Bedfield, Suffolk Genealogy

England   Suffolk     Hoxne Hundred   Parishes  Bedfield

Parish History
BEDFIELD, a straggling village, 4 miles W.N.W. of Framlingham and E.N.E. of Debeuham, has in its parish 358 souls, and 1268a. 3r. 14p. of land. The manor and advowson formerly belonged to Eye Priory, and were granted, in the 36th of Henry VIII., to Sir Jno. Rous. They now belong to the Earl of Stradbroke, but the Hall estate is the property of Lord Henniker ; and F. G. Doughty, W. Cupper, and W. Creasy, Esqrs., own farms, here. The copyholds are subject to arbitrary fines. The Church (St. Nicholas) is an ancient structure, with a tower, containing five bells.....

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
Bedfield was in Hoxne district till 1907 at which time it was moved into Hartismere District. In 1907 Hoxne district was abolished. To search an index of Hoxne or Hartismere district records go to FreeBMD. The Suffolk Civil Registration article tells more about these records. While the district had been created in 1837 for the purpose of recording births, deaths, and marriages, the Hundred had been in existence for hundreds of years for administrative, military, and judicial purposes.

Church records
The Parish Registers begin in 1584. They can be viewed at 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 considerable for Bedfield.  See Suffolk Church Records 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 Bedfield 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
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