Worlingworth, Suffolk Genealogy

England   Suffolk     Hoxne Hundred   Parishes  Worlingworth

Parish History
WORLINGWORTH, a large and well-built village, pleasantly situated near the source of a rivulet, 5 miles N.W. of Framlingham, and 6 1/2 miles N.E. by E. of Debenham, has in its parish 786 souls, and 2446a. 2r. 6p. ot fertile land. The large common here was enclosed in 1831-2, and from the luxuriant growth of the hedges and plantations, it can now scarcely be distinguished from the old enclosures. Lord Henniker is lord of the manor, and owner of about half of the soil; and the remainder belongs to Sir R. S. Adair, T. W. F. V. Wentworth, Esq., and several smaller owners. It is mostly free, and partly copyhold. Worlingworth Hall, now occupied by a farmer, was the seat of Sir John Major, Bart., who died in 1781, and whose son-in-law, John Henniker, Esq., succeeded to his estates, and was created a peer by the title of Lord, Henniker, as already noticed at page 346, with Thornham Magna, where the present Lord Henniker has his seat. Bishop Alfric gave the lordship of Worlingworth, and the advowson of the church, to Bury Abbey ; and they were granted, in the 31st of Henry VIII., to Anthony Rous. The Church' (St. Mary) is a neat fabric, with a tower and six bells, and contains a beautiful Gothic font, which once adorned the abbey church at Bury..... William White, 1844, History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Suffolk; page 478-479

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
Worlingworth 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 1558. They can be view at the Suffolk Record Office. A copy of the registers from 1558 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 Worlingworth. 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 Worlingworth 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
Worlingworth Local History Group