Genealogy

As far back as we have been able to investigate, research has shown that there are two branches of the SHOPLAND name:

        a)     the DEVON branch
        b)     the SOMERSET branch.

     From Parish Registers, the Devon branch begins with Richard SHOPLAND/SHAPLAND (1513-1571) who was born in North Molton, Devon. The Somerset branch records only go back to around the late 17^th century due to many of the parish registers being damaged or even lost so there is no earliest Somerset SHOPLAND ancestor. However, SHOPLAND researchers feel that the two branches must be connected for two reasons:

        a)     the distance between North Molton and Huish Champflower, as the crow files, is approximately 20 miles
        b)     the SHOPLAND name is not rare but it is uncommon and the family is not large by any means so an assumption has been                          made that the two branches are descended from one source.

     A DNA study will be undertaken in the future and if anyone is willing to take a DNA test please let me know.

     The trees that have been prepared are of the Devon branch and consist of ‘connected’ families only. 'Unconnected’ family trees are still in progress and will be added at a later date, as will the family trees of the Somerset branches.

How to use the Name Index and the Tree Index

     From the Name Index locate the name you are looking for. All SHOPLAND names are under the heading SHOPLAND and all other names will be found under the relevant letter of the alphabet. On the left of the name will be a number which corresponds to the family tree on which that name will be found, just click the number.

     The family trees show the descendants from the seventh generation down from Richard SHOPLAND/SHAPLAND, from two brothers, Hugh and Betty JACKMAN and William and Grace BROWNING and the trees show all the descendants from their respective children.   Some family trees are very large so you will find a note which says 'see below' and a number. Just scan down the page until you come to the number.


How you can help

     Your assistance is requested to identify your ancestors and, where possible, to make sure that the information is correct. There are bound to be errors and your help is wanted to find these errors. Please let me know if you are identified on a tree and that the names, dates and place of birth is correct. Please send an email to: rita.rainbird@one-name.org