The Parish Registers Of Woodmancote Sussex 1582-1812

The Parish Registers of Woodmancote, 1582-1812

Step back in time over 230 years into the heart of the Sussex Weald. Feel the chill of the ancient churchyard, hear the scratch of the vicar's quill on parchment, and walk in the footsteps of your forebears. This meticulously transcribed and indexed volume of the Parish Registers of Woodmancote is more than a list of names; it is the very soul of a rural English community, captured from the twilight of the Tudor era through the Georgian age.

For any family historian with roots in this corner of Sussex, these records are the key that unlocks the door to your personal past. Within these pages, you will find the vital milestones of your ancestors' lives—their joys, their sorrows, and their enduring legacy.

What You Will Discover Inside:

Baptisms (1582-1812): Trace your family line with detailed entries often including the names of both parents and their abode within the parish. Discover the names of children born during the turmoil of the English Civil War, the "Little Ice Age," or the fear of Napoleonic invasion.

Marriages (1582-1812): Witness the unions that formed the backbone of village life. Find marriage bonds, banns, and the names of witnesses who stood by your ancestors' sides, often revealing intricate family connections.

Burials (1582-1812): Piece together the final chapters of your ancestors' stories. These entries can sometimes reveal ages, occupations, or poignant details about families struck by plague, famine, or tragedy. Beyond the Names: The Soul of a Village


Woodmancote is a place of quiet lanes, rolling hills, and deep-rooted stories. The names in these registers do not exist in a vacuum; they lived and breathed in a landscape rich with folklore. While you trace your family tree, imagine the tales they might have told by the fireside, tales that have been whispered through the centuries.

Whispers of Woodmancote: Myths & Legends

The Wild Man of the Weald: Local legend speaks of a reclusive figure, known only as "Silas of the Woods," who was said to live in a hollowed-out yew tree in the Truleigh Hill woods during the 17th century. Was he a Royalist soldier on the run, a simple hermit, or something more supernatural? Registers from the 1650s and 60s note several burials of "unknown foundlings" and strangers, feeding the mystery of those who sought refuge in the shadowy Weald. Perhaps your ancestor encountered him, or was one of the poor souls he aided.

The Phantom Coach of Truleigh Lane: For generations, locals have spoken of a ghostly, horse-drawn coach seen speeding along the lane near the old manor house on moonless nights. The legend says it carries the spirit of a Saxon lord betrayed in a land deal centuries ago, forever searching for his stolen gold. The registers are filled with the names of farmers and shepherds who worked that land. Did they hear the spectral hoofbeats on their way home from the tavern? Did they find an old coin glinting in the soil where the coach was seen?

The Cursing Well of the Downs: Tucked away on the wind-swept downs above the village lies a small, forgotten well. Unlike a holy well, this was known as the "Cursing Well." Villagers, wronged by neighbours or jilted by lovers, would visit at midnight to drop a bent pin into the water and whisper a curse upon their enemy. The registers from the early 18th century are filled with entries for feuding families like the Gardners and the Chases. Were their bitter disputes settled in the church, or were their fates sealed by a visit to the Cursing Well? These stories breathe life into
the names on the page, transforming them from simple data into people who lived in a world of wonder, superstition, and mystery.

Why This Edition is Essential for Your Research:
Faithful & Accurate Transcription: Every effort has been made to transcribe the original entries with precision, preserving the original spelling and nuances.
Comprehensive Every-Name Index: This invaluable tool allows you to quickly search for thousands of individuals, making your research efficient and effective.
Historical Introduction: An informative introduction sets the scene, detailing the history of St. Peter's Church and the parish of Woodmancote during this transformative period.

Don't let your ancestors remain names in a database. Give them context, colour, and a place in the living history of Sussex.

Begin your journey into the heart of your family's story. Add this essential volume to your library today!