The Parish Registers Of Ampthill 1602-1812 & Tingrith 1572-1812

The Parish Registers of Ampthill & Tingrith
Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of your ancestors with this essential collection of primary source material. For any genealogist with ties to Bedfordshire, parish registers are the foundational records for tracing family lineage before the start of civil registration in 1837. This meticulously compiled volume brings together the vital records of two distinct parishes—a bustling market town and a quiet rural village—offering a unique window into the lives of your forebears over three centuries.

Inside, you will find detailed transcriptions of baptisms, marriages, and burials, providing the names, dates, and family connections crucial to building your family tree.

Parish 1: The Historic Market Town of Ampthill (1602-1812)
Parish Description:
Ampthill, a historic market town nestled in the heart of Bedfordshire, was a centre of local commerce and agriculture. Its records capture the vibrant tapestry of town life, from merchants and tradesmen to labourers and gentry. The registers from 1602 to 1812 span a period of immense social and political change, including the English Civil War, the Restoration, and the Georgian era, documenting the families who lived through it all.

Genealogical Value:

Baptisms (1602-1812): Discover the names of newborns and, crucially, their parents' names, allowing you to link generations.
Marriages (1602-1812): Unite family lines by finding the names of brides and grooms, often with their parish of origin, revealing family movements.
Burials (1602-1812): Pinpoint death dates and close the chapters on your ancestors' lives, providing vital clues for further research.
Famous People & Notable Connections:
Ampthill's most famous resident was not born there, but her presence forever marked its history.

Catherine of Aragon (1485-1536): While the registers begin after her time, the town is inextricably linked to the Queen of England. Catherine was held at Ampthill Castle from 1531 to 1533 while Henry VIII's divorce proceedings were underway. While you won't find her name in these registers, her story overshadows the parish, and the local gentry and families recorded here would have been part of the community shaped by this monumental historical event. The registers contain the records of the families who lived on the land she once knew.

Parish 2: The Quiet Rural Village of Tingrith (1572-1812)
Parish Description:
In stark contrast to Ampthill, Tingrith was a small, close-knit agricultural village. Its records, beginning in the Elizabethan era, offer an intimate glimpse into a rural community where families often lived for generations. The earlier start date of 1572 is a tremendous asset for genealogists, providing a rare opportunity to delve into the Tudor period and trace family lines in a single location for over 240 years.

Genealogical Value:

Baptisms (1572-1812): An exceptional resource for finding ancestors in the 16th and 17th centuries, a period often difficult to research.
Marriages (1572-1812): Follow the intertwining of local families, common in a small village setting.
Burials (1572-1812): A continuous record of the community's members, offering a complete picture of family presence in the parish.
Famous People & Notable Connections:
The history of Tingrith is dominated by its landed gentry, whose lives are woven into the fabric of the parish.

The Alston Family: For centuries, the manor of Tingrith was the seat of the Alston family. As Lords of the Manor, their appearances in the registers—for baptisms, marriages, and burials—are frequent. Notably, Sir Edmund Alston (1600-1688) was a prominent Royalist during the English Civil War. His family's records within these registers provide a direct link to the national conflict and the loyalties that shaped local Bedfordshire society. Discovering a connection to this family would place your ancestors at the very heart of the parish's history.
Why This Product is Essential for Your Research:
Two Parishes, One Volume: Access the records of both a town and a country village, reflecting the diverse experiences of your ancestors.
Pre-1837 Vital Records: This is the key to unlocking your family tree before national government records began.
Extended Time Period: With records spanning from 1572 to 1812, you can trace your family for over two centuries in one place.
Rich Historical Context: The famous connections provide a fascinating backdrop to the names and dates, bringing your ancestors' world to life.
Don't let your Bedfordshire ancestors remain names in the past. Add this invaluable resource to your genealogy library and unearth the stories waiting to be told.