Register Of Baptisms In The Dutch Church Colchester 1645-1728

The Baptism Register of the Dutch Church, Colchester (1645-1728)

Step back in time to the bustling, cloth-weaving town of 17th-century Colchester and discover the stories of a remarkable community. This meticulously transcribed and indexed volume contains the vital baptism records of the Dutch "Stranger" Church, spanning from the end of the English Civil War to the early Georgian era.

For over 80 years, these pages recorded the beginnings of lives lived by families fleeing religious persecution in the Low Countries. They were artisans, merchants, and skilled weavers who brought with them their Protestant faith, their unique language, and the secrets of the famed Colchester bay and say cloth that would clothe a nation.

What You Will Discover Inside:

This essential genealogical resource provides a direct line to the past. Each entry is a window into a family's history, often revealing:

The Child's Name: As recorded in the original Dutch.
Parents' Full Names: Frequently providing the mother's maiden name, a priceless detail often missing in English records of the period.
Baptism Date: Allowing you to pinpoint your ancestor's arrival into the community.
Father's Occupation: Offering incredible insight into your family's trade and social standing.
Names of Godparents (Sponsors): Uncovering family ties and community networks that are crucial for building a fuller family tree.

Connect with a Community of Renowned Artisans and Influential Figures

This register is not just a list of names; it's the foundational record of a community that shaped Colchester's destiny. While you may not find royalty, you will connect with the families whose skills and resilience put Colchester on the map.

The "Strangers" of Colchester: You are researching the famous Protestant refugee community—the Walloons and Flemish weavers who were invited to England by Queen Elizabeth I and continued to thrive for centuries. Their legacy is woven into the very fabric of the town.

Influential Ministers: The records are presided over by learned ministers who led the congregation. The early entries would have been overseen by ministers like Johannes Schilder, the first known minister, who guided the community through turbulent times.

Master Weavers and Merchants: The names within this register belong to the fathers of the East Anglian textile industry. You may find ancestors who were part of families like the de la Champs or the Hochepoets, influential in the cloth trade and local civic life.