Downs of Plymouth

[CarolineKing]

Does any one know any information about the Huguenot surnames from Plymouth  , I’m trying to trace my family ancestry in the surname of Down . But I can’t easy find much info , I know our surname was changed but I’m not sure which way to go. My father mentioned the surname de D’aud , de Doud, or de Daudé when I was small  . If some one could shed some light I’d be very pleased. Thank you .
   

[CaroleW]

Welcome to Rootschat

The 1911 census has 182 people surname Down living in Plymouth so you need to provide more info. 

Christian names and birthyears  - but not those of any living persons

Start with your grandparents (if deceased) then work backwards

[avm228]

Welcome from me too.

Absolutely the only way to go is to trace backwards generation by generation from the known to the unknown.  As Carole says, if you can provide a starting point we can help you with that.

[CarolineKing]

Thank you for both your swift reply. Using the census I was able to go back as far as 1841 to William Down who was aged 7. He grew up to become a rope maker at HM Dock.  I havnt been able to go any further with him at the moment .  Any help would be fantastic . Thank you , Caroline .

[rosie99]

Could you please give more information on that 1841 census entry

ADDED
Do you have his marriage certificate as that should name his father

[rosie99]

Is he the William J Down Apprentice rope maker age 17 with parents George and Mary in 1851 Plymouth  HO107/1878 f151 p4
George was age 53 occ Mariner bn Clovelly, Devon. His wife Mary was age 49 bn Highwick.
Williams siblings were 
Mary A. 11
Harriet M 9
George J 5
Births registered with mothers maiden name of Cannon

George Down
Mary Cannon
Marriage    8 Apr 1822
Highweek,Devon,England

[CarolineKing]

Thank you Rosie 99 for your help, I don’t have any much . I have 1881 census
William Down 48yrs
Mary Down 50yrs
 George Down 17yrs
Albert J Down 14yrs
Ernest J Down 10yrs
Emma I Down 9yrs
  I’m not sure about  Williams lineage beyond . Thank you.
  Caroline.

[rosie99]

I think this may be Ernest's birth registration

ERNEST  CANNON DOWN    Mothers maiden surname EASTERBROOK 
1870  March Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL  Volume 05B  Page 359

Also the marriage between Joseph & Mary
25 December 1857 at Charles, Plymouth
William Joseph Down -Rope Maker -8 Salem Street-father George Down-Mariner
Mary Major Easterbrook-33 Clarence St-Father John Easterbrook-Cabinet Maker
Witnesses John Easterbrook and Annie (Penrose?) Easterbrook

[CarolineKing]

Hi Rosie99
 That’s fits well with the rest of the information.
  Is Mary’s middle name Major? Or is it part of her surname? This is very helpful thank you !
  I might be back again if I get stuck .