Caunton Nottinghamshire Family History Guide
Caunton is an ancient parish located in Nottinghamshire, England. It is situated approximately 5 miles northwest of Newark. The parish includes several places such as Beesthorpe, Besthorpe, Deanhall, and Knapthorpe. The parish church is dedicated to St. Andrew.
The history of Caunton dates back many centuries. The parish registers begin in 1709, although the Bishop’s Transcripts go as far back as 1609. Nonconformist religious groups like the Primitive Methodist, Society of Friends/Quaker, and Wesleyan Methodist have a presence in the area.
In the 19th century, Caunton was described as a pleasant parish with pleasing scenery. The land, primarily clay soil, was well cultivated. Despite attempts to discover coal, no significant deposits were found.
The living of Caunton is a discharged vicarage, with the patronage belonging to the Prebendary of North Muskham in the Collegiate Church of Southwell. The church itself is a neat stone structure.
Aside from the parish church, Caunton has places of worship for Primitive and Wesleyan Methodists. There is also a school that was built through subscriptions.
The records of Caunton offer valuable genealogical information. The FamilySearch database includes census returns, church records, land and property records, and public records related to the parish.
Caunton falls under the administration of Nottinghamshire County. The civil registration district is Southwell, and the probate court is the Court of the Peculiar of Southwell. The diocese is Lincoln, the rural deanery is Southwell, and the poor law union is also Southwell. The parish is part of the Thurgarton Hundred and is situated in the ecclesiastical province of York.
Caunton is an Ancient Parish in the county of Nottinghamshire.
Other places in the parish include: Beesthorpe, Besthorpe, Deanhall, and Knapthorpe.
Alternative names:
Parish church: St. Andrew
Parish registers begin:
- Parish registers: 1709
- Bishop’s Transcripts: 1609
Nonconformists include: Primitive Methodist, Society of Friends/Quaker, and Wesleyan Methodist.
Table of Contents
Adjacent Parishes
Parish History
A Topographical Dictionary of England 1848
CAUNTON (St. Andrew), a parish, in the union of Southwell, N. division of the wapentake of Thurgarton, S. division of the county of Nottingham, 5 miles (N. W. by N.) from Newark; containing 539 inhabitants.
It is situated on the Worksop road, and comprises by measurement 2900 acres, of which 1600 are in the manor of Caunton, 800 in that of Beesthorpe, and 500 in the manor of Knapthorpe; the scenery is pleasing, the soil chiefly clay, and the land well cultivated. Coal is supposed to exist, and various attempts have been made to discover it, but without success.
The living is a discharged vicarage, in the patronage of the Prebendary of North Muskham in the Collegiate Church of Southwell, valued in the king’s books at 4. 2. 1.; net income, 142; impropriator, Lord Middleton. The tithes were commuted for land under an inclosure act, in 1795. The church is a neat structure of stone.
There are places of worship for Primitive and Wesleyan Methodists; and a school built by subscription.
Source: A Topographical Dictionary of England by Samuel Lewis 1848
Parish Records
FamilySearch
Administration
- County: Nottinghamshire
- Civil Registration District: Southwell
- Probate Court: Court of the Peculiar of Southwell
- Diocese: Lincoln
- Rural Deanery: Southwell
- Poor Law Union: Southwell
- Hundred: Thurgarton
- Province: York
Tracing the history of a family from Caunton, Nottingham
Tracing the history of a family from Caunton, Nottingham can be an exciting journey. Here are some steps you can take to begin your research:
- Start with family records: Gather information from your own family records, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and old family photos. These can provide valuable clues and help you establish a starting point.
- Explore online resources: Utilize online genealogy websites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, or Findmypast.com. These platforms offer access to a wide range of historical records, including census data, birth, marriage, and death records, and more. Search for your ancestors based on their names, birthplaces, or other available details.
- Consult parish registers: The parish church of Caunton, St. Andrew, has registers that date back to 1709. These registers contain baptism, marriage, and burial records. You can access them either online or by visiting the Nottinghamshire Archives Office in person.
- Visit local archives or libraries: Local archives, libraries, or historical societies in Nottinghamshire may hold additional records related to families from Caunton. These records may include electoral registers, trade directories, wills, and probate records. Visit or contact the Nottinghamshire Archives or local libraries for assistance.
- Connect with other researchers: Engage with online forums, message boards, or social media groups focused on genealogy and family history in Nottinghamshire. Sharing your research and connecting with others who are also researching families from Caunton can provide valuable insights and collaboration opportunities.
- Explore historical newspapers: Newspapers can provide significant information about your ancestors, such as obituaries, marriage announcements, and social events they may have attended. Digitized newspaper archives, both free and subscription-based, can be searched for mentions of your family members.
- Consider DNA testing: DNA testing, such as through companies like AncestryDNA, MyHeritage DNA, or 23andMe, can help uncover potential genetic connections with other individuals who share your family history. It can provide insights into your ethnic origins and assist in finding distant relatives who may have additional information or records.
Remember to take detailed notes of your findings, organize your research, and cross-reference different sources to ensure accuracy. Genealogy research requires patience and persistence, but with time, you may be able to uncover a rich history of your family from Caunton, Nottingham. Good luck with your research!