St.Andrews Church, Buckland Monachorum

[Pat13]

I wonder if anyone can help me please? According to traces on the Internet there is a Spry headstone in this church but nowhere are details given as to what is on the headstone! The information given is that the stone is approximately 3 metres north west of the north transept. The dates on it are 1734 and 1745 and refer to members of the Spry family. Does anyone have access to the church who coulf check who these Spry members are please?

[onefortheroad]

You've heard of the saying; "better late than never", Pat?
Just come across your post and was wondering if you found an answer to your question re Buckland Monachorum Spry burials date 1734 and 1735.
If not, I may be able to offer some assistance.
Regards,David.

[Pat13]

Hi David and many thanks for your reply. I must admit that I had completely forgotten about this post and haven't touched the Spry family for ages so have now no idea why I wanted it!!  I know I was trying to find a mysterious lady who married into the Spry family but doubt if that was what was on my mind at the time so will have to dig the file out, refresh my memory and get back to you.
Do you already have details of what is on the stone?
Thanks again for the message.

[onefortheroad]

Hi Pat.
Yes, back in June 2009 I took photos of all the Spry headstones at St.Andrews and most of the other churchyards in that area, on the off chance that some of them may be my ancestors. As it turned out, Devon is full of Sprys and none of mine came from Buckland Monachorum. However, I still have the pics on file.
Regards, David.

[Pat13]

OK, I've done a five minute refresher course to see where I was going with it.
I have a William Spry born 1722 who married Ann Wills.
Their son William, born 1741 married Gertrude Drake.
Their son John, born 1766 married Joan Ann Harvie born 1768.
I think I must have been hoping that the tombstone was for any of them and gave any extra details but, judging from the status of my ancestors during the centuries I doubt if they ever had a tombstone!!  Gertrude Drake I am particularly interested in as she is extremely elusive.

[onefortheroad]

Hi Pat.
I've searched my Spry monumental inscriptions and am afraid I can't find a Gertrude anywhere (not just St.Andrews).
The Buckland headstones have a handful of Sprys in the 1700's but I don't know how much help they'll be:

William Spry, died 30Mar.17?4 aged 61

John Spry, died 11Jun.1781 aged 57
Ann, wife of John Spry, died 15Dec.1783 aged 57
 
Abraham, son of William and Grace Spry, buried 16May 1734 aged 3
Hillary, daughter of William and Grace Spry, buried 8May 1736 aged 6(?)

Two children of John and Mary Spry: Ann, died 11Apr.1821 aged 6mths
                                                    Agnes, died 4Feb.1823 aged 8mths

There are plenty of others buried in later years but I don't know what use they'd be to you.
If you want any of the Buckland headstone photos emailing, pm me with an email address and I'll send  them onto you with pleasure.

Regards, David.

[DOB7]

A Gertrude SPRY aged 84 (born ca 1749) was buried at Calstock, 3 miles from Buckland Monachorum on 3 Feb 1833.

[Pat13]

Wow, it never rains but it pours!!
DOB7. That may well be the Gertrude I am looking for as her husband was born in 1741 so at least I now have her date of birth which may help. Many thanks for that.

David. I can't place the first William but certainly John, Ann, Abraham and Hilary are mine.
John and Mary I can't place either but I havn't followed on with the Spry line after 1790 or so when the direct line married into the Cudlipp family. You have filled me in with some useful dates, a spouse and also saved me trying to trace descendants of Hilary and Abraham so thank you for that. I would love a photo of the stone(s) for John, Ann, Abraham and Hilary please. Thanks once again as you have moved me on a little.
Pat

[onefortheroad]

I've emailed you the photos as requested, Pat. If you have any problems with them just shout as you can get the occasional one that doesn't download properly.
Regards, David