How to write the history of a parish E-Book

J. Charles Cox

• Herausgeber: Booksell-Verlag
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

In "How to Write the History of a Parish," J. Charles Cox meticulously lays out a structured methodology for unearthing and documenting the rich narratives of parish life. The book is both a practical guide and a scholarly exposition, reflecting a blend of historical analysis and narrative craftsmanship. Cox's literary style is clear and engaging, inviting readers to delve into the archival treasures, oral traditions, and community memories that shape the unique identity of a parish. His work is anchored in the broader context of local history writing, underscoring the significance of grassroots historical scholarship in understanding societal evolution. J. Charles Cox, a noted historian and a passionate advocate for local history, draws upon his extensive experience in parish research and community engagement. His deep-rooted understanding of the social and cultural tapestry of British parishes informs his writing, showcasing both the complexities and simplicities inherent in documenting local history. The author'Äôs own background in academic history, combined with personal experiences in parish communities, has imbued him with a distinctive perspective on the importance of local narratives. This book is an essential resource for historians, genealogists, and anyone interested in the nuances of local culture. Highly recommended for both aspiring writers and seasoned researchers, Cox'Äôs guide not only enriches the field of local history but also inspires readers to honor and preserve their own community's stories.

Leseprobe

J. Charles Cox

How to write the history of a parish

Published by Good Press, 2023

[email protected]

EAN 4066339523159

Table of Contents

PREFACE.

ABBREVIATIONS.

Etymology.

“Prehistoric” Remains.

History of the Manor.

Civil or Domestic Architecture.

Personal History.

Parochial Records.

History of the Church.

Description of the Church.

Religious Houses.

General Topics.

INDEX.

PREFACE.

Table of Contents

Some of the Clergy of the Diocese of Lincoln are responsible for the issue of this booklet. A much-needed county history of Lincolnshire is now being projected, upon the basis of separate parochial histories. A circular put forth in one of the rural deaneries was good enough to refer in laudatory terms to the introduction to the first volume of my Notes on the Churches of Derbyshire. This led to my being asked to re-publish that introduction; but it applied so peculiarly to Derbyshire that I felt it would be of small avail to those outside the county. Hence I decided to put together some hints that might prove a help to those who may be desirous of undertaking parochial history in any part of the kingdom, whether manorial, ecclesiastical, or both. In the first part of these pages I am indebted to Thomas’s “Handbook to the Public Records,” and more especially to Sims’s invaluable “Manual for the Topographer and Genealogist;” but I have not referred to any class of documents with which I am not in some measure personally conversant.

Those who have been engaged in any literary work are well aware how large a portion of time is often spent in merely learning the titles and somewhat of the contents of those books that treat of the different branches of the subject selected. Various books connected with parochial history, especially those that have been proved by experience to be the best hand-books, are therefore mentioned in these pages to facilitate reference. Space only has prevented me from considerably adding both to their number and description, but any further knowledge that I may have gleaned on topographical literature is heartily at the disposal of any worker who may privately apply to me.

I shall be grateful for any correction of errors, or for any suggestion as to deficiencies.

ABBREVIATIONS.

Table of Contents

P.R.O.—For the Public Record Office. Almost the whole of our national records, which were until recently in upwards of half-a-dozen different buildings, are now under one roof in Fetter Lane, Fleet Street. All documents mentioned in the following pages must be understood to be at the Public Record Office, unless it is otherwise stated. Several of the earlier folio publications of the Record Commissioners, to which reference is herein made, are out of print, but they are to be found in most of our public libraries.

B. M.—For the Library of the British Museum.

B.—For the Bodleian Library, Oxford.

C.—For the University Library, Cambridge.

HOW TO WRITE THE HISTORY OF A PARISH.

Etymology.

Table of Contents

Not only should the etymology of the name of the parish be carefully considered, and its various forms of spelling be collected, from Domesday Book downwards, but a list should be made of the whole of the names of the physical features, such as hills, streams, and lanes, and especially of the field-names. Field-names—which will often establish the sites of disused chapels or manor-houses, of Celtic burials or Roman roads, as well as help to decide the nationality of the colonists that predominated in the district—can be sometimes gleaned from old private estate maps, or other exceptional sources, but the “Award” maps of Inclosure Commissioners from 1710 downwards, or the Tithe Commutation maps of 1836, are the chief and most reliable sources. These maps should be in most parish chests, but they have often illegally strayed into the private hands of solicitors, churchwardens, etc. When lost or difficult of access, the original maps can usually be seen at the offices of the Copyhold Inclosure and Tithe Commission, 3, St. James’s Square, on payment of 2s. 6d.; but under certain Acts the originals will be found, or rather ought to be found and to be accessible, at the Clerk of the Peace’s office for the county.