CURIOSITIES OF PARISH REGISTERS

Chapter 14 of “Books and Bookmen” titled “Curiosities of Parish Registers” delves deeply into the evolution, significance, and oddities observed in English parish registers over centuries. Parish registers, essential historical documents, began to be systematically kept following Cardinal Ximenes’ initiative in 1497 and were later mandated in England by Henry VIII, marking the legal initiation of this practice in 1538. These registers mainly documented baptisms, marriages, and burials, providing invaluable data for villains, antiquaries, and sedulous readers. The narrative humorously highlights the mischief villains undertake with these records, exemplified by a tale where a villain meets his demise while tampering with a register.

This chapter critically explores the vulnerability of parish registers to alterations and their cultural significance, discussing various legislative efforts aimed at preserving these documents, such as “The Parish Registers Preservation Act.” The suggestion by Mr. Chester Waters to duplicate registers for safer record-keeping underscores the delicate balance between preserving history and accommodating local parish antiquaries’ interest.

Moving past preservation challenges, the narrative shifts to highlight the quirkiness, anomalies, and at times morbid entries found within these registers, ranging from peculiar baptisms, like “Faint Not Kennard,” to unusual burials, like Charity Morrell who was noted for signing her name with her foot due to the absence of arms. The importance of parish registers in genealogy, their role in societal norms, and their reflection of changing religious and cultural landscapes are intricately discussed, depicting how registers served beyond mere record-keeping but as a tapestry of the community’s life.

The latter part of the chapter delves into the darker aspects of parish registers, recording instances of witch trials, executions, and other tragic annotations that provide a window into the superstitions and societal norms of their times. It also touches upon the lighter side, showcasing how surnames and peculiar personal names reveal much about historical naming conventions.

Taken together, the chapter offers both a scholarly and an engaging look into the oddities and evolution of parish registers, articulating their value not only to historians and genealogists but also painting a vivid picture of England’s rich societal tapestry across the ages.