Every family

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Every family

The Everys are an old English family from the West Country (Devon, Dorset and Somerset). Their history goes back to the late 1100s, and they are related to the Brice family through marriage.

They were important landowners in Devon, especially in Chardstock and Shepton Beauchamp, and they were Lords of the manor of Wootton Abbotts. Their main homes were Wycroft Castle, Wootton Abbotts manor, and Egginton Hall.

In 1641 a branch of the family became the Every baronets of Egginton. The baronetcy passed through many generations. Egginton Hall burned down in 1736 and was replaced by a new house, which was demolished in the 1950s. The line includes Sir Simon Every, 1st Baronet, through to Sir Henry Every, 13th Baronet (born 1947). The heir apparent is Edward James Henry Every, born in 1975.

The family’s origin is traced to John Avery of Bodmin, born around 1500. One son, John Avery, became Serjeant-at-Arms to Queen Elizabeth I. His other son founded the Everys of Wycroft Castle, who built up large estates.

Henry Every, the famous 17th‑century pirate, is believed to descend from the West Country Everys. He may have been born around 1659 and is thought to be a cousin of the Wycroft Castle line near Plymouth. He is said to have married Dorothy Arther; there is no clear evidence of children.

Notable members include John Every, who served as Serjeant-at-Arms to Elizabeth I; Worthington Brice and his son John, who fought for the Cavaliers in the Civil War; and several baronets who held public roles. The 4th baronet was a Royal Navy captain and High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 1718; the 5th baronet was Rector of Eggington and of Navenby; the 6th was High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 1749; the 7th was Rector of Waddington; the 8th was High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 1783; the later baronets also held various offices.

Coats of arms: The Everys of Wycroft Castle were granted arms described as or, four chevronels gules, with a crest of a demi-unicorn. The Egginton baronets add the Red Hand of Ulster to their arms and have a crest showing a unicorn’s head.

This is a simple overview of the Every family, its origins, lands, notable members, and heraldry.