This web-site is concerned with the Drake family of Barnstaple, a family that had an important association with this North Devon township for at least two centuries.  Barnstaple is a town in North Devon on the north bank of the Taw Estuary, about 16 km (10 miles) from the Bristol Channel.  The Taw is spanned by a stone bridge, built in the 15th century.  Barnstaple's main industry was the production of cloth, from wool imported from Ireland as well as local fleece.

The stone bridge over the Taw Estuary at Barnstaple.  [Source: Devon Library & Information Services (Local Studies Service) - © Devon County Council]

The Drake family of Barnstaple descended from Henry Drake who was Mayor of Barnstaple in 1679.  Henry Drake's descendants continued to live at Barnstaple, often occupying key public positions in the community.  Male members of the Barnstaple Drakes tended to undertake professions in the law, banking and public life.  The primary purpose of the web-site is to publish material relating to the individuals listed below, from Henry Drake in a paternal line of descent.

The researchers, who are descendants of this family living in Australia, have two principle objectives in publishing this material:

To make contact with other descendants of this family and other interested persons, in order to exchange information and provide a forum for continued research; Find an answer to a long-standing question regarding the origins of the Drakes of Barnstaple and where they fit within the various branches of the wider Drake genealogy. This web-site is being developed.  New pages will be added as they are completed. Contact details:  Any feedback, suggestions and additional information will be welcomed.

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