Richard Ferris

[6] However the senior male line of this family is known to have died out on the death of Martin Ferrers (living during the reign of King Edward III (1327–1377)[5]), who left three daughters and co-heiresses, who married into the families of Champernowne, Poynings and Fleming.

[2][7] The records of the Borough of Barnstaple record in 1630 that a payment was made by the Borough to Alexander Horwood (Mayor of Barnstaple in 1634[2]) and Richard Ferris "for riding to Exon (i.e. Exeter, Devon) about the Spanish Company".

[9] During the Civil war he was a "fervent Parliamentarian" and when the town of Barnstaple was "without stocke of money" he was one of those (including George Peard, Richard Beaple and Pentecost Dodderidge), who made personal financial contributions.

[12] His second election was conducted in open air, to reduce the risk of catching the plague then ravaging the town, as is recorded in the Journal of Rev.

Richard Wood, Vicar of Fremington: "Mr Ferris was elected Mayor in the marsh on the higher side of Kony Bridge by ballets".

Richard Ferris, detail from his effigy in St Peter's Church, Barnstaple
Mural monument to Ferris in St Peter's Church
Canting arms of the ancient Anglo-Norman family of Ferrers of Bere Ferrers , Churston Ferrers , Fenyton, etc. all in Devon: Argent, on a bend sable three horse-shoes or . The arms of Richard Ferris as shown on his monument have the tinctures transposed as: Or, on a bend sable three horse-shoes argent