The Parish Registers Of Lidlington 1560-1812 Salford 1558-1812 & Holcote 1605-1812

The Parish Registers of Lidlington, Salford & Holcote

Step back in time and discover the stories of your family with this essential collection of transcribed parish registers. Published by the esteemed Bedfordshire Parish Register Society, this volume brings together the vital records for three distinct Bedfordshire parishes, covering over 250 years of history.

For any genealogist with roots in this corner of England, these registers are the key to unlocking generations past. Before the introduction of civil registration in 1837, the parish church was the sole recorder of life's major events. Within these pages, you will find the baptisms, marriages, and burials that form the backbone of your family tree.

1. Lidlington Parish Registers (1560-1812)

Nestled in the Marston Vale, Lidlington is a village with a rich history rooted in agriculture and, later, brick-making. Its position near the Great Ouse made it a rural hub of activity. The registers from Lidlington will contain the names of farmers, labourers, artisans, and the families who shaped this Bedfordshire community through the Tudor, Stuart, and Georgian eras.

What You'll Find:

Baptisms (1560-1812): Discover the names of children born in Lidlington, often with the names of their parents, providing a direct link to the preceding generation.
Marriages (1560-1812): Unite family lines by finding marriage records, which may include the names of witnesses and sometimes the parish of origin for one partner.
Burials (1560-1812): Trace the end of life stories, confirming dates and often family relationships.
Notable People & Connections:

John Bunyan: While not a resident, Lidlington lies in the heart of the area where the renowned author of The Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan, travelled and preached. Your ancestors may well have heard this famous nonconformist preacher speak, placing them at the centre of a pivotal moment in English religious history. The registers reflect the lives of the very people who made up his congregations.

2. Salford Parish Registers (1558-1812)

A quintessential small, rural parish, Salford, Bedfordshire, offers a glimpse into a more intimate and tightly-knit community. Its history is dominated by agriculture and the influential landowning families who held the manor. Tracing ancestors here can be incredibly rewarding, as families often remained in the parish for generations. The River Ivel flows nearby, shaping the landscape and the livelihoods of its inhabitants.

What You'll Find:

Baptisms (1558-1812): Beginning in the Elizabethan era, these records capture the foundation of families in this peaceful parish.
Marriages (1558-1812): Follow the lineage of local families, from the humblest cottagers to the yeoman farmers.
Burials (1558-1812): Complete the family picture with burial records that span centuries.
Notable People & Connections:

The Alston Family: For a significant period, the manor of Salford was owned by the Alston family, a prominent gentry family. You may find their births, marriages, and deaths recorded alongside those of their tenants and workers, offering a fascinating social snapshot of the time. While not a household name today, the Alstons were key figures in local Bedfordshire history, and their presence in the registers marks them out as individuals of note.

3. Holcote (Holcot) Parish Registers (1605-1812)

One of Bedfordshire's smallest and most charming villages, Holcote (also historically spelled Holcot) is a place of quiet history. Its small population means that the registers, while covering a shorter period, can be incredibly detailed and are vital for anyone researching this specific lineage. The village is dominated by its beautiful church and the historic manor house.

What You'll Find:

Baptisms (1605-1812): These early 17th-century records are crucial for bridging the gap in difficult-to-research family lines.
Marriages (1605-1812): Discover the unions that created the families of this small, enduring community.
Burials (1605-1812): Pinpoint the deaths of ancestors in this exclusive parish.
Notable People & Connections:

Admiral Sir John Chicheley (c. 1640 – 1691): Holcote's most famous son. Sir John was a distinguished Royal Navy admiral who served with distinction during the Anglo-Dutch Wars and later became a Member of Parliament. He was born at Holcote and his family were the lords of the manor. Finding his name or those of his relatives in these registers connects your family history directly to a key figure in the naval history of Restoration England.
Why This Volume is Indispensable for Your Research:
Primary Source Data: Access first-hand transcriptions of original records, the bedrock of genealogical proof.
Pre-Civil Registration: Covers the crucial period before official government records began in 1837.
Three Parishes in One: A cost-effective and convenient resource covering a significant geographical area.
Fully Indexed: This society publication includes a comprehensive index of names, making it easy to search for your ancestors across all three parishes.
Add Context to Your Tree: Go beyond names and dates. Understand the community your ancestors lived in, from the rural heartland of Salford to the brick-making village of Lidlington and the gentry-led life of Holcote.