06/06/2026
Reverend Atkey, 17th Century Vicar of Ilfracombe
Alexander Atkey was the Vicar of Ilfracombe from 1663-1683. The son of Thomas and Marie Atkey, he was baptized at Holy Trinity on August 14, 1636. Several branches of the Atkey family had been in Ilfracombe for at least a century.
The first English Civil War began in 1642 when Alexander was six years old. The southwest of England was largely Royalist at this time and battles were fought against the Parliamentarians in Barnstaple and Ilfracombe. The second Civil War began in 1648 when he was twelve. King Charles I was executed in 1649 and after The Interregnum began Atkey received his BA from Exeter College Oxford in 1654.
In 1660 King Charles II restored the monarchy, Atkey received his MA from Jesus College, and John Gauden became Bishop of Exeter. (Alumni oronienses: the members of the University of Oxford, 1500-1714 by the University of Oxford)
In 1661 Bishop Gauden held his first ordinations at Exeter Cathedral, giving Atkey his deacon’s and priest’s orders at the same time. (A Short History of the Ancient Diocese of Exeter)
The new Vicar of Ilfracombe was admitted on the privation [suspension] of Leonard Prince on January 13 1663 on the presentation of Jeremiah Stevens, Prebendary of Ilfracombe from 1660-1665. Atkey followed Prince (1652-1660) and was succeeded by Allen Lester (1683-1686). “The probability is that Atkey was sent by a Parliamentary Committee to supply the place of an ejected pastor [Prince].” (North Devon Herald May 24 1894)
Alexander Atkey died aged 48 and was buried October 16 1683 at Holy Trinity, possibly beneath the church. The reign of Charles II ended two years later.
In his Will the Vicar gave one tenement situate in this Borough forever to the Minister of This Parish (Ilfracombe Chronicle May 4 1872). Atkey served many generations of Ilfracombe parishioners during his twenty year term.
The Vicar’s Latin memorial on the north wall at Holy Trinity is one of the few surviving from the 17th Century.
Thanks again to Peter Kirk for preserving our memorials and gravestones and for bringing them and their subjects to light.
Mark Parr
Editor, Coast & Combe Magazine
July 2025
