by Alan Quick

A FAMILY which can trace its direct ancestry back to 1682, and further back through time to the 13th century, held a reunion of more than 70 people at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum.

The event was organised by Colin Burrow (91), the oldest surviving member of the family.

He explained that John Burrow was given a coat of arms in the 13th century as he had: “fought his lord’s battles, cared for his farms, and was rewarded for his integrity, loyalty, constancy and honesty of mouth”.

There are details of the history of the family recorded in the 1500s and it was in 1664 that a John Burrow of Morchard Bishop married Emot Beare and had a family of seven.

Colin explained that from son number three, the line has continued in this family tree.

In 1713 elder son, John was born and in 1744 he married Ann Watts.

Eldest son Benjamin continued the family line and Ben’s second son, John, was born in 1777.

He married Sarah Howard of Sandford, the couple farming at Sandford, Morchard Bishop and Woolsery in Mid Devon.

They raised a family of 11, having four sons, John, William, George and Daniel.

The celebration at the Waie Inn included members from the four descendents and a group photo of those from each was taken during the event. Some had many descendents and others less so.

The celebration included a tea supplied by one of the family members, Jean Burrow of the Waie Inn and Colin thanked her for her hospitality.

Colin said that over the years the family has included not only farmers but also innkeepers, millers and business people.

Colin concluded: “It was a really good afternoon and members of the family came not only from locally but as far as Derbyshire, adding that one descendent was unable to attend.

“A lot of new generations come along and it was a pleasure to see all the children sat in front for a big group photograph.”