CHAMPERNOUN OF ILFRACOMBE, DEVONSHIRE
RBodine996
herein provide the two generations before Sir Richard de Champernoun of Modbury
who appeared as No. 1 in the Champernouns of Modbury. Unlike the Modbury
family, where Champernoun seemed to be the preferred spelling, I have herein
applied the most used forms of the name for each individual as found in
original records. Sources are noted throughout.
Note to Todd Farmerie: I incorrectly responded to your query about how Oliver,
grandfather of Otho Champernoun, fit into the family. I was looking at my
notes on the Champernouns of Ilfracombe when I should have referred to the
Champernouns of North Tawton. This latter group will follow as soon as I
review my notes.
GENERATION 1
1. OLIVER de CAMPO ERNULFI (ERNULPHI). Dead by 1242/3 when his heirs are
reported to be in possession of his lands in Ilfracombe, Burch, and Southcott,
Devonshire (The Book of Fees, 2: 778, 784).
He was married to Wymarca, living in 1238. She had a suit in 1232
regarding land in Gillescot, Devonshire (Curia Regis Rolls, 14: 428).
Pole's Devon (p. 157) calls him a knight, but there is no evidence of this.
Vivian (p. 160) states he married Eva, "da. of ..., cognata et coheses Isolda
filia et coheridis Andrea, Baronis de Cardigan," that is, a relative and
coheiress of Isolda, daughter and coheiress of Andrea, baroness of Cardinham.
But this is not correct as Vivian has confused this Oliver with a distant
cousin who was the son of Jordan de Campo Arnulphi and Emma de Soligny, sister
of Isolda, wife of Andrew de Cardinham (CIPM, 4: no. 82).
Children (De Banco Plea Rolls, Trinity 17 Edw. 3, m. 42):
2. Sir Henry de Campo Arnulphi, m. Dionisia English.
Note: Vivian (p. 180) also names a daughter, Elizabeth, wife of William
Gilbert, but also shows her as daughter of a much later Oliver Champernoun and
his wife Eglina de Valletort. The latter relationship is the correct one.
GENERATION 2
2. Sir HENRY de CAMPO ARNULPHI (CHAMBERNUN). Still a minor in 1242/3 when the
lands of his late father were noted as being held by his heirs (Book of Fees,
2: 778, 784). Henry de Chambernun and Dionisia, his wife, were named in a land
warranty of 6 June 1249 (Devon Feet of Fines 1196-1272: no. 497). On 9 Dec
1262, he was holder of the "Court of Henry and his heirs at Alfricumb"
(Ilfracombe) where Henry himself was a plaintiff (Devon Feet of Fines, no.
472). On 24 Nov 1265, a mandate was issued to Henry de Chaumbren to deliver
the castle to Ralph de Gorges (Cal. Patent Rolls, 1258-66, p. 508). On 16 Feb
1270, in a fine between Henry de Chaumbernun, claimant and Hugh de Treverbyn,
deforciant, regarding the manors of Trevolonan, Tywardrayth, Ludevon (Ludgvan)
and Penalym (Penhallyn in Jacobstow), Hugh acknowledged the manors that Henry
held by gift of Isolda de Cardinham (Cornwall Feet of Fines 1195-1377, no.
222). As Lord of Ilfracombe, he presented there to the church in June 1263,
June 1272, and Dec 1276; as Lord of Jacobstowe, Cornwall he presented there to
the church in June 1270, then being called a knight, and in Sept 1272. As Lord
of Coryton (Curitone) he presented there to the church in Sept 1279
(Bronescombe, pp. 127, 145, 146). On 22 April 1279 he was given a grant of a
weekly market and a yearly fair at his manor of Ilfracombe (Cal. Charter Rolls,
2: 211). On 5 July 1277 he had protection going to Wales on the King's service
(Cal. Patent Rolls, 1272-81, p. 217) and was last recorded as justice of the
gaol delivery at Oxford and Exeter in May and July 1281 (Cal. Patent Rolls,
1272-81, p. 441, 445).
Vivian (p. 160) states he married Dionisia, daughter of Gilbert and sister
and coheiress of Sir Robert English or Engloiz, of Stokeley. He was certainly
married to a Dionisia by June 1249 who survived her husband as Dame Dionisia de
Campo Arnulphi when, in March 1284, she presented Oliver de Campo Arnulphi,
subdeacon, presumably their son, as rector of Jacobstowe (Bronescombe, p. 347).
Stockeley-Engles (Stockleigh-English) was in possession of her grandson,
Henry, who presented to the church in April 1312.
Children:
3. Sir William de Champernoun, m. Joan.
4. Sir Richard de Champernoun, m. Joan. See CHAMPERNOUN OF
MODBURY.
5. Oliver de Champernoun.
GENERATION 3 (nos. 3-5)
3. Sir WILLIAM de CHAMPERNOUN. As the son of Henry, see De Banco Plea Rolls,
Trinity 17 Edw. 3, m. 42. Died before 21 Feb 1305 seized of Tywardraith and
Trevelowen, co. Cornwall and Ilfracombe, Colrigg, and the hamlets of Heved and
Clist, Devonshire (CIPM, 4: no. 312). On 16 Feb 1269/70, William de
Chaumbernun was claimant to 1 messauge, 20 acres in Cowick, in St. Thomas
(Devon Feet of Fines, no. 714). In July 1279, as a knight, he witnessed an
oath to settle a dispute between the abbot and convent of Glastonbury and the
prior and convent of Launceston (The Cartulary of Launceston Priory, p. 167).
On 15 May 1287 he had letters going overseas (Cal. Patent Rolls 1281-92, p.
269). In 1294, as a knight, he was summoned to proceed to Wales and suppress a
rising under a Welsh chieftain named Madog (RTDA, 71: 289-291). Knight of the
Shire of Cornwall, Nov 1295 (Parliaments, p. 4; summoned to serve against the
Scots 1296 and 1301 (Knights of Edward I, 1: 192); knight of the Shire of
Devon, May 1298 (Parliaments, p. 8).
He was married to Joan. In March 1308/9, as Dame Joan de Champernoun,
relict of Sir William, she presented to the church of Jacobstowe, co. Cornwall,
doing so again in Nov 1309 when she presented John de Campo Arnulphi, a
subdeacon and presumably her son, as the new rector (Stapledon, p. 224)
Children:
6. Sir Henry de Campo Arnulphi, m. Joan Bodrigan.
7. John de Campo Arnulphi.
8. Reginald de Campo Arnulphi.
9. William de Campo Arnulphi.
5. OLIVER de CHAMPERNOUN. As a subdeacon, he was presented as rector of
Jacobstowe, co. Cornwall by Dame Dionisia de Campo Arnulphi in March 1284
(Bronescombe, p. 347). The relationship is unstated though it seems likely
Dame Dionisia was presenting one of her younger sons.
GENERATION 4 (nos. 6-9)
6. Sir HENRY de CAMPO ARNULPHI (CHAMPERNOUN). Born c1271/3 (aged 30 and 33 in
his father's IPM). Knight of the Shire for Devon in April 1309 and for
Cornwall and Devon in Aug and Nov 1311 (Parliaments, p. 30, 32, 34).
Confirmation 8 Feb 1311 of the sale of custody of lands and tenements of Otto,
son of Henry de Bodrigan, tenant-in-chief, together with his marriage, to Henry
de Campo Arnulphi by Hugh le Despencer the elder (Cal. Patent Rolls, 1317-21,
p. 349). As Lord of Stockleigh-English he presented there to the church in Apr
1312 (Stapledon, p. 261).
Assessor and collector for Devonshire, 30 May 1319 and conservator of
peace, 18 June 1320 (Cal. Patent Rolls, 1317-21: 459). In 1324, as a knight,
he was liable for military service against the Scots (RTDA, 71: 295).
Appointed to a commission 3 Nov 1324, he was replaced 29 Apr 1325 for being
sick (Cal. Fine Rolls, 1319-27, p. 314, 344). On 5 June 1328, a fine was
recorded wherein Walter de Kancia and Peter de Bodrigan granted to Henry de
Campo Arnulphi, "chivaler," the manors of Ilfracombe, Colridge, Heved Hamlet,
land in La Pole, and the advowsons of the churches of Ilfracombe, Stockleigh-
English, in Devonshire, and the manor of Treuelowen [Trelowia] and the advowson
of the church of Jacobstowe, in co. Cornwall, for his life, and after his death
they shall remain to William his son and the heirs of his body (Cornwall Feet
of Fines, 1: no. 677). He died shortly before 8 May 1329 when his lands were
taken into the King's hands (Cal. Fine Rolls, 1327-37, p. 132). Despite
numerous references to him he is infrequently referred to as a knight, lastly
in his IPM (CIPM, 7: no. 209).
Vivian (p. 160) reports he was married to Joan, daughter of Sir Henry de
Bodrigan. Trigg (p. 549) states Sir Henry de Bodrigan, at the marriage of his
daughter to Henry de Champernon, gave inter alia the manor of Tywardreth, and
William de Bodrigan, sometime Archdeacon of Cornwall, uncle of her father, gave
her at the same time certain lands in Tredrym. Indeed, Henry de Campo Arnulphi
was a tenant in Tewardrayth [Tywardreth] and Bodrugan, co. Cornwall in 1303
(Feudal Aids, 1: 203) and the manor of Tywardreth was in the possession of her
son, William, at his death in 1353. At the death of her nephew, Sir Otho
Bodrigan in 1331, he was holding Bodrigan and Trevelyan, co. Cornwall of Joan,
widow of Henry (CIPM, 7: no. 385), and in 1334 at the IPM of Ralph de Bello
Prato he was holding land in Pelhalym, co. Cornwall of Joan, late the wife of
Henry de Campo Arnulphi (CIPM, 7: no. 569). On 24 Oct 1331, Joan received
license to "marry whomsever she will of the king's allegiance" (Cal. Patent
Rolls, 1330-34, p. 191).
Children:
10. William Champernoun, m. Elizabeth Cornwall.
11. Hugh Champernoun.
12. Joan Champernoun, m. Sir Nicholas Bonville.
7. JOHN de CAMPO ARNULPHI. In March 1308/9, as a subdeacon, he was serving as
rector of Jacobstowe, co. Cornwall and was exchanged with the rector of
Thurlestone, being installed in that benefice on 18 March. He was exchanged
again and reinstalled at Jacobstowe as its rector on 20 Nov 1309 by Dame Joan
de Champernoun. He was ordained deacon on 22 Dec 1313 and priest on 23 Mar
1313/4 (Stapledon, p. 224). He was dismissed as rector of Jacobstowe shortly
before 23 Aug 1333 when his successor was installed. On 13 Aug 1333 he
succeeded Reginald de Campo Arnulphi as rector of Ilfracombe, being presented
to the church by William de Campo Arnulphi (Grandison, p. 1294-5). On 18 Oct
1334, he received a license of non-residence for a year of study (Grandison, p.
767). He died 17 Nov 1335 (Grandison, p. 1310). Although his parentage is
never stated, it seems certain he was among the younger sons of Sir William de
Champernoun (no. 3) and destined for a clerical career.
8. REGINALD de CAMPO ARNULPHI. He is found as rector of Ilfracombe on 11 May
1310 (Bronescombe, p. 419). In Nov 1321, Walter de Stapledon, Bishop of Exeter
visited Ilfracombe and declared in the presence of Reginald, his father Sir
Henry, and a gathering of parishners that the church was inadequate in size (A
History of Ilfracombe, 1984, p. 7). He was appointed a canon of Exeter
Cathedral on 30 Nov 1326 (CPR, 1324-1327, p. 340). He died 27 March 1333 and
was succeeded as rector of Ilfracombe by John de Campo Arnulphi (Grandison, p.
1294-5).
9. WILLIAM de CAMPO ARNULPHI. As clerk, he was instituted as rector of
Kentisbeare on 11 Dec 1308, ordained accolite 21 Dec 1308, sub-deacon on 22 Feb
1308/9 and deacon on 23 Mar 1313/4. On 10 Aug 1317 he was installed as rector
of Thurlestone and was ordained priest on 18 Mar 1317/8. He died shortly
before 16 Aug 1321 when Walter de Pynho was installed as rector of Thurlestone
as a result of his death (Stapledon, pp. 225, 264). Like John de Campo
Arnulphi, his parentage is unstated.
Note: Vivian (p. 160) names John, Reginald and Henry [but not William] as
sons of Sir Henry de Campo Arnulphi and his wife Dionisia, although this writer
believes he misidentified another John with the priest of the same name. In
addition, Vivian named two daughters, Dionisia, wife of Sir William Bottreaux
and Margaret, wife of Otho Bodrigan. Sir William Bottreaux, of Worthevale,
Penhale, Crackhampton and Botylet, co. Cornwall was born in 1242 and died 1302
(Trigg, 1: 634). Pole (Devon, p. 427) reports he held Cadbury and
Stockleigh-English in free-marriage with Dionisia, but the evidence for this
has not been found. In fact, Stockleigh-English was held by William
Champernoun (viz. no. 10) who presented there in May 1344. The Complete
Peerage (2: 199) indeed reports Sir Otho Bodrigan (1290-1331) had a wife named
Margaret, but does not venture to identify her family name. Trigg (1: 499,
550) states Sir Otho joined the Earl of Lancaster and fought at the battle of
Boroughbridge in 1322. Margaret survived her husband and presented to Marny's
Prebend in Apr 1349 in right of her dower. After her death the manor and
advowson devolved upon her son, William de Bodrigan, who presented in June
1351.
GENERATION 5 (nos. 10-12 )
10. WILLIAM CHAMPERNOUN. Born c1314, being aged 16 at the death of his
father. On 13 Dec 1330, his lands were in the hands of the King by reason of
the death of his father, Henry de Chaumbernoun (Cal. Close Rolls, 1330-3: 80).
As Lord of Jacobstowe, he presented there to the church in Aug 1333 (Grandison,
p. 1295), and to the church in Ilfracombe in Aug 1333, Dec 1335, and Mar 1348
(Grandison, pp. 1294-5, 1310, 1379). He was pardoned 6 June 1336 for not
having taken the order of knighthood and given respite for one year (Cal.
Patent Rolls, 1334-8, p. 275). Knight of the Shire for Cornwall Jan and Feb
1338/9 and for Devon Apr 1341 (Parliaments, pp. 124, 134).
The Receiver's Accounts of the City of Exeter 1304-1353 (DCRS, n.s., 32:
23, 29) reports for 1342/3 "Expenses [amounting to 4s. 6d.] for the mayor and
other good men of the city for the night watch for the whole session in Lent
for keeping the peace by reason of a certain dispute between Sir James de
Audelegh and William Chambernon." In 1344/5 a subsequent entry notes "Wine
sent to the wife of William Chaumbernoun by order of the mayor." Appointed
Sheriff and escheator of Devonshire 29 July 1343 (Cal. Fine Rolls, 1337-47, p.
320).
Sheriff of Cornwall Sept 1343-Sept 1344. In 1344, James de Audley sued him
for the next presentation to the church of St. Ilfracombe. In his denial,
Champernoun cited his ancestry from Oliver de Chambernon who presented to the
church, temp. King John, down to himself (De Banco Plea Rolls, Trinity 17 Edw.
III m. 42). As Lord of Stockleigh-English he presented to the church there in
May 1344 and June 1349 (Grandison, pp. 1343, 1391). In 1346 he was holding
Otterham, Devonshire (RTDA, 76: 139). On 10 May 1346 he was exempted for life
from assizes, juries, etc. (Cal. Patent Rolls, 1345-8, p. 82). He died 20 Mar
1353 at his manor of Tywardreyth, co. Cornwall (IPM 19 Rich. II, file 86 (11)).
Vivian (p. 161) reports Sir William was married to Elizabeth, daughter of
Jeffery Cornwall. No inde- pendent confirmation of this marriage has been
found.
Children:
13. Katherine Champernoun, m. 1) Sir Walter de Wodeland, 2) Sir
Ralph
Carminow.
14. Elizabeth Champernoun, m 1) William Polglase, 2) John Serjeaux.
11. HUGH CHAMPERNOUN. On 20 Aug 1321, a pardon was issued for Hugh de
Chaumbernoun for any actions against Hugh le Despencer Sr. and Jr. between 1
March and 19 Aug 1321 (Cal. Patent Rolls, 1321-4, p. 16). On 12 Jan 1324,
license was granted for Henry de Campo Arnulphi to enfoeff Hugh de Campo
Arnulphi of the manor of Tywardaeth [Tywardreth], co. Cornwall, held in chief;
and for the said Hugh to regrant it to the said Henry and Joan his wife and
the heirs of their bodies with remainder to the right heirs of the said Henry
(ibid., p. 362). On 7 July 1324, he was called for military service, as a man
at arms, to serve against the Scots (RTDA, 71: 292-3). Possibly he died in
this service, certainly without any male issue, as the manor of Tywardreth was
in possession of his brother William at the latter's death in 1353.
12. JOAN CHAMPERNOUN. She is named in Cal. Close Rolls, 1435-41: 19 and De
Banco Plea Rolls, Trinity 14. Hen. VI m. 135 as sister of William Champernoun
and daughter of Henry Champernoun, and great-grandmother of William Bonvile,
heir to John Herle. She was married to Sir Nicholas Bonvile (1293-1354), of
Shute, Devonshire. (Paget's Baronage: no. 86)
Note. Vivian (p. 160) does not name Hugh (no. 11), but records instead a 2nd
son, Richard, stating he is named in the IPM of his father, but this is not so.
GENERATION 6
13. KATHERINE CHAMPERNOUN. Died 1383. Married 1stly, Sir Walter de Wodeland,
with whom she held her father's manor of Tywardreath, co. Cornwall (P.R.O.
Ancient Deeds, A.6956); 2ndly, by license of 14 June 1372, granted by Bishop
Brantingham of Exeter, the parties being within the prohibited degrees of
marriage, to Sir Ralph Carminow (Brantingham, p. 270). Sir Ralph served as
Sheriff of Cornwall 1378-1379 and Knight of the Shire for Cornwall in 1383,
1384 and 1386. He remarried following the death of Katherine and died 9 Oct
1386, his will being proved 31 Jan 1386/7 at Lambeth and directing his burial
at Behynnyet, which should mean Mehynnyet (Reg. Courtenay). There was no issue
of either marriage and Katherine's share of her father's lands evolved upon her
sister (Trigg, 3: 154, 158).
14. ELIZABETH CHAMPERNOUN. Buried 11 May 1398 at Halwell Priory, London. She
was an idiot from birth and coheiress of her father's lands. Upon the death of
her sister without issue in 1383 she became sole heiress. After the death
of her 2nd husband she came into the care of her son-in-law, Sir John Herle,
husband of her daughter Margaret (Cal. Patent Rolls 1396-9: 15-16). She
married 1stly, 23 Mar 1353, William Polglase, who died 1367. She married
2ndly, 2 days after the death of her 1st husband, John Serjeaux, who died 16
Jan 1387/8 (Trigg, 1: 554).
The male representatives of the Champernouns of Ilfracombe came to an end
upon the death of William Champernoun (no. 10) in 1353. In a 18 April 1361,
William Polglas and Elizabeth, his wife, daughter of William Champernoun, were
in possession of the manors of Ilfardicombe [Ilfracombe], Colrigge [Colridge],
Clystwyk [Clyst St. George] and lands in Exeter and Cowyk [Cowick in St.
Thomas] in co. Devon and Treuelowan in co. Cornwall (Cornwall Fines, 1: no.
692).
ADDITIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY
(Not already noted in Champernoun of Modbury)
Cornwall Feet of Fines. 1195-1377. Devon and Cornwall Record Society, 1914.
Devon Feet of Fines. Vol. 1, 1196-1272, Devon and Cornwall Record Society,
1912; Vol. 2, 1272-1369, DCRS, 1939.
Paget's Baronage. Paget, Gerald. An Official Genealogical and heraldic
Baronage of England, 3 vols. Manuscript, pre-1957, Principal probate Registry,
Somerset House, Strand, London.
Trigg. Maclean, Sir John. Parochial and Family History of the Deanery of
Trigg Minor in the County of Cornwall, 3 vols. , 1879.
Ronny Bodine
RBodi...@aol.com
Todd A. Farmerie
> GENERATION 3 (nos. 3-5)
>
> 3. Sir WILLIAM de CHAMPERNOUN. As the son of Henry, see De Banco Plea Rolls,
> He was married to Joan. In March 1308/9, as Dame Joan de Champernoun,
> relict of Sir William, she presented to the church of Jacobstowe, co. Cornwall,
> doing so again in Nov 1309 when she presented John de Campo Arnulphi, a
> subdeacon and presumably her son, as the new rector (Stapledon, p. 224)
Note that in my Ferrers post, my source (D&CN&Q, vol. 21) claims that
this Joan was a Ferrers, daughter of Reginald, d. c. 1305, and presented
her brother Reginald to Jacobstowe.
taf