The Parish Registers Of St Martin In The Field Middlesex 1550-1619

The Parish Registers of St Martin-in-the-Fields, 1550-1619

Step through the hallowed gates of one of London's most historic parishes and discover the names, dates, and stories that shaped a nation.

For the genealogist, historian, or family enthusiast, this meticulously reproduced edition of the parish registers for St Martin-in-the-Fields is not just a book—it's a time machine. Spanning a dramatic 70-year period that covers the tumultuous reigns of Mary I, the golden age of Elizabeth I, and the dawn of the Jacobean era under James I, these pages capture the raw, unfiltered life of Londoners at the heart of a burgeoning empire.

Within these authentic transcriptions, you will find the vital records of your ancestors:

Baptisms, Marriages & Burials (1550-1619): The cornerstone of any family tree, presented in clear, easy-to-read format.
Names of the Great and the Humble: From courtiers and merchants of Westminster to the artisans, servants, and labourers who lived in the shadow of the royal palace of Whitehall.
Glimpses of Daily Life: Notes on occupations, unusual circumstances, and family relationships that bring your ancestors' world into vivid focus.

A Front-Row Seat to History: Your ancestors may have lived through the Spanish Armada, the plague of 1563, or the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot. Their names are recorded here, intertwined with the events that defined an age.

Why St Martin-in-the-Fields?

Unlike a quiet country parish, St Martin's was a vibrant, chaotic, and influential epicentre. Its location, literally "in the fields" between the City of London and the Royal Palace of Westminster, meant its registers are a unique cross-section of society. If your family has roots in London, this is an essential resource to bridge the gap between medieval records and later census data.

Whispers from the Fields: Myths & Legends of St Martin's
Owning these registers connects you not only to documented history but to the rich tapestry of myth and legend that clings to this ancient ground. For centuries, whispered tales have surrounded St Martin-in-the-Fields, adding a layer of intrigue to the names inscribed within.

The Legend of the Beggar's Cloak: The church is dedicated to St Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier famed for cutting his military cloak in half to share with a beggar freezing in the snow. Local legend holds that on the coldest winter nights, a spectral, shivering figure can be seen near the old churchyard, a timeless reminder of the charity that the parish was founded upon. Did your ancestor witness a strange sight on a bitter evening?

The Phantom Procession of Whitehall: For centuries, it was said that on the anniversary of a great state tragedy, a silent, ghostly procession would leave the grounds of the lost Whitehall Palace and make its way toward St Martin's. Composed of shadowy, 16th-century figures in court dress, they were believed to be the spirits of courtiers seeking final absolution. Your ancestor's name in these registers places them in the parish where these eerie legends were born.

The Plague Pits and the Hum of the Earth: The very name "in the fields" speaks to its original rural character. During the repeated plague outbreaks of the 16th and 17th centuries, when the churchyard was full, legend tells of mass, unmarked graves being dug in the surrounding fields. Locals spoke of a low, perpetual hum heard on still nights, which they attributed to the restless spirits of those buried without ceremony. The burial records from 1563 and other outbreak years in this register are a sombre testament to the reality behind the myth.

The Secret Tunnels of Westminster: A persistent local myth claims a network of secret tunnels runs from beneath St Martin-in-the-Fields to the nearby Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. While their true purpose is unknown—whether for priests in hiding, smugglers, or amorous courtiers—the legend adds a thrilling dimension to the parish. Perhaps an ancestor you find here was a guard, a clerk, or a parishioner who knew more than they let on about the secrets beneath the streets.

This definitive edition is an indispensable addition to any genealogical library. Don't let your ancestors' stories remain lost in the mists of time. Order your copy of The Parish Registers of St Martin-in-the-Fields today and unlock the door to your family's past.