Syleham, Suffolk Genealogy

England   Suffolk     Hoxne Hundred   Suffolk 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 then you will have access to a variety of resources; however, for those who live further afield, one can access microfilm and online records at Family History Centers. Refer to and  in the FamilySearch 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
parish registers of christenings, marriages and burials are available online for the following years:

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.

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

 * Suffolk Gazetteers and Directories from 1839 to 1909 - Suffolk Gazetteers and directories provide a brief history and description of each parish and lists principal residents. They mention the farmers and tradesman in each parish and the nearest market towns among other things of interest.
 * National Gazetteers provide a brief description of each place
 * Vision of Britain
 * British History Online - SYLEHAM (St. Mary), a parish, in the union and hundred of Hoxne, E. division of Suffolk, 3½ miles (S. W.) from Harleston. There was once a chapel at Esham, a hamlet in the parish.


 * England Jurisdictions 1851 maps - see parish in context with surrounding parishes also determine various ecclesiastical and civil jurisdictions for this parish
 * Syleham on Google maps - see lay of the land as it is today