right)
Background
31 Jan 1584
Thomas Bidwell (son of Robert Bidwell) baptised at Newton St Cyres (right)
24 Jan 1587
Katheryn the wife of John Bidwell buried at Newton St Cyres (right)
6 May 1587
John Bidwell and Johan Tailder married at Newton St Cyres (right)
24 Jan 1590
Elizabeth Bidwell (daughter of John Bidwell) baptised at Newton St Cyres (left)
4 Jan 1592
John Bidwell buried at Newton St Cyres (right)
11 Aug 1599
Edward Bidwell (son of Ralf Bidwell) baptised at Newton St Cyres (left)
Bidwells 1600s
Above: photo of Newton St. Cyres taken 10 Jun 2018
Source: Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries, Volume XIII part three Jul 1924
Above: Lady Jane Grey
Source: wikipedia.com
Name: Thomas Bidwell
Baptism Date: 31 Jan 1584
Baptism Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Father: Robert Bidwell
Source: ancestry.co.uk
Name: Robert Bidwell
Marriage Date: 8 Nov 1589
Marriage Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Spouse: Mary Longe
Source: ancestry.co.uk
Name: John Bidwell
Marriage Date: 6 May 1587
Marriage Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Spouse: Johan Tailder
Source: ancestry.co.uk
Text of Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries, Volume XIII part one, Jul 1924:
111. Bidwell Family (XIII., p. 6, par. 9).—Further to my notes as above, I am now able to throw a little more light on the family.
Denise, widow of John Bidwell, who died 1511, appears from her Inq. p.m. taken in 1541, to have been a widow when she married John, as her son John Elyott, is referred 'to as her heir.
P.R.O. Chancery Inquisitions p. m. ii. vol. 83, No. 173.
Dennis Bydwell, late wife of John Bydwell.
Inquisition taken at Tiverton, 15 November, 32 Henry VIII. The said John and Dennis were seised in her right of the manors of Clyst Gerard, Woggewyll Peytevyn and Knighton, with tenements in those places, Morton Hampsted, Aulescombe, Upottery and Brockhyll, held severally of Margaret, Countess of Salisbury, Sir Everard Pomery, Kt., Henry, Marquis of Exeter, Sir William Courtenay (then Knight), the Abbot of Dunkeswyll, Robert Wyllughby, Lord Broke, and Nicholas Prouse.
The said Dennis died 2 May, 27 Henry VIII.
John Elyott, her son and heir, is aged 32 and more.
Richard Bidwell was evidently the son of John and brother of Elizabeth Quicke, as will be seen from his Inq. p. m. :—
P.R.O. Wards and Liveries: Inquisitions p. m., vol. 8, fol. 22.
Richard Bydwell, esq.
Inquisition taken at Exeter 10 July 3 Elizabeth.
The jury say the said Richard was seised of a messuage and 6o acres of land in Gutton, held of George Kirkeham, esq., as of his manor of Gutton ; a messuage & 50cres of land in Credye, held of the Dean & Chapter of Exeter, as of their manor of Norton ; another messuage & 4o acres there, held of Thomas Carew of Anthonye, esq., as of his manor of Shoughbroke ; 6 acres in Wylhammarch in Credy, held of the Dean, etc. (as above) ; a messuage & 30 acres in Saint Cyres Newton & another messuage & 4o acres there, held respectively of Thomas Southcote, esq., as of his manor of Marshe, & of John Northcote, as of his manor of St. Cyres Newton ; a messuage and 20 acres of land in Westrocombe in the parish of Cruse Morchard, held of Sir John Seyntleger, Kt. ; 6o acres in Bramford (called below Bamford) Wood, held Sir George Speake as of his manor of Bamford Speake ; & 40 acres in Uphole in the parish of Farringdon, held of Thomas Hunt, gent., as of his manor of Farringdon.
By his will (2 Jan., 1550[-1]) he bequeathed the lands, &c. in Gutton, Credy & Westrocombe (except Wilhamarch) to his elder daughter Elizabeth Bydwell ; the residue, to his younger daughter Katherine Bydwell. In default of issue to them both, remainder to the heirs male of the bodies of John Quicke & John Brushford, nephews of the said Richard.
He died 6 January last.
The said Elizabeth & Katherine, his daughters & heirs were aged then 14 and more, & (on St. John the Baptist last) 13 and more respectively.
As Robert Cary, of Credy, married Catherine, Elizabeth must have been the wife of Dennis.
1582. Ralph Bidwell paid Subsidy in the parish of Newton St. Syers, l0th Sept., 24, Eliz.
1656. Hugh Bidwell, of St. Thomas, Exeter, made his will, 5th March, 1656.
COURT ARCHDEACONRY OF EXETER.
1656, 5 March.
The last will of Hugh Bidwell the elder.
My wife Alice Bidwell sole executrix.
The life (sic) of Hugh Bidwell I give to Alice Bidwell.
George Gathers life I give to Nicholas Bidwell.
Perkins house, when it falls, to John Bidwell hee to pay 40/- a year to his brother Andrew Bidwell.
To Alice Bidwell Skynners life, or during the life of Skynner I give to Alice Bidwell the house which Perkins lives in.
To Hugh Bidwell and Francis Bidwell 1/- apeece.
The mark of Hugh Bidwell
John Gould
Edward Ponsford
The mark of Isaack Randall
Proved 59 Nov., 1664.
Test. Hugonis Bidwell nuper S. Thomas parochis
Exon.
1701. Edward Bidwell referred to in a plea of debt, Issues of one tenement etc., parcel of the manor of Woodland, in Crediton.
1733. Francis Bidwell, a Serge Weaver in Exeter. Marriages, St. David's, Exeter.
1697. Jany 3rd. Mr. Hugh Bidwell & Elizabeth Cary of Holy Trinity. Heavilree.
1708. July 9th Mr. Hugh Bidwell & Ursula Head of Exeter. Cathedral Registers.
1709. May l0th Bidwell, Hugh of Exon., Tallow Chandler & Mary Rice of ye same.
1720. July 4th Bidwell, Hugh, Jr., of Exon & Hannah Peirce of the same.
1720. Aug. 9th Powel, Joseph of Holy Trinity & Ann Bidwell of the same. St. Pancras.
1714. May 25th Bidwell, Richard & Elizabeth Gilford, both of Newton St. Syres.
G. T. Windyer Morris.
Name: Thomasyn Bidwell
Burial Date: 26 Feb 1558
Burial Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Source: findmypast.co.uk
Name: Ralf Bidwell
Marriage Date: 14 May 1571
Marriage Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Spouse: Johan Colwill
Source: ancestry.co.uk
Name: Richard Bidwell
Baptism Date: 9 Jul 1581
Baptism Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Father: Ralf Bidwell
Source: ancestry.co.uk
Name: Thomas Bidwell
Baptism Date: 24Jul 1581
Baptism Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Father: John Bidwell
Source: ancestry.co.uk
Name: Richard the son of Robert Bidwell
Burial Date: 21 Oct 1582
Burial Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Source: findmypast.co.uk
Name: Katheryn the wife of John Bidwell
Burial Date: 24 Jan 1587
Burial Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Source: findmypast.co.uk
Name: John Bidwell
Burial Date: 4 Jan 1592
Burial Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Source: findmypast.co.uk
Name: Johan wife of Ralf Bidwell
Burial Date: 14 Sep 1597
Burial Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Source: findmypast.co.uk
Name: Johan Bidwell
Marriage Date: 8 Nov 1589
Marriage Place: Newton Saint Cyres, Devon
Spouse: Peter Radford
Source: ancestry.co.uk
Newton St. Cyres
Newton St. Cyres
Shobrooke
Newton St. Cyres
Bidwell Barton
Newton St. Cyres
Newton St. Cyres