Metfield, Suffolk Genealogy

England   Suffolk     Parishes   Metfield

Parish History
METFIELD, a large village, 8 miles S.S.W. of Bungay, 5 miles E.S.E. of Harleston, and 7 miles W. by N. of Halesworth, has in its parish 702 souls, and 160 acres of land, including a common of 41a. It is now estimated at the annual value of L3726. Capt. Chas. Rayley, B.N., of Southwold, is lord of the manor of Metfield, but part of the parish is in the manors of Mendham and Walsham Hall. Captain Rayley owns a large estate here, and Metfield Hall, a moated farmhouse, which was rebuilt about five years ago. The rest of the parish belongs to Wm. Adair, E. Freeston, N. Micklethwaite, and J. Burkett, Esqs.; Lord Henniker, Lady Beresford, and several smaller proprietors. Mrs. Susan Godbold, who was born at Flixton, has resided here 80 years, and walked round the village on her 104th birth-day, Sept. 13th, 1843. The Church (St. John) is an ancient structure, with a tower and three bells, and the benefice is a donative, valued, in 1835, at £69..... William White, 1844 Gazetteer of Suffolk, page 467   View a picture of the Metfield 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 Family History Library Catalog for available records.

Civil Registration
Metfield 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 1559. They can be view at the Suffolk Record Office. A copy of the registers from 1559 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 considerable for Metfield. 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. When the microfilm is required, consult the Family History Library Catalog for film numbers.

Probate records
Prior to 1858 the primary court that had jurisdiction over Metfield 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.