Welcome

Like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.

To access records either choose from the menu above, press more, or scroll down this page.

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About this site

This site is a collection of historical data that is continually evolving thanks to the help of family and friends, and has been created with the hope of preserving the memories of my ancestors.

All photographs and document images displayed on this website were either obtained from public libraries, local record offices, the public record office at Kew Gardens, local family history societies, local museums, or from contacts made through genealogy forums. Research history notes were compiled following visits to the repositories mentioned above or from attending lectures.

All photographs and document images are either in ‘.jpg’ or ‘.pdf’ format. To view ‘.pdf’ files you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.

Any information, photos or documents you are willing to share would be welcome. Comments and suggestions for improvement are also welcome.

Parish Records

A one name study of Champion Baptisms, Marriages and Burials in Devon.
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Research-Slider

Starting your research

Tracing family roots in England and Wales has been relatively straightforward from the 19th century thanks to the introduction of national birth, marriage and death registrations in 1837 and from census returns dating from 1841. Some births before 1875 were not registered due to the belief that births did not have to be registered if a child had been baptised. Records pre-dating 1837 are only found in parish registers which were introduced by an Act of Parliament in 1597. Beyond 1597 it is extremely difficult although there are a few registers going back as far as 1538.

The birth, marriage and death certificates that mark our life stages are the starting point for any research. What they reveal about your family members can take you back to when civil records began in 1837. Another good source for information can be found in family bibles. Armed with names and addresses you can then search the census records, a decade-by-decade population count, which from 1841 lists the names, age, occupation and other details of everyone on census night. Tracking down members of broken families, such as orphans or foster children, is a tougher challenge. But documents such as parish registers, orphan hospital records and adoption papers can provide vital clues.

Maritime Records

Research of Champion ancestors who served at sea during the 19th and 20th Century.
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Old Occupations

An insight into the harsh working and living conditions ancestors had to endure.

Media

A selection of documents, images and research history notes.
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Most Wanted

Most Wanted is a list of people or photos we are having trouble researching.

World War 1

Dedicated to the remembrance of those who fought in the Great War of 1914-18. The Lost Generation to whom we owe our gratitude and interest in understanding the horrors they faced.
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Unwanted Certificates

Is a list of non-related purchased certificates available for sale.