The Parish Registers Of Kempsford Gloucestershire 1653-1700

The Parish Registers of Gloucestershire, 1653-1700

Step back in time to a pivotal era in English history and discover the people who shaped the Cotswold village of Kempsford.

This meticulously transcribed and indexed volume presents the complete parish registers of Kempsford, Gloucestershire, from 1653 to 1700. This was a period of immense change, encompassing the final years of the Commonwealth, the Restoration of the monarchy, the Great Plague, the Great Fire of London, and the Glorious Revolution. Within these pages, you will find the raw, unfiltered stories of your ancestors as they lived through these transformative times.

Whether you are a seasoned genealogist, a family historian, or someone with a simple curiosity about the past, these records are an indispensable key to unlocking your heritage.

What's Inside?

This essential reference contains faithful transcriptions of the original handwritten registers, offering a direct link to the past. You will discover:

Baptisms (1653-1700): Find the names of children born in Kempsford, their parents' names, and often the father's occupation. Trace your family line from generation to generation.
Marriages (1653-1700): Uncover the unions that formed the backbone of the community. Discover the names of brides and grooms and witness the joining of local families.
Burials (1653-1700): Piece together family timelines and gain a poignant insight into the hardships of 17th-century life, from infant mortality to the impact of disease.
These records are more than just names and dates; they are the building blocks of your family's story, providing the critical evidence needed to break through brick walls and confirm your lineage in this historic Gloucestershire parish.

A Glimpse of Nobility: The Pitt Family of Kempsford

During the very period covered by these registers, the manor of Kempsford was held by the influential and politically powerful Pitt family. While the most famous member, George Pitt, 1st Baron Rivers (1721-1803), gained his renown later as a diplomat, courtier, and close friend of the Prince of Wales (the future George IV), his family's roots in the parish were deep and well-established.

The registers from 1653-1700 would contain entries for the wider Pitt family circle, including:

George Pitt (c. 1620-1694): The Lord of the Manor during much of this period. His children, including the father of the future Baron, would have been baptised in the parish church.
Family, Tenants, and Staff: Your ancestors may have been farmers, servants, or tradespeople employed by or associated with the Pitt estate. Their baptisms, marriages, and burials are recorded alongside the gentry, painting a complete picture of the village's social structure.
Finding your ancestor's name in these registers places them directly in the shadow of this notable family, offering a unique and fascinating connection to the higher echelons of English society.