The Parish Registers Of Bobbingworth Essex 1559-1785

Unlock the Doors to Your Bobbingworth Ancestors: The Parish Registers 1559-1785

Step back in time to the picturesque Essex village of Bobbingworth, where the echoes of history resonate from the Tudor age through the Georgian era. For over two centuries, the venerable parish church of St Mary the Virgin meticulously recorded the lives of its people—their births, marriages, and deaths. Now, these invaluable records are faithfully transcribed and brought to you in a single, fully searchable digital resource.

Whether you are tracing a specific family line or exploring the rich tapestry of Essex life, these registers are your key to unlocking the stories of your ancestors.

What's Inside?

This comprehensive collection contains high-quality transcriptions of the original parish registers, covering:

Baptisms (1559-1785): Discover the names of newborns, their parents, and often their godparents, marking the beginning of their journey.
Marriages (1559-1785): Witness the unions of couples from Bobbingworth and surrounding parishes, finding the names of brides and grooms and their witnesses.
Burials (1559-1785): Pay respect to the generations who came before, recording their names and dates of passing.
With thousands of entries, this collection provides an unbroken chain of evidence for family historians, allowing you to trace lineages, break down brick walls, and connect the dots in your family tree.

A Glimpse of Nobility: The Petre Connection

Bobbingworth's history is intertwined with one of Essex's most influential and distinguished families: the Petre family of Ingatestone Hall. The manor of Bobbingworth was held by the Petres, a prominent Catholic recusant family who served as royal councillors and statesmen.

Sir William Petre (c. 1505 – 1572): A formidable figure of the Tudor court, Sir William was Secretary of State to four monarchs: Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. His family's long-standing presence in the area means that individuals recorded in these registers may have been tenants, servants, or distant relatives connected to this powerful dynasty. Could your ancestors have worked the lands of Bobbingworth Hall or lived under the Petre lordship?
Why These Records are Invaluable:

Pre-Civil Registration Data: These records pre-date 1837, the start of national civil registration, making them a primary source for this period.
Historical Context: Understand the social fabric of a rural Essex community, from the humblest labourer to the local gentry.