Originally Posted on Facebook: April 13, 2020

Devon and Cornwall Heritage - Sargent's and Lane's

The great cream tea debate - Do you put the jam or the cream first?

I referred to Isaac and Ann Lane in some previous posts and mentioned that Isaac originated from Devonshire. In fact, Isaac and Ann were both born in Cornwall but their families lived in an area of England that spanned the two counties. Ann was born in Whitstone, Cornwall, and Isaac in North Tamerton, Cornwall. However, for Isaac, some of the records show his address as Devon. Many of these small communities actually lie less than 5km apart. Based on the biography done in Canada which notes Isaac as being from Devonshire it is likely the Sargent's identified most with that county. The Lanes appear to be most linked with Cornwall.

Today, Devon and Cornwall are often identified together in the UK as being most similar for a lot of reasons but there are some cultural differences in language accents and food. Most notably, the order in which the cream and jam are put on the scone at tea time!

I have attached Isaac and Ann's marriage record dated Nov 2, 1864 below. Note that Isaac is living in Plymouth at the time of marriage which is many miles south from where they are married as I believe it is likely that Isaac was undertaking his apprenticeship as a carpenter and spent at least part of that time in Plymouth, a large shipbuilding center at the time. Frances and Eliza Lane, brother and sister of the bride are witnesses. Note finally, that Ann does not sign, but that she places her mark with an X which was very common for this class of women at the time.