The Parish Registers Of Headon Baptisms & Burials 1566-1812 Marriages 1576-1812

The Parish Registers of Baptisms, Burials & Marriages (1566-1812)

Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of your ancestors. Within the pages of this meticulously compiled volume lie the real-life stories of the people of Headon, Nottinghamshire, spanning over two and a half centuries of triumph, tragedy, and everyday life. From the Elizabethan era to the Regency period, these registers are more than just names and dates; they are the heartbeat of a rural English community, now waiting for you to discover its secrets.

What's Inside Your Ancestral Key:

Baptisms & Burials (1566-1812): Trace the beginnings and ends of lives. Discover the children born during the plagues, the families who endured the English Civil War, and the generations who tilled the same soil.
Marriages (1576-1812): Unite family lines and follow the tangled branches of your family tree. Find the vows that bound families together, often for land, love, or legacy, in the shadow of the ancient parish church.
Why These Registers are Invaluable:

This collection places you at the very heart of history. You will find the records of those who lived through the Spanish Armada, the Great Fire of London, and the rise of the British Empire. These documents provide the primary source material to break down brick walls, confirm family lore, and build a robust picture of your Headon heritage.

Beyond the Ink: Whispers of Headon's Myths and Legends

Every village has its stories, and Headon is no exception. As you delve into these registers, you may just find the names that inspired its most enduring folklore. Local legend is rich with tales that add colour to the black and white of the records:

The Cursed Well of St. Peter: Near the old church stood a well, said to have healing properties. But folklore warns that those who drew water from it after midnight without leaving an offering would be cursed with misfortune. Look for a cluster of unusual burial entries in the late 17th century—locals whisper these are the "Well-Damned," whose fates were sealed by their disrespect. Could one of your ancestors have been among them?

The Ghost of Grey Lady Katherine: The most famous spirit of Headon is said to be Lady Katherine, a Norman noblewoman who was betrayed by her lover on the eve of their wedding in the 1580s. Dressed in grey, she is said to wander the lanes near the manor, searching for her lost groom. Her tragic story may be preserved in the marriage and burial registers of that era—a poignant entry that marks the end of a real-life romance.

The Headon Hoard: During the tumult of the Civil War, it is rumoured that a Royalist officer, fleeing defeat at the Battle of Naseby, buried a chest of gold coins somewhere on the outskirts of the village. He was captured and executed before he could reveal its location. Genealogists have long scoured the records from the 1640s, hoping to find a clue in the land transactions or wills of the families who may have guarded the secret. Does your family hold the key to this lost treasure?

Who is this for?

Family Historians with roots in Nottinghamshire.
Genealogists seeking primary source documents from the Tudor, Stuart, and Georgian periods.
Local Historians and students researching rural English life.
Anyone fascinated by the real stories behind the myths and legends of England's green and pleasant land.