Farndon, Cheshire Genealogy

EnglandCheshireFarndon

Farndon (Welsh:Rhedynfre) is an ancient parish in Cheshire, England. It sits on the River Dee, which forms the border between England and Wales. The parish includes the villages of Barton, Churton by Farndon, Clutton, Crewe (near Farndon) and Farndon itself.

Parish History
A church was present on the site at the time of the survey for the Domesday Book and it is likely that Saxon churches had previously been there. The base of the tower and the plan of the church date from the 14th century although around 1622 the historian Webb described it as "a fair new church". During the civil war the church was badly damaged. In 1643 it was being used as a barracks for the Parliamentarians under Sir William Brereton when it was attacked by Royalists. During the battle the church was set on fire. It continued to be used by the Parliamentarians until 1645 when it was abandoned and left derelict. Apart from the tower the church was completely rebuilt in 1658 by William Barnston. Further restorations were carried out in the 19th and 20th centuries. The 19th century restoration was carried out by Kelly and Edwards, other than the south-east chapel which was by John Douglas.

The village of Farndon sits on the border between England and Wales (the actual border is on the bridge which crosses the river Dee and which separates Farndon and the village of Holt in Wales.) Consequently, Farndon has a Welsh name: Rhedynfre. The village was an important place historically and has been a site of conflict and cultural exchange since the Angles settled the area in the 8th century. The border moved numerous times during the following centuries, placing Farndon alternately in Wales and England.

The English name is reported to mean "Fern Hill", and has been given as Fearndune, Farndune, Ferentone, Ferendon, Faryngdon and Ferneton, amongst other variations, since its first mention in 924AD.

Today, Farndon is a village and civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England.

Registration Districts

 * Great Boughton (1837–69)
 * Chester (1871–1937)
 * West Cheshire (1937–74)
 * Chester and Ellesmere Port (1974–98)
 * Cheshire East (1998+)

Registration events may be searched online at Cheshire BMD

Church Records
To find the names of the neighbouring parishes, use England Jurisdictions 1851. In this site, search for the name of the parish, click on the location "pin", click Options and click List contiguous parishes.

The following records are deposited at the Record Office:


 * Parish registers for Farndon, 1603-1961. CRO call number: P45/1/1-3, 2, 3/1-2, 4, 5.
 * Bishop's transcripts for Farndon, 1611-1900. CRO call number: EDB 88

The following records are available on microfilm at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City:

Non-Conformist Churches

 * Farndon, Rock Chapel (Independent/Congregational). Founded 1889.

Poor Law Unions

 * Great Boughton (1837–71)
 * Tarvin (1871–1930) Tarvin (previously Great Boughton) Poor Law Union, Cheshire

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