Allegations For Marriage Licences In The Archdeaconry Of Sudbury Suffolk 1684-1839

Unlock the Marriages of Your Suffolk & Essex Ancestors (1684-1839) In 4 Volumes

Discover the rich details hidden within the Allegations for Marriage Licences of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury—the essential key to breaking through your pre-1837 brick walls.

Are your family history research journeys in Suffolk and Essex hitting a dead end in the 17th, 18th, or early 19th centuries? Before the introduction of civil registration in 1837, finding a marriage record can be a challenge. Parish registers are vital, but they often omit the crucial details that bring your ancestors' stories to life.

This is where the Allegations for Marriage Licences become an indispensable tool.

This comprehensive volume transcribes and indexes the original marriage licence allegations for the vast Archdeaconry of Sudbury from 1684 to 1839. An allegation was the formal sworn application for a licence, made by a couple intending to marry. It was created when a couple wished to marry quickly, avoid the public reading of banns, or marry in a parish where they were not residents. Because of this, these documents often contain information you simply won't find anywhere else.

What Treasures Will You Discover Inside?

For each entry, you may uncover:

The full names of the bride and groom
Their respective parishes of residence, helping you pinpoint their location
Their ages or marital status (e.g., "over 21," "spinster," "widower")
The groom's occupation, providing a glimpse into his social standing
The name of the groom's father – a priceless clue for extending your family tree by another generation!
Details of the bondsman (often a relative or close friend), revealing wider family networks
Why This Resource is a Genealogist's Dream:

Break Through Brick Walls: Find that "missing" marriage, especially for non-conformist ancestors who were still required to marry in the Anglican church.
Confirm Parentage: The mention of the groom's father is often the only written proof of this relationship before 1837.
Trace Family Movements: Discover if your ancestors moved between parishes before settling down.
Add Rich Detail: Move beyond names and dates to understand your ancestors' social status and community connections.
Geographic Scope: Suffolk and Beyond!

It is crucial to note that the Archdeaconry of Sudbury covered a large and varied area. This resource is essential for anyone with ancestors in western Suffolk and, importantly, also includes a significant number of parishes in north-west Essex. Key towns within the jurisdiction include Sudbury, Bury St Edmunds, Lavenham, Hadleigh, Clare, Haverhill, and across the border into Essex, Saffron Walden and Coggeshall.

Don't let your ancestors remain just names on a chart. Add this definitive reference work to your library and illuminate the lives of the people who came before you.

Order your copy today and unlock the secrets held within the Sudbury marriage allegations!