Register Of Baptisms Of The French Protestant Refugees At Thorney 1654-1727

Unlock Your Huguenot Heritage: The Baptisms of French Protestant Refugees at Thorney, 1654-1727

Journey back to a time of faith, resilience, and new beginnings. For the thousands of French Huguenots who fled religious persecution in the 17th and 18th centuries, England was a sanctuary. In the heart of the Cambridgeshire fens, the small but significant community of Thorney became a vital refuge. Now, you can connect directly with the first generation of these brave families through this meticulously preserved register.

This essential genealogical resource is more than just a list of names; it is the foundational record of a community rebuilding its life in a new land. If you suspect Huguenot ancestry in your family tree, or if your roots are in Cambridgeshire, this register provides the definitive key to unlocking the secrets of your past.

What You'll Discover Inside:
This rare and invaluable volume contains a faithful transcription of the original parish register, spanning over 70 years of Huguenot history. Within its pages, you will find:

The Child's Full Name: Often recorded with the French spelling, offering a vital clue to your family's origins.
Parents' Full Names: Crucially, both the father's and often the mother's maiden name are included, allowing you to build your family tree back another generation.
Precise Baptism Dates: Pinpoint the exact date your ancestor was welcomed into the community, sometimes with the actual date of birth noted.
Names of Godparents (Sponsors): These witnesses were often close relatives or fellow refugees, providing clues to wider family networks and community ties.

A Glimpse into French Naming Traditions: Observe the patterns and conventions that distinguish Huguenot families from their English neighbours.
The Historical Context: Why Thorney?

The story of the Thorney Huguenots is one of vision and hospitality. Invited by the Duke of Bedford to drain and cultivate the fertile fens surrounding his historic Thorney Abbey estate, these skilled refugees brought with them their expertise in agriculture, craftsmanship, and commerce. The records were kept with remarkable diligence by the local vicar, Rev. John Peck, who ensured that the French congregation was faithfully documented. His work provides us with this unbroken chain of evidence.

A Connection to Notable History
The records of Thorney are not just of interest to family historians; they document the origins of families who would go on to achieve national prominence. Among the refugees whose children were baptized in this parish were the ancestors of the distinguished de Crespigny family.

The de Crespigny Baronetcy: This register contains the early records of the family of Claude de Crespigny, a Huguenot refugee who settled in England. His descendants would become influential landowners, military leaders, and courtiers, eventually being granted a Baronetcy of Great Britain. Finding your ancestor's name in this register could mean you are connected to a lineage that includes Sir Claude Champion de Crespigny, 4th Baronet, a celebrated adventurer and athlete of the Victorian era.
Could your family be connected to this noble line? The answers may be waiting for you here.