Parish Registers (Part 3): A Commentary on Blackmore Registers 1602-1812

A transcript of the “Blackmore Register 1602-1812” was completed in August 1897 by R. H. Browne. At the back of the volume, Mr Browne gave a summary of his findings.

The first part or book of this Register is unfortunately lost that is to say from 1538 to 1602 – a period of sixty-four years.

It will be seen that the copie or transcript of all that was in existence at the time was made as usual in 1608 – some however were copied a few years earlier viz in 1598 – and that it is signed by the two churchwardens Edward Bradeby and John Tarling – the curate in charge or Vicar does not sign which is somewhat unusual.

This Register, like all others, has its own particular points of interest which will be better understood by those who are acquainted with the parish.

Gaps in the Register

There is no mention of the appointment of a ‘Civil Register’ under the Act of 1653 which may possibly account for the unfortunate lapses at this period: only one baptism for the year in question; four for 1654; two for 1655; none for the years 1656-7; two only for 1658, and two for 1659.

The following year – ‘the Restoration’ – the account of the Baptisms is fairly well kept and so on to the end – no less than twenty being set down for the year 1672 and twenty four for 1673.

The marriages were not so numerous as was seldom the case in these rural parishes – Widford being a remarkable exception. For several years in the early part of the [seventeenth] century only one took place; but after 1649 to 1662 – 13 years, only one is recorded as having taken place (ie) Chris Sache in 1658 and none whatsoever for the 4 following years to 1663.

From 1695 many marriages took place at Fryerning … Some explanation might be found for such an unusual occurrence – was Blackmore without a resident minister at the time?

The same irregularity is found when we turn to the burials, none being recorded after Mrs Walmsley in 1652 to John Sayer in 1660. If a layman had been appointed at the time he might have kept a separate book which is now lost.

Turning back to the marriages, only 5 took place from 1712 to 1720 and what is still more remarkable none for the long period of ten years – 1730-40.

Inns and Trades

Two of the Inns are mentioned: the “Bull” in the year 1607 kept by a family named Cooke and the Swan in 1700 by John Clarke.

The trades or handicrafts are rarely mentioned. Petchie was a smith – are there any survivors of this ancient family?

Another Petchie was a sawyer [1604]; Hogg, the miller, 1602. Thos Bones weaver, 1671; John Nicholson miller also in 1671; Robert Hall shoemaker in 1685”. In addition, John Reve butcher (1607); and references are made to an innkeeper, glover, wheelwright and clerk.

The most intriguing of all the trades is a burial entry to “Thomas ------ comonly called ‘The Tinker’” (1738).

Burial in Woollen

The Act of Chas II 1678 for making the burying in woollen only compulsory is always interesting and in this instance many names of local clergy and magistrates are given before whom the affidavits were made.

Two or three instances are recorded for non-compliance – Lady Smyth, 1693; Frances Stanes and William Lee in 1702.

Notable Families and Longevity

Several notable people were connected with the parish – Smyths, Luckins, Tendrings and Barretts of Ramsden Bellhouse.

One or two instances of longevity are mentioned. Ann Murrell, 1778, age 96. Richard Preston, 84; Henry Johnson, 94; Daniel Rust, 82; John Clarke, 84, [recorded between 1803 and 1812].

But on the other hand there was the usual great infant mortality during the prevalence of small pox and inoculation at the close of the last [eighteenth] century together with the distress and occurrences of all the commodities of daily life.

Briefs

Briefs. A few only are put down – the first being in 1689 but the purpose for which the collection was made has been omitted.

Public feeling must have been aroused at the persecution of the Protestants, for the inhabitants to have subscribed £2-0-0 on one occasion.

The Year 1897

Many more comments might be made: but I must content myself with just mentioning that this year [1897] has been a remarkable one in several respects.

The Queen’s [Diamond] Jubilee celebrations causing universal rejoicing.

There is an abundant harvest both of hay and corn despite the great storm of June last, which devastated about seventy square miles in the County between Epping and Chelmsford.

Large sums are being subscribed locally and at the Mansion House for the relief of the sufferers.