I am descended from the Ashburton, Devon 'Whiddon' family and trying to establish if there is a direct family link between the more well-known Whiddon family of Chagford, Devon.
I am certain of my direct family to my great (x3) grandfather Thomas Whiddon b1787 in Buckfastleigh, Devon. Thomas moved first to Plymouth, then to London with his son John (b 1821 - my great (x2) grandfather), where my branch of the family then developed (I still live in SE England, UK).
Based on limited records, my tree then runs back through Jacob Whiddon b1763 Ashburton; Joseph Whiddon b1732 Ashburton; John Whiddon b1696 Ashburton to William Whiddon b1672 Ashburton.
Ashburton and Chagford were both important Stannary towns and only a few miles apart - so a link between the Whiddon families seems highly plausible. Any help in tracing a potential link greatly appreciated.