The Parish Registers of Drayton Parslow Buckinghamshire 1559 -1837

Unlock Your Drayton Parslow Ancestry: The Parish Registers 1559-1837

Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of your ancestors. For over 275 years, the small village of Drayton Parslow in Buckinghamshire meticulously recorded the lives of its people—their baptisms, marriages, and burials. Now, this invaluable collection, spanning from the Elizabethan era to the dawn of Queen Victoria's reign, is available to help you piece together your family's story.

This comprehensive transcription of the original parish registers is an essential resource for any genealogist with roots in Drayton Parslow or the surrounding area. Whether you are just beginning your journey or looking to break down a stubborn "brick wall," these records provide the fundamental data to build your family tree with confidence.

Inside This Essential Genealogical Resource, You Will Discover:

Baptisms (1559-1837): Find the names of your ancestors, their parents' names, and often their dates of birth, allowing you to trace entire family lines through generations.
Marriages (1559-1837): Unite family branches by discovering the names of brides and grooms, their marital status, and the names of witnesses, who were often close family members.
Burials (1559-1837): Conclude life stories with burial records, providing death dates that help confirm timelines and distinguish between individuals of the same name.

A Complete Time Capsule: Covering pivotal moments in English history—from the Spanish Armada and the English Civil War to the Napoleonic Wars—these records place your ancestors directly into the fabric of the nation's past.
A Glimpse into Drayton Parslow's Notable Past
While these registers chronicle the lives of everyday farmers, labourers, and craftsmen, the parish of Drayton Parslow also hosted individuals who played a part on a larger stage. As you research your family, you may discover connections to the manor and influential figures who shaped local history:

Royal Connections: The Manor of Drayton Parslow was once part of the jointure lands granted to Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII. While she may not have resided there, the manor was a significant part of her estate during the tumultuous period of the King's "Great Matter" and the English Reformation, placing the parish at the heart of Tudor political intrigue.

The Civil War Baronet: Sir William Mansel, 1st Baronet (c. 1599-1671) was a staunch Royalist and lord of the manor during the English Civil War. He served as a Colonel of Horse in the King's army and was a Member of Parliament. His family's presence would have deeply influenced the parish, and your ancestors may have served in his forces or worked his lands during this divisive conflict.

A Founding Rector: The Reverend Sir William Borlase (1649-1688), who served as the rector of Drayton Parslow, was a prominent clergyman and scholar. He is best known as the founder of the Borlase Grammar School in nearby Marlow, which still exists today. His tenure connects the parish to a legacy of education and philanthropy that has lasted for centuries.