Syleham, Suffolk Genealogy

England   Suffolk     Hoxne Hundred   Parishes  Syleham

Parish History
SYLEHAM is a scattered village on the south side of the river Waveney, which separates it from Norfolk, 3 1/12 miles N. by W. of Stradbroke, and 4 miles S.W. by S. of Harleston. Its parish contains 374 souls, and 1603 acres of fertile and well-wooded land. Here is a good bridge, which crosses the river to Brockdish; and also an extensive water corn mill, the greater part of which was converted into a linen and cotton manufactory, about fifteen years ago. The low marshes, near the river, are now well drained, but were formerly so swampy that the ignis fatui, commonly called Syleham lights, were frequently seen, and often led benighted travellers astray. Miss Taylor is lady of the manor of Syleham Comitis... William White, 1855, History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Suffolk, page 399   View picture of Syleham Parish Church

Resources
If you live in Suffolk you will have access to a variety of resources at local archives and libraries; however, for those who live further afield, one can access microfilm and online records at Family History Centers. Refer to and  in the Family History Library Catalog for available records.

Civil Registration
Syleham is in Hoxne district. To search an index of Hoxne district records go to FreeBMD. The Suffolk Civil Registration article tells more about these records.

Church records
The Parish Registers begin in 1539. They can be view at the Suffolk Record Office. A copy of the registers from 1539 to 1900 can be purchased from the Suffolk Record Office. For pre 1813 Bishop Transcript entries you will need to look in Hoxne Deanry, Archdeaconry of Suffolk. Parish Chest records are lacking for Syleham. See Suffolk Church Record for further details.

Census records
Census records are available on a variety of subscription and other websites. It is unlikely that you will need to consult the 1841 to 1891 census on microfilm, since the census records are online at Family History Centers, archives, and various libraries. When the microfilm is required, consult the Family History Library Catalogue for film numbers. There is statistical data available for the census years 1801 to 1931 that records the number of houses, families, people, and other statistical data for every parish in Suffolk. Refer to the Suffolk Census wiki article for details about the Census.

Probate records
Prior to 1858 the primary court that had jurisdiction over Syleham was the Archdeaconry of Suffolk; however, a person’s will or administration may have been probated in nearby courts or even in London. After 1858 it was in Ipswich District. Refer to the Suffolk Probate Records article for further details.

Maps and Gazetteers
Maps are a visual look at the locations in England. Gazetteers contain brief summaries about a place.


 * England Jurisdictions 1851
 * Vision of Britain

Web sites
Contributor: Add any relevant sites that aren’t mentioned above.