Are you searching for genealogical information about Finchingfield family
names? Or are you looking for some specific facts about the village and
its people, past and present? If so, you may find something useful here.
I haven't done any genealogical research myself, but many people have.
If you would like a message to appear on this page, either offering or
requesting information, please get in touch and I'll be pleased to add
it. Please let me know if you find any dead email links.
Ron Hawkins has collated the Finchingfield Parish Church records covering
Baptisms, Marriages and Burials from 1607 until 1837 with some information
covering later dates. He also has data from the Chapel records from the
mid-1700s and is the man to contact about local history.
Denise Sullens Smith has researched several family trees and can offer
information about the following surnames:-
SULLENS - back to 1797.
FRENCH - back to 1700s
OVERALL - back to 1700s
SHEAD; SHED - back to possibly 1300
RIDGEWELL
STOCK - early 1700s only
also MOORES of Great & Little Saling
Denise would be happy to exchange information with anyone researching
these names.
Dawn and Dick Miles, who live in Queensland, Australia, are researching
several Finchingfield names and would like to hear from anyone who would
like to exchange information. The names they are interested in are:-
"I have various family names with links around Finchingfield. Primarily
we are talking the HARDY dynasty, but obviously there are marriage links,
including: Adamson, Adcock, Barnard, Betts, Britton, Byfleet, Cardy, Daines,
Frost, Hart, Hasler, Heard, Hills, Hurry, Johnson, Lavinder, Martin, Moore,
Morley, Newman, Partner, Potts, Rawlinson, Reade, Ridgewell, Robertson,
Samms, Smith, Suckling, Turner, Upsall, Webb, Willis and Wilsmore. In
most instances this is just a marriage to a Hardy and the history associated
with the Hardy line, but it might help a few folk with their research
- and of course, they might be able to help me a little too."
Simon Harrington writes:-
"I have a genealogical interest in the village in that my great-great-great-great-great
grandfather James HARRINGTON was born there in c.1742. I have a lot of
information on the name Harrington in the village and also in Wethersfield
where he moved to. I'd be happy to pool information."
Also researching Harringtons is Alan Norridge:-
"I am interested in any information about the ancestors and descendants
of David HARRINGTON b.26 Sept 1845, d.March 1929 both in Little London,
and his wife Mary STOCK b.1853 Birdbrook d.April 1939. They were married
30 Nov 1872 in St John the Evangelist, Cornish Hall End. Their children
were:- Mary Jane b.1873, Elizabeth Emma b.1875, Jessie b.1878, John b.1880,
Alice b.20 Nov 1881, George b.1886, Albert b.1889, Frederick b.1892, Edith
Florence b.1894 and Arthur b.1896. I am interested in the descendants
of the children to the present day. Alice was my Grandmother. I have some
information already and a few old photographs."
Added 7th August 2006
Marc Archer writes from the USA about earlier Harringtons:-
"I'm searching for info about Thomas HARRINGTON who was of Finchingfield
when he married widow Anne LINSEY in London in 1577. Anne Linsey was of
Althorne.
"They became the parents of Alice Harrington who m. John MOTT, the
parents of Dorothy Mott who m. John TALCOTT of early New England (Connecticutt).
Searching for Anne Linsey's maiden name."
From June Page:-
"I have been researching the STOCK Families from Finchingfield for some
years now and have made contact with other researchers who link up with
a John Stock who married Susannah Wyatt on 18 Jan 1756. We are all stuck
with this John ... even though we have his date of Burial. I have set
out a vast Family Tree from this time. A younger Zachariah Stock married
Susannah Letch from Toppesfield on 21 Nov 1815. Another wellknown family
from this area. I have plenty of information for other researchers who
may like to contact me."
June also writes:- (added 30th December 2007)
" I have a Death Certificate which turned out to be the wrong one
for our particular Stock Family!! It is for MARY ANNE STOCK the widow
of JAMES STOCK who died on 26th April 1899 aged 78 years. She was living
in the ALMS HOUSES, Finchingfield. The Informant was MARY TURNER of the
Alms Houses. Mary Anne's Death was registered on 26th April 1899 [Same
day as she died!]
"Anyone out there who this might belong to?"
From Barry Drew:-
"I have a great-grandfather, Frederick William DREW, who was born in Finchingfield
in about August, 1859. His parents were John and Susan. He married in
London in 1882, had two sons (1883 and 1884), was widowed in 1884, and
then immigrated with the two sons to South Africa in about 1894. I have
records of him and all the South African relatives but am looking for
English connections!"
Gerald H. Shirley, who flew out of RAF Wethersfield in the early 1960s,
is wondering if anyone knows about a Mrs Moody who worked in BASOPS at
Wethersfield at that time and is thought to have lived in Finchingfield.
Peter Tranter would like to hear from anyone who can give him information
about the history of his house - Hillcrest, located on the outskirts of
the village on the Wethersfield Road.
From Evelyn Heale (nee Gilby):-
"GILBY and GILBEY are the principal names I am researching. The oldest
GILBY name on my tree so far is Edward GILBY who maried Elizabeth CLEMENTS
at Finchingfield in 1732. I have an ever growing database of GILBY / GILBEY
names, seems there were a lot of them in the area in the past."
Added 21st August 2006 - Another message about
Gilby comes from Lynne Hughes, who writes:-
"I am researching my GILBY family from Finchingfield. My tree begins
with Edward Gilby (1709) and Elizabeth CLEMENTS (1709) both from Finchingfield.
Has anyone any information regarding Harriet Sparks ARNOLD (1817) who
married Samuel Gilby (1818). Her father, John Arnold, was the Blacksmith
in Finchingfield. I would like to hear from anyone who can give me her
siblings, her children or any information regarding the Gilby or Arnolds
please."
Nicola Lynch is researching the BALLS family, born in and around Finchingfield,
and would welcome any information about the following:-
John born about 1737 married Mary Richardson.
Simon born about 1791 married a Mary ??
William born 1817 married a Hannah Saynes.
Also researching this family name, David Turner writes:-
"I am searching for more information concerning my ancestors, the
Balls family of Finchingfield. Henry BALLS (b. 1835) married an Eliza
(b. 1839), both from the village. They had four children Sarah (b. 1862),
Auther (b. 1866), Harry (b. 1870) and Emma (b.1858), all born in Finchingfield.
In 1881, the family were living at No 1 Poulters (or Poutters) - does
that address still exist?"
Added 15th September 2004 - A third message
about this name comes from Tim Ball:-
"I am researching the BALLS family from Finchingfield, and my family
line is connected to the same line that Nicola Lynch and David Turner
are researching - we have discovered that David and I are 4th cousins
once removed.
"John Balls born about 1737 married Mary Richardson. They had 9
known children of which one was Simon born about 1791 who married a Mary
??, this is the line Nicola has researched. Another son, John born in
1777 married Sarah and they had 6 children including Thomas my 3rd great
grandfather and David Turner's 4th great grandfather. I also have lots
of information on the Balls and Claydon (Clayden) families from Finchingfield
and nearby locations like Steeple Bumpstead and Hempstead and would be
happy to hear from people with similar research interests."
Added 20th December 2004 - From Peter Collins:-
"My GGGG-grandmother was Eleanor BALLS (born 13.5.1781, married
Samuel CANT 29.5.1804, died 9.3.1862, all these in the Northern Parishes
of Essex). It took me a very long time to find her birth! I am now looking
for details of her parents, Thomas and Susannah. Their marriage, which
I expect to be about 1768, is not on the usual indexes so I am beginning
to think I am in for another long haul. I was wondering if anyone might
have come across this event. I am happy to exchange any information I
have or to help look for anything that is causing anyone a problem.
"At the moment I am only looking for my pedigree lines, so am only
pursuing the main 'branches'. I do however have two contacts who are looking
for the 'twigs' as well. I can put anyone interested in contact with them."
Added 28th March 2003
Haydn Cracknell writes from Canada....
"I would be very interested in talking to anyone who may have any
connection with the families below, particularly the CRACKNELLs.
"The Census records of different years show that Charles CRACKNELL
b c.1813 was born in Finchingfield or Birdbrook. The LOPPINS identified
as the birthplace of some is now known as LOPHAMS farm which originally
had farm cottages, nearby.
"George CRACKNELL b 1849 is my Great Grandfather who moved to Middlesex
from Essex to become a policeman with the Metropolitan Police."
Descendants of Thomas Cracknell
1 Thomas Cracknell 1777 - 1858
+Mary Lewsey 1782 - 1844
m: 1801 in Steeple Bumpstead, Essex
2 Charles Cracknell 1813
-
+Sarah Glasscock 1810 -
b: September 30, 1810
m: July 26, 1832 in Ridgewell, Essex
3 Thomas Cracknell 1833 -
b: 1833 in Finchingfield, Essex
+Elizabeth
1839 -
b: 1839 in Steple Bumpstead,
Essex
3
Edward Cracknell 1835 -
3
Charles Cracknell 1838 -
b: July 01, 1838 in Finchingfield,
Essex
+Emma
Killenbeck 1839 -
b: 1839 in Stambourne, Essex
m:
January 11, 1861 in St John's Finchingfield, Essex
3
John Cracknell 1841 -
b: 1841 in Finchingfield
+Harriet
Rawling 1844 -
b: 1844 in Bumpstead
m:
January 13, 1865 in St John's Church, Finchingfield, Essex
3 William Cracknell 1845 -
b:
August 25, 1845 in Nr Loppins, Finchingfield, Essex
+Emma
Maria Kemp 1845 -
b: 1845 in Steeple Bumpstead,
Essex
m:
February 12, 1864 in Finchingfield, Essex
3 Mary Cracknell 1848 -
b:
May 13, 1848 in Nr Loppins, Finchingfield, Essex
+Henry
Trigg 1852 -
b:
October 22, 1852 in Stocking Pelham, Herts, England
m:
October 28, 1871
d: in before Dec 10 1913
3 George Cracknell 1849 - 1910
b:
October 16, 1849 in Nr Loppins, Finchingfield, Essex
d:
September 25, 1910 in Hillingdon, Middx
+Ellen
Freeman 1850 - 1933
b:
January 21, 1850 in Finchingfield
m:
January 27, 1872 in St John's, Finchingfield, Essex
d:
July 11, 1933 in Hillingdon Middx
3 Frederick Cracknell 1854 -
b:
July 31, 1854 in Nr Loppins, Finchingfield, Essex
+Eliza
Fitch 1859 -
b:
1859 in Birdbrook, Essex
2 Malc1 Cracknell
2 Malc2 Cracknell
2 Malc3 Cracknell
The Malc1/2/3 children are male children identified from an early census
that only lists children by sex and age. These would have been older than
Charles b 1813 by up to 10 years.
"I am tracing a branch of my family which has lead me to Finchingfield
and would be interested in sharing information on the CARVER and COWEL
families.
"Robert Carver married Jane Cowel at the church in Finchingfield
on 31st December 1842. Both were living in Finchingfield at the time of
their marriage. Their parents were Robert Carver and Thomas Cowel."
Added 2nd June 2003
Dave Griggs writes:-
"I am looking for any information about the ASHBY family from Foulslow
Farm Cottages, Cut Hedge, Finchingfield. Was there a baptism of Willie
Ashby about 1865, son of Peter and Sarah? They then moved on to Shalford."
Added 3rd July, updated 28th September 2003
Shirley Meissner writes from Australia:-
"I am searching for information on Thomas ROBINSON (sometimes spelt
ROBERTSON) and wife Sussanah DARE who married (in 1837) and lived in Finchingfield.
Thomas was the son of Edward Robinson. Sussanah was the daughter of William
Dare.
"In the 1861 census Thomas was 44, Sussanah was 43, son William 21,
Thomas 15, Elizabeth 12, Marianne 6 and George 7 months old. Parents and
children all born in Finchingfield.
"Sussanah died in 1868 at Braintree. George was my great grandfather,
nothing is known of the rest of the family.
"Other names associated with the Robinsons and Dares are HEARD, GILBY,
STOCK, RIDGWELL, JUDD and BROYD.
"Any information very much appreciated."
Added 13th July 2003
Brenda Jones writes from New Zealand:-
"I was born in Great Bardfield but have found that many of my father's
family come from the Sampfords and Finchingfield. I would appreciate any
help with the following:
William OVERALL born about 1770
Jane RICHARDSON born about 1780
Francis JUNIPER born about 1790
Frances SUCKLING married 1820"
Added 26th July 2003, updated 15th April 2005
Kim Power and Jeff Wesley are still researching the Westley or Wesley
family tree. Kim writes:
"We have found family in most of the surrounding villages, Stambourne
mainly, as well as Finchingfield. We also have some info on quite a few
of the local names, including ARGENT, MARSH, MARTIN, METSON, OVERETT,
PARTNER, PEACOCK, RAYMOND, REVELL, THOROGOOD, WINCH as well as some others,
mainly through marriage.
"We are actually stuck looking for the baptism of WILLIAM WESLEY
1782 and his wife MARY BEVIS baptism 1785, also EDWARD WESLEY (slightly
earlier time period), who married a REBECCA, amongst others.
"If anyone has come across any WESTLEYS/ WESLEYS, we would be most
grateful if you could contact us.
"We are also happy to share any of our information."
Added 25th September 2003
Bernard Myer writes:-
"I would like to contact JANE CRAWFORD, daughter of Tony and Pat
Crawford who lived at Justice Farm outside Finchingfield. We lived next
door to her parents before she was born and I have two letters from her
mother and wonder if she would like to have them.
"Also, if anyone remembers me from Finchingfield or Margaret Tabor
school in Braintree (1960-1962) I'd like to hear from them. "
Added 5th October 2003
Russ Palmer writes:-
"My father ROBERT PALMER was born at Coleman's Farm, just outside
the village, in 1918. His father, also Robert Palmer, had moved there
from Cambridgeshire shortly after the turn of the century. There he married
Edith Irene Barnes of Birdbrook, a schoolteacher at the time. Dad attended
the village school. They left in the late 1940s when my dad was serving
in France and his father died. Ever after they lived in Braintree. Dad
died last year.
I would be interested to hear from anybody who might recall Coleman's
and Finchingfield during that time and might have known the family."
Added 12th November 2003
Kath Ward writes:-
"I am looking for information on my husband's great grandfather,
Walter Edward SAMMES, who was born in Finchingfield in about 1851. Walter
married in Lambeth in 1874 and his father is described on the marriage
certificate as Shadrack Sammes (deceased), farm bailiff."
Added 1st December 2003
Jill Carpenter writes:-
"I am looking for any information on a family of Harts who lived
in Finchingfield in the early to mid 19th century. My great-great-grandfather,
Thomas Hart, was born in Finchingfield in August of 1845. He emigrated
to the US in 1860, with what looks like his mother, Mary, and a sister,
L.H. His father's name may have been Thomas also. Have already sent for
his birth registration, but am interested in marriage of his parents or
death of his father. Will pay for any costs for photos etc."
Added 26th January 2004
Stuart Pask writes:-
"I have been researching the PASK(E) families since the early 1980s
and have a One-Name
Study website. I have been recently collaborating with a fellow researcher
on the PASKE branch that had their roots in Finchingfield. In particular
these were the families of George
PASKE, and his son William, who I believe were vicars of Finchingfield.
They had large families who were baptised, married, and buried in Finchingfield.
"For the purpose of identifying the relevant people easily I have
created a list on my website People
from Essex."
[ You can contact Stuart via his website. ]
Added 24th February 2004
Martin Prowse writes:-
"I am researching a number of Finchingfield families from whom I
am descended and can exchange information on the following names:
CHEVELEY (?), HAMMOND, BEDDALL, FOSTER, CLARK, RYDER
with links to other localities: Wicken Bonhunt, Newport, Debden, Good
Easter, Aythorpe Roding, Black Notley.
"Dates so far from about 1750s to 1900s.
"The Finchingfield connection is specifically with Jekyll's Farm.
I have information from wills and registers and would be happy to exchange
information and to hear of anyone with similar interests."
Added 25th February 2004
Arlene Mills writes from Tennessee:-
"I am seeking ancestors/descendants of one John CRACKNELL, christened
31 July 1801 in Finchingfield; son of John Cracknell 1790 & Hannah
Smee. John married Frances Kemsley in April 1828 in Hollingbourne, Kent."
"I have been stuck for some time trying to find the parents of my
ancestor
Thomas PURKISS who was from Hempstead and married Sarah RICHARDSON in
Finchingfield on 25 December 1792. Banns were read for the marriage and
I wonder whether there is any indication in the records of the names of
his parents or address."
Added 19th April 2004
A member of the BROYD family is starting a website devoted to this name,
which appears in the records of Finchingfield and other nearby parishes.
She writes that she is preparing her website as a base for Broyds and
Broyd-researchers, partly to see if it's of any use to anyone and partly
to establish contact with her distant relatives.
Stuart Collie is also researching the Broyd family of Finchingfield and
Wethersfield:-
"I have an Ellen BROYD born 1848 in Finchingfield (parents were
Abiatha(r) Broyd b 1824, Wethersfield, and Martha ASHBY b 1829, Finchingfield)
as appearing in the 1851, 1861 and 1871 census.
"I am however struggling with the parents of Abiatha(r) Broyd as
the name seems to change to BROID. I have his parents as James Broid (b
1798, Wethersfield) and Anne ????? (born 1808, Wethersfield). In the 1841
census it appears that his mother is living with them (Prudence Broid
b 1776, Wethersfield).
"I wonder if anyone can shed any light on this or give me some direction."
Added 12th May 2004
Jean Laidlaw writes:-
"I am researching the LEGERTON/LEDGERTON family who were in Finchingfield
from the seventeenth to twentieth centuries. I have amassed considerable
ammounts of information which I am willing to share and would also like
to hear from anyone who can add to my knowledge. Other names of interest
are DAVIE, ALLEN and WINTERFLOOD"
Added 20th June 2004
Les Parkins writes:-
"My great grandmother, Ellen WIFFEN was born in Finchingfield in
1860.
"From Ellen's birth certificate her parents were Edward Wiffen and
Ann FREEMAN who married in 1851.
"Edward's father was James Wiffen and I believe his mother was Susan
COE. Ann's father was one of several possible James whom I have yet to
confirm. As yet I have no information on her mother.
I would be most grateful for information on any of the above or their
families, or their lives in Finchingfield."
Added 6th June 2007
Veronica Gaywood writes:-
"My gt gt grandfather James WIFFEN was born in Finchingfield in
1825, the son of Thomas Wiffen and Susanna Baynes. He married a Panfield
girl called Emma possibly about 1867 and they had at least three children
(Eliza, Joanna and Walter), perhaps six (daughter-name unknown; born 1852,
Elizabeth and Sarah Ann). In the 1861 census for Panfield I have found
James listed as a widower living with his son William aged 17.
"Does anyone know who James' first wife was? And might he have had
a second wife before he married Emma? I would be most grateful for information
on any of the above named."
Added 21st June 2004
Glenys Petrie writes:-
"I have recently discovered a family link with Finchingfield, after
13 years research. I am now looking for information about Elizabeth CLARKE
and John NOONE, who married in 1783 in Finchingfield. John is incorrectly
recorded on the International Genealogical Index as John MOORE. Any help
would be appreciated."
Added 30th June 2004
Julie Airey writes:-
"My search is looking at the family surrounding Josiah TOWNSEND.
He was born around 1852, his father was named John Townsend. Josiah married
Priscilla DOE on 26 October 1872 at the Church of St Johns Finchingfield.
Her father was William Doe. In 1881 the family were residing at Chaple
End Houses, Finchingfield, Essex. There are also records showing that
they resided in Ugley around 1901.
"I know that Josiah and Priscilla had at least three children, Lizzie,
Mary Ann and Frederick. Lizzie was my great-grandmother.
"I am interested in any family history relating to both families
and also the house they were living in."
Added 21st June 2004
Glenys Petrie writes:-
"I have recently discovered a family link with Finchingfield, after
13 years research. I am now looking for information about Elizabeth CLARKE
and John NOONE, who married in 1783 in Finchingfield. John is incorrectly
recorded on the International Genealogical Index as John MOORE. Any help
would be appreciated."
Added 22nd September 2004
Steve Linsell writes:-
"I notice that in the Finchingfield directories of 1848 there is
a Joseph
Linsell listed as a Grocer and Draper and a Straw Plait Manufacturer.
I feel that this person must be an ancestor of mine, as my 4 x g grandfather
Samuel Linsell, who died in the neighbouring village of Weathersfield
in
1823, was a Grocer and Draper and his eldest son John Swan Linsell was
a
Straw Plait Dealer. Can anyone help me out with this hunch? Most of the
family had moved to London by 1848."
Added 5th October 2004
Chris Hurlock writes:-
"I've recently confirmed that my great great grandfather Charles
HAWKES was born in Finchingfield c.1834, the son of Shadrach Hawkes
& his wife.
"His wife, my great great grandmother, Emma ARNOLD, was also born
in Finchingfield c.1835, the daughter of Edward Arnold & his
wife Mary.
"So far it looks like both Charles & Emma were only children.
"I'd love to hear from anyone else researching the same families.
I have a fair amount of information on Charles & Emma & their
children after they moved to London, but, as yet, not much on them while
living in Finchingfield."
Added 31st October 2004
Jim MacKay writes from New Zealand:-
"I am looking for information on James TURNER who married Martha
Sams circa 1718, in Finchingfield. I believe they had nine children, one
being John Turner (who married Sarah Scott)"
Added 5th November 2004
Robert Ruse writes:-
"I am looking for information on my GGGGrandparents who lived in
Finchingfield in the early 19th Century.
"WILLIAM WHITE was a tailor and he married REBECCA PORTWAY who was
supposed to be from the family that manufactured the 'Tortoise' Stoves
in Braintree. The Portways apparently lived in a large property in the
area.
They had at least one daughter SOPHIA WHITE born c.1821 who married WILLIAM
HUMPHREY from Steeple Bumpstead where they lived.
"I can trace the Humphreys on the Steeple Bumpstead Website but I
am seeking earlier information."
Added 9th November 2004
Les Moore writes:-
"I would like to hear from anyone who can offer information about the
family of my grandfather Ernest MOORE who was born in October 1872. Ernest's
parents were John and Charlotte (formerly GILBY) and they lived at 39
Broad Green, Finchingfield."
Added 17th November 2004
Candace M. Corthell writes:-
"I am searching for the ascendents of George E. HALLS born about 1825
in Finchingfield. He married a woman named Susan who was from Chatham,
Kent, England. George E. Halls was a rigger, in the Navy. He was living
in Kent area in 1871. Does anyone know of any Halls families living in
Finchingfield in 1820-30? Any help would be greatly appreciated."
Added 20th November 2004
Pam White writes:-
"I am looking for a family called WHENDAY. Harriett was born about 1849
in Finchingfield. She married George Goulds and was living in Hadlow,
Kent in 1870. Can anyone help, please?"
Added 22nd November 2004
Alan HITCHING has been researcing his family name and has sent details
of his immediate tree:-
[1] William = Emma 1675?
[2] William b 1680? =Mary Halls 1718
[3] William b 1725? [died 1778] =Anne 1745?
[4] William bp 1758 [died 1836] =Mary Moore 1775 b 1753 [died 1837]
[5] Simeon b 1790? [died 1867] =Hannah Wiffen 1813 [died 1847]
[6] William bp 1824 [died 1897]= Eliza Vale 1824 b 1824 [died 1857]
[7] Samuel b 1846 [died 1916] =Caroline Chapman 1868 [died 1924]
[8] Horace William b 1870 [died 1939] =Edith Parsons 1900 b 1873 [died
1953]
[9] Norman b 1911 [died 1987] = Grace Bellchamber 1940 b 1913 [died 1992]
[10] Alan b 1941 =Hilda King 1967 b 1942 [died 2000]
=Sue
Cotton [widow] 2003.
[11]+[12] Below this are Alan's children and grandchildren.
Alan writes:-
"I have used the baptisms, marriages, and deaths of Finchingfield, Great
Bardfield, Little Bardfield, Wethersfield, and Rayne. Also the 1821 draft
census in Finchingfield and the 1831 and 1841 censuses there. As my part
of the family went to Rayne, I used censuses there till 1871. I have also
consulted vestry records in both Finchingfield and Great Bardfield. I
would like to hear from anyone doing related research with a view to sharing
information"
Added 6th September 2006
Further to the above message Alan's brother Peter has been computerising
Alan's data, adding a lot of census information and to date the tree covers
over 1000 people. He can make this data available as a PDF file or as
a "Family Tree Maker" file.
Added 14th December 2004
Bernice Patient writes:-
"I am looking for information on Alfred PATIENT or PATIENCE. The former
surname was used on the 1881 census, and by the family, but the latter
surname was used on his marriage in 1872 in Loughton, Ex to Mary Ann Mead.
Alfred was born in Finchingfield (census info) in about 1844-46 his father
(from marriage certificate) is given as James Richardson Patience labourer.
I have found several persons with the Patient surname in Finchingfield
and Braintree area on the 1871/81 census, but cannot pinpoint the birth
of Alfred from birth records, so am not sure if they are related. Any
information would be helpful"
Added 3rd January 2005
Jacky Kemp writes:-
"I am currently researching the KEMP family, that in the main originated
from Toppesfield but also lived in surrounding villages, Finchingfield
being one of them. I understand that there was a Kemp family that built
Spains Hall. Does anybody have any information that may be of help?"
Added 6th January 2005
Kathy Murphy writes:-
"I am looking for any information on the family name of RIDGEWELL. I know
that my Great Great Grandfather was James Ridgewell and his wife was Julie
BAYNES. I have a lot of info on Julie but, to no surprise, I can not find
info on James. Their son, David, was my Great Grandfather and I have information
about him, but not about any other children. There was also an Isabel,
but I'm not sure how she fits into the family."
Added 8th January 2005
Debbie Abbott writes:-
"I am trying to trace my grandfather's family. He was Frederick GILBEY
and, according to my mother, born in Finchingfield. The story goes that
his father went to India as a lay preacher and met and married an Indian
girl out there. They moved back to Finchingfield where my grandfather
was born. I think that he may have had a brother called John and possibly
a sister called Carrie. He would have been born around the 1880s."
Added 3rd February 2005
Nan Hobson is researching the following :-
Richard COE, born Thaxted, married Ann DIGBY in Finchingfield 1818.
Son John COE married Lucinda LEWSEY 1844 in Finchingfield.
Son Frederick COE married Emma RIDGEWELL 1864 in Finchingfield.
Son Absolom (George) COE married Harriet Broyd/Broid/Broad
1885 High
Ongar.
Any help would be appreciated.
Added 19th February 2005
Brian West is looking for information about the following:-
John HITCHCOCK (son of James Hitchcock and Hannah ?). John was born c.1845
in Finchingfield, married Susan ? c.1865-70.
His father, James, was born 1829 in Bardfield, he married Hannah ? born
Finchingfield (?) c.1827. James and Hannah seem to have married in Braintree
c.1842/44.
Added 6th March 2005
Janet Taylor writes:-
"I have an ancestor Samuel CLAYDON who lived in Finchingfield in
the 18th century. He was married to Giffey WYATT in 1770. They had 9 children
all born in Finchingfield. Can anybody help me find out more about this
family please? I have more info on the family since then, but not any
further back."
Added 13th March 2005
Ben Franklin writes:-
"I was stationed at RAF Station Wethersfield from 1961 to 1964. I
am wondering if anyone can give me information about a family that lived
nearby, by the name of BARRON - Dorothy and Ted. They had two daughters
and two sons. They might have lived up the road from Finchingfield, closer
to Great Bardfield. The name of their farm was Mandalay Farm."
Added 21st March 2005
Margaret Fowler writes:-
"My grandmother, Ellen GILDER, was born at Finchingfield c.1858.
I believe she worked as a servant girl in London around 1881. She married
my grand father George RATCLIFFE and my mother, the eldest child, was
born in 1887.
"I am 84 years old and hope to trace back my ancestry to leave to
my great- grandchildren. Any help would be appreciated."
Added 9th April 2005
Lynne Chazer writes:-
"I am researching my family history and have found that my great
great grandmother was born in Finchingfield. I would be grateful if anyone
had any information as to whether they were a local family or just passing
through.
The family I am looking for is FEWELL/FUELL either spelling, both have
been used on documents. William Fuell was a labourer, his daughter, Hannah,
married William Brazier at the Parish Church in Halstead, Essex in 1844.
I look forward tto hearing from anyone with any information."
Added 28th April 2005
Tina Tyler writes:-
"I would love to hear from anyone with any information regarding
births, marriages and deaths of the CHAPMAN family from Finchingfield."
Added 2nd April 2007
Peter Smith is researching the same name:-
"I am researching CHAPMAN family history. I am back to my GGGGrandfather
Ezekiel, one of whose sons was also Ezekiel, my GGGrandfather, another
son was Henry, who was a miller living at Mill House for part of his life.
I need help before 1797 when the first Ezekiel was born."
Added 17th May 2005
Kathy Sheppard writes:-
"Can anyone please help me find out about John PARSLEY born in Finchingfield
in 1777. He married Sarah. That is all I know."
Added 17th May 2005
John Christiansen writes from Ohau, New Zealand:-
"Would anyone know the where at Finchingfield my GGGGrandfather JOHN
NICHOLS farmed around 1800-1810, please?
"I am descended from his son JONATHAN, bapt. 6 April 1806 in Finchingfield;
his older brother FREDERICK NICHOLS, born 1799, owned the Parsonage Lane,
or Daw Street Mill in 1822.
"Family stories recalled from pre-War, when families 'talked', was
of a wealthy man, a benefactor of the poor, who was also involved in milling.
He married Sarah Rider at Little Chesterford 1 October 1793. Any help
or information about this family would be much appreciated."
Added 30th May 2005
Mike Mortlock, currently in Ghana, writes:-
"If anyone has information on the MORTLOCK family and is willing
to share please contact me.....and yes we do have internet in Ghana!"
Added 27th June 2005
Julie Gosney writes from Queensland, Australia:-
"I am researching the DREW family from the Finchingfield, Steeple
Bumpstead and Helions Bumpstead Parishes, and would like to hear from
anyone interested in this family name."
Added 8th August 2005
Pauline Elliott writes:-
"Some of my ancestors where born in Finchingfield. The only information
that I have is that a Samuel GREAVES (my gt.gt.gt.grandfather?) was born
about 1797. He married Sarah HARTLEY. Her year of birth was about 1800.
I would therefore assume they married about 1820, and they had a daughter
named Kezia, born about 1832. All I know is that Samuel was born in the
Finchingfield area.
"I wonder whether anyone can help me with information?"
Added 26th August 2005
Barbara Scott writes:-
"I would be grateful for any information re the SCOTT family. My
great great grandfather James Scott was born in 1835 in Finchingfield.
He married Phoebe PERRY (born about 1834) and my great grandfather Frederick
Thomas Scott was born in 1856. Phoebe was the daughter of Sarah Perry
(born about 1797 in Thaxted) and the sister of Emma (born about 1844),
who married Charles SAINES (born about 1842) of Finchingfield.
"When Frederick was about 14 or 15, he was working as a houseboy
for the Smiths at Great Bardfield Hall."
Added 11th September 2005
Nick Robinson writes:-
"I'm searching for an Ezekiel CLAYDON, who, I believe, died at Finchingfield
sometime between 1780 and 1800. Any help would be very much appreciated."
Added 13th September 2005
Ruth Bowler writes:-
"I am a bit of a novice at the family history, but I know my great
grandfather Zachariah Matthew WAKELING was born in Finchingfield on 1st
April 1869. He travelled around Essex quite a bit, mostly in search of
work, and produced several children in various parts of the county (notably
my grandad William Curtis Wakeling in 1899 in Hatfield Peverel) before
finally expiring in March 1932 in Colchester.
"I also know that there was a family of Wakelings at Tile Kiln Farm
in Finchingfield in 1881, and I am trying to find out if they are connected
to my branch of the family. They were: David 53 (farmer); Hannah 46, (wife);
James 21; George 19; Emily 18; Minnie 12; Ernest 11; Edward 8; Willie
7.
"If anyone has any info on any of these I would be very grateful."
Added 30th September 2005
Mark Laver writes:-
"Josiah(s) Laver b.1790s in Finchingfield, I think, married Frances
HARRINGTON, b.1795-6, in Finchingfield on 16/3/1816. They had at least
2 sons, James and Josiah.
"Can anyone please give me any more information. I can trace my
ggg grandfather, James b.1826, to 1891."
Added 7th October 2005
Grace Wallage writes:-
"I am trying to trace the ancestors of Hannah WALLAGE. This is her
married
name. She married William Wallage. Hannah was born in Finchingfield about
1796 and William was born in Hempstead abt 1795. They later moved to Steeple
Bumpstead.
"Can anyone tell me her maiden name? or anything else that would
help my
quest."
Added 13th October 2005
Cathy Carley writes from Australia:-
"My gggrandfather William PHILPOTT, according to the 1851 census,
was born in Finchingfield, was a police constable and was born c.1813.
He married Anne CORNELL. She was born c.1816 in Sampford, Essex,
but baptised in Finchingfield. Her father was Henry. I have just applied
for the marriage certificate of William and Anne, hopefully giving me
William's father.
"Is anyone else researching PHILPOTT from Finchingfield and maybe
CORNELL?"
Added 22nd January 2006
Richard Humphries writes:-
"My Grandfather William HUMPHRIES was born in Finchingfield in 1868,
his father Alfred in 1839, his father Samuel in 1815 (or1817), his father
(I think) Pearl in 1792 in Steeple Bumpstead or Birdbrook.
"If anyone is researching the family Humphries/Humphreys I would
be pleased
to swap information."
Added 28th January 2006
David Eustace writes from Canada:
"I was born in London, attended school in Ramsgate, and I’ve
lived in Toronto since 1966. My GGGGrandmother was born in Finchingfield
in the early 19th Century, probably 1801 or 1805. Her Maiden name was
Rebecca WENDON. She lived in Stratford, Essex as the wife of Walter HANCOCK
(1795-1852), who was from Marlborough, Wiltshire. Walter was an early
steam bus pioneer in London. Rebecca had family in Romford, Essex. Their
only child Elizabeth Ann Wendon Hancock was born in Stratford and died
in 1911 in Maidenhead, Berkshire, the wife of James Bennett.
"I would be pleased to hear from anyone wanting to share information."
Added 28th January 2006
In another message from Canada, Derek Irwin writes:
"I would be interested in finding out information about the STOCK
family.
My Grandfather's name is George Albert Stock, from Shalford.
"His
father, Edward Stock, and parents lived in Finchingfield.
"His Grandparents' first names we do not have, but they lived in
a thatched cottage in Duck End, seen on the left in this photo.
"Any help would be much appreciated."
Added 8th February 2006
Simon Perry writes:
"My great great grandfather was William GILDER, an agricultural labourer,
born in Finchingfield in 1825/6. In 1845 he married Ann SAUNDERS who was
also born in the village. I am looking for any information regarding their
ancestors. I know that on the 1851 census they were living next door to
a Henry Gilder and family who may have been his father (no specific address
on census).
"I also have a great great grandfather William HEARD, an agricultural
labourer born in Finchingfield in 1815/16. He married Jane MOORE who was
also born in the village, but I have not found any record of their marriage.
In 1851 they were living at Cottons (?) in Finchingfield. I have been
unable to find any information on William Heard's ancestors and would
appreciate any help."
Added 25th February 2006
Susan Flanagan writes from Cyprus:
"I have family from Finchingfield way back when.....They are named
BUTTLE, HALLS, TURNER and WILLIS. The Buttles were also in Little and
Great Bardfield and Little and Great Sampford. Any information would be
greatly appreciated."
Added 9th April 2006
Barbara Frost writes from New Zealand:
"John FROST was born 1845 in Finchingfield. His wife was Theodosia
CLARK born in Orsett/Grays, Essex in 1852. John's mother and father were
Amelia French born 1822 in Finchingfield and his father Richard born 1817
also in Finchingfield.
"Anyone having any further information - could they please contact
me."
Added 22nd May 2006
Mark Davison writes from Australia:
"I am looking for ancestors of Robert DAVISON in Essex. He was born
in 1805
in Toppesfield, Essex and was transported to Sydney, Australia in 1827.
His
father was John DAVIDSON ? born about 1770-80; his mother was Hannah JACKSON
born about 1770-1780, Essex. Any help would be appreciated."
Added 21st July 2006
Linda Easterbrook (nee Mead) writes:
"I have recently found that my gt gt grandfather came from Finchingfield.
He was John MEAD born 1847.
"In 1871 he was living in Little London, Finchingfield, his wife
was Mary, they had a daughter, Emma, and two sons, William and Walter.
"In 1881 John had a different wife by the name of Alice and there
is another son Henry, who is my gt grandfather. John was a horseman on
a farm.
"In 1890 another daughter was born, Florence. At some point after
that they moved to Braintree.
"I would like to know if anyone has any more information on the family."
Added 15th August 2006,
amended 25th April 2007
Shelly Haley first contributed to this page in 2006 and
now writes:
"I have associated most of the FAIRCLOTH lines from 1650 to 1900
in Finchingfield and the surrounding villages. The tree includes many
names that are mentioned in your messages. The tree is now available at
the Genes Reunited website, but I can send a copy to anyone who would
like it. Other names in chart include:
"MARTHA BROID, JOHN CASBOT, WM. CLAYDON, ELIZABETH FITCH TURNER,
JOHN TURNER, MARY DACE, ELIZABETH BIRCH, JOHN FROST, JAMES METSON, JOSEPH
LEVI METSON, ELIZABETH JELLOP, GEORGE MARTIN, ELIZABETH MARTIN, PETER
SMITH, ROBERT SMITH, CHARLES SPILLMAN, THOMAS LANCASTER, FRANCES HARPER,
SARAH MYNETT, ANN BAILEY, HENRY SAINS, JOHN PEACOCK, EDWARD SUCKLING,
SAMUEL HAWKES, SAMUEL BOTT DAVEY, HENRY JACKSON, WILLIAM THURGOOD.
"I have a few questions: Daniel Faircloth 1681-1761 Finch. Birth
and Marriage record?
Charles Faircloth 1744-1837 Birth record? (He married Sarah Smith in 1771)
"Birth records for following Faircloths listed by Finchingfield burial
date:
Elizabeth 1758
Daniel 1784
Sarah 1787
Sarah 1795
Francis 1798
Elizabeth 1799"
Shelly has also researched the Sible Hedingham Fairclough
tree through twenty generations from 1370 to 1900:
"Sir Thomas Allen, whose family originated in Thaxted,
married Mary Fairclough of Fairclough Hall, Bedfordshire. They are ancestors
of Thomas Jefferson, 1743-1826. Her brother Lawrence Fairclough (1557)
was a well known puritan minister in Haverhill (he lived in Kedington,
Suffolk).
"The Sible Hedingham line is descended from his son
Samuel, 1594-1677, Stowmarket. It would appear that most of the E and
SE branches of the family are descended from this line, while the huge
Lancashire branch is descended from Sir Lawrence Fairclough (1434 Shelvington),
a 3xgt. uncle of Samuel (1594).
"I am working on the connections between the Finchingfield,
Gt Bardfield
and Hedingham lines. If anyone can help me out with info pre 1780, I would
be very grateful. Of course, I would be happy to exchange information
with other resarchers.
Added 15th March 2007
Richard Banks is also researching Faircloth:
"I'm trying to trace the FAIRCLOTH family who I know lived in Finchingfield
from at least 1770 to, I hope, the present time. Any help will be most
appreciated."
Added 9th October 2006
Lisa Foster-Thorn writes:
"I am looking for information and descendants of the THORN family.
My great-great grandfather was Arnold Thorn born 1843, and his parents
were Joseph Thorn and Sarah Bunting, born 1818 and 1817 respectively.
Jospeph was a shoemaker in 1844, then in 1871 he was a beerhouse keeper
at 7 Habbals Road, Finchingfield. Arnold's brothers were Daniel Thorn
and George Thorn.
"I have discovered more members of the Thorn family in the census
going further back but at the moment am unable to make a definite connection
with these people.
"I look forward to hearing from anyone with information."
Added 25th October 2006
Arthur Sylvester writes:
" I seek more information about my HART ancestors in Finchingfield,
as follows:
"John, b. abt 1788 in Finchingfield, m. Amelia Tracy of Layer de
la Haye, Essex.
John Hart is listed as a farmer on Yeldam's farm in 1841 and 1851 census.
"Children of John and Amelia Hart: James, b. 15 July 1818 Great Bardfield
or
Finchingfield, depending on census; Elizabeth b. Finchingfield about 1825
and
Sarah A., b. Finchingfield about 1827.
"James Hart m. Charlotte Jane Moye of Barrow, Suffolk, 18 Dec 1855
at Groton.
"Children of James and Jane: Eva Jane, b. Finchingfield abt 1859;
Agnes Hue, b. Finchingfield, 4 Jan 1862; Percy John, b. Finchingfield
in 1864; Lillian Marie, b. Finchingfield 21 Jan 1865; Harold James, b.
Arborfield, Berkshire, 1870; Frank, Charlotte, and Gwen.
"A family letter from Charlotte Hart says 'James Hart was born at
Hart's Farm, Finchingfield, Essex about 1800. The Hart family had lived
there for
generations.' Really? Where was Hart's Farm, who were the Harts that lived
on it, and how they are related to John and James Hart above? How, if
at all, are these 18th century Harts related to Mattias Harte, who was
a constable in Finchingfield in 1626-1634? Where might I find non Catholic
Church records pertaining to Finchingfield in that interval of time?"
Added 2nd January 2007
Jennie Cowdell writes:
"I have just begun to trace my Mother's family history.
"One track I have found is that my maternal grandmother, whose maiden
name was Alice Maud TURBIN mentions in a diary that her Grandparents (I
am assuming the family name is GILDER) are buried in the cemetery at Finchingfield
and that the grave is dated 1908. Nana also says that her mother grew
up in Finchingfield - I only know her name as Eliza GILDER. Eliza married
William TURBIN and moved to Little Bardfield in Essex where my Alice Maud
was born in 1896.
"I would be interested in any information about either the TURBIN
(or, perhaps, TURPIN) or the GILDER families."
"His
father, Edward Stock, and parents lived in Finchingfield.