Overview
Nicholas Worth is the earliest confirmed ancestor in the direct maternal male lineage of my family. According to local manor tenancy records, he resided at Riddipit Farmstead on Dartmoor (Walkhampton’s Abandoned Farms, Vol. 7: Kingsett, Roundypark, Riddipit, p. 14 – Dartmoor Press).
Alongside his agricultural tenancy, Nicholas worked at the nearby Keaglesborough Tin Mine, located a short distance uphill from Riddipit towards Raddick Lane. Because the only known historical operations at Keaglesborough were focused on tin extraction, it is presumed he worked as a tinner.
Land Tenancy & Partnerships
Manor records indicate that in 1673, Nicholas entered into a business partnership with John Shellebeare (Shillibeer). Together, they held joint tenancies for both:
- Reedapitt (Riddipit) farmstead.
- Keagles Burrow (Keaglesborough) tin workings.
Family & Alleged Children
Nicholas and his wife Mary are linked to four children (Walkhampton Parish Birth Records 1674 – 1768):
- Amy Worth (1676–1758): The only confirmed child, verified directly through Walkhampton parish baptism registers.
- Michael Worth (1679–1746): Linked as a brother to Amy through research by Mike Brown of Dartmoor Press.
- Nicholas Worth (1685–1740): Likewise identified as a brother to Amy by Mike Brown.
- John Worth (Unknown – 1683): Added to the family tree by my Great Aunt.
(Note on John Worth: I have been unable to confirm John’s relation to Nicholas and Mary. While a burial record for a John Worth exists in 1683, the entry does not indicate he was an infant—which would be expected given the timeline of his alleged siblings—and no further record explicitly connects him to this family.)
Death & Burial
Nicholas Worth was buried on 31st January 1699 (🔒Walkhampton Parish Burial Records, Plymouth & West Devon Record Office).
