Hello, All; Perhaps not directly in answer to Robin Thackaberry of Perth, WA, I can offer the following excerpt from approximately 500 years of medieval GIFFORDs. (Alas, none in Devon.) Osberne de Bolebec, Lord of Longueville, was born in Normandy before 1028. He married Avelina. Osberne went to England with William in 1066. William rewarded with land those who had helped him secure the throne of England. Osberne was given land at Brimpsfield, Gloucestershire. Osberne Gyffarde (son of Osberne and Avelina) was born at Brimpsfield, and died about 1086. (Sorry, I don't know why he took the name, but it was fairly common to do so in those days.) Elias Giffard III, (second great grandson of Osberne) married Maude Fitz Robert Fitz Harding, bringing Berkeley Castle into the family. Sir John Giffard (sixth great grandson of Osberne) was born at Twyford, Berkshire, and was a Knight of the Shire. Thus begins a long line of Knights of Berkshire, most of whom were named John. I lose the Gifford line with Amy, (14th great granddaughter of Osberne) who was born around 1485 or 1490, also at Twyford. The Giffords were related by marriage to (among others) such powerful medieval English families as de BOCLAND, de CLIFFORD, le STRANGE, and VAUX. If anyone is interested in the missing generations, I can provide that information. Sorry Robin, not a single Gifford in Devon do I have. :^( But maybe this branch will be interesting to someone. Merry Guido Salt Lake City, Utah, USA merry@inconnect.com ICQ 23061054 Researching LAKIN