Davenham Genealogical Records

Davenham Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Moulton, Davenham Baptism Records (1878-1906)

Name index attached to original images of the baptism registers of Moulton, Davenham. Records document parents' names, date of baptism and/or birth, residence, occupations and more.

Wharton Baptisms (BTs) (1857-1895)

Digital images of baptism registers, searchable by a name index, essentially recording births, but may also include places of residence and occupations.

Wharton, Davenham Baptism Records (1843-1906)

Baptism registers are the primary source for birth documentation before 1837, though are relevant to the present. They record the date a child was baptised, their parents' names and more.

Davenham Baptisms (BTs) (1806-1884)

Digital images of baptism registers, searchable by a name index. These records detail relationships between parents and their children and may detail where they lived and how they made a living.

Davenham Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Moulton, Davenham Marriage Records (1878-1910)

The Marriage registers of Moulton, Davenham, document marriages 1878 to 1910. Details given on the bride and groom may include their age, father's name, marital status, residence and signature.

Wharton, Davenham Marriage Records (1850-1910)

Marriage registers are the primary source for marital documentation before 1837, though are relevant to the present. They typically record marital status and residence. Details may also be given on a party's parents, age and parish of origin.

Davenham Marriages (BTs) (1806-1837)

Digital images of marriage registers, searchable by a name index.

Davenham Marriage Records (1560-1910)

Name index linked to original images of the marriage registers of Davenham. Records document marriages from 1560 to 1910.

Davenham Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Wharton Burials (BTs) (1855-1895)

A name index linked to digital images of the burial registers of the church. Records document an individual's date of death and/or burial, age and residence. Some records may contain the names of relations, cause of death and more.

Wharton, Davenham Burial Records (1843-1906)

Burial registers record burials that occurred at Wharton, Davenham. They are the primary source documenting deaths before 1837, though are useful to the present. Details given may include the deceased's name, residence, age, names of relations, cause of death and more.

Davenham Burials (BTs) (1806-1884)

Digital images of burial registers, searchable by a name index. Lists the deceased's name, residence and age.

Davenham Burial Records (1622-1855)

Records of burial for people buried at Davenham between 1622 and 1855. Details include the deceased's name, residence and age.

Davenham Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Northwich Hundred Hearth Tax (1664)

A list of those in the hundred who were taxed for the privilege of owning or occupying properties with hearths.

Northwich Hundred Poll Tax (1660)

A list of those in the hundred who were levied to finance the dissolution of the New Model Army.

Cheshire Electoral Registers (1842-1900)

A full name index, connected to original images of the registers. These records list those who were eligible to vote and may give a description of an individual's property.

Newspapers Covering Davenham

Manchester Evening News (1870-1916)

A database allowing full text searches of a newspaper covering local news, family announcements, obituaries, court proceedings, business notices and more in the Manchester area.

Manchester Times (1828-1900)

A record of births, marriages, deaths, legal, political, organisation and other news from the Manchester area. Original pages of the newspaper can be viewed and located by a full text search.

Manchester Mercury (1752-1830)

Fully text-searchable articles from a local newspaper covering the Manchester district. It includes family announcements, obituaries, court proceedings, business notices and more.

Cheshire Observer (1854-1900)

Regional news; notices of births, marriages and deaths; business notices; details on the proceedings of public institutions; adverts and a rich tapestry of other regional information from the Cheshire district. Every line of text from the newspaper can be searched and images of the original pages viewed.

The Daily Herald (1926)

A London newspaper that later became The Sun.

Davenham Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

York Peculiar Probate Records (1383-1883)

Digital images, indexed by testor's name, of 28,716 wills, administrations, inventories and other probate documents. The records can shed light on an individual’s relations, possessions, land holdings, legal agreements and more. They cover various jurisdictions throughout the north of England.

York Prerogative & Exchequer Court Probate Index (1688-1858)

An index to 263,822 wills, administrations and other probate documents proved by an ecclesiastical court in York. The index included the testor's name, residence, year of probate, type of document and reference to order copies of the referenced document(s.).

York Prerogative & Exchequer Court Probate Index (1267-1500)

An index to 10,195 wills, administrations and other probate documents proved by an ecclesiastical court in York. The index included the testor's name, residence, occupation, will & probate year, language, type of document and reference to order copies of the referenced document(s.).

Chester Probate Registry Probate Images & Index (1858-1911)

A searchable index of testators linked to original wills proved in the civil probate court at Chester. This collection is not limited to residents of Cheshire.

Davenham Immigration & Travel Records

Cheshire Poor Law Abstracts (1732-1746)

Abstracts of poor law cases in Cheshire quarter sessions, covering events such as removals, settlement, bastardy and vagrancy.

Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Victoria Assisted & Unassisted Passenger Lists (1839-1923)

An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.

Alien Arrivals in England (1810-1869)

Details on over 600,000 non-British citizens arriving in England. Often includes age and professions. Useful for discerning the origin of immigrants.

Davenham Military Records

Memorials of the Civil War in Cheshire (1642-1651)

A history of the English Civil War from a Cheshire perspective.

Prisoners of War of British Army (1939-1945)

A searchable list of over 100,000 British Army POWs. Records contains details on the captured, their military career and where they were held prisoner.

British Prisoners of World War II (1939-1945)

Details on around 165,000 men serving in the British Army, Navy and Air Force who were held as prisoners during WWII.

British Army WWI Medal Rolls (1914-1920)

Index and original images of over 5 million medal index cards for British soldiers It can be searched by individual's name, Coprs, Unit and Regiment. Due to the loss of many WWI service records, this is the most complete source for British WWI soldiers

British Army WWI Service Records (1914-1920)

This rich collection contains contains records for 1.9 million non-commissioned officers and other ranks who fought in WWI. Due to bomb damage in WWI, around 60% of service records were lost. Documents cover: enlistment, medical status, injuries, conduct, awards and discharge. A great deal of genealogical and biographical documentation can be found in these documents, including details on entire families, physical descriptions and place of birth.

Cheshire Workhouse Admissions & Discharges (1781-1911)

An index to over 50,000 records detailing admissions and discharges to government poor houses in Cheshire. The index is linked to digital images of the records, which may record name, birth year, religion, occupation, name of informant and details of admission, death or discharge.

Cheshire Workhouse Creed Records (1872-1911)

Registers recording the admission of over 12,000 people for poor relief in Cheshire. Records include name, birth year, parish, occupation, religion, reason for admission and more.

Cheshire Inquisitions Post Mortem (1603-1660)

Transcripts of records assessing the estates of the monarch's direct tenants. Contains details of estates and families.

Cheshire Pipe Rolls (1158-1301)

A collection of financial records maintained by the English Exchequer relating to Cheshire.

Cheshire Workhouse Baptisms (1837-1911)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording the baptism of workhouse inmates' children.

Davenham Taxation Records

Northwich Hundred Hearth Tax (1664)

A list of those in the hundred who were taxed for the privilege of owning or occupying properties with hearths.

Northwich Hundred Poll Tax (1660)

A list of those in the hundred who were levied to finance the dissolution of the New Model Army.

Cheshire Tithe Maps (1836-1854)

Around 500 maps that record land ownership down to individual fields. These are referenced to documents to record landowners, occupiers, field names, land use and rents due.

Cheshire Land Tax Assessments (1700-1908)

An index to over 2 million names listed in records detailing land ownership and occupation in Cheshire. These records can be used to trace land ownership and succession to leases. Contains digital images of original records.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Davenham Land & Property Records

The Ledger Book of Vale Royal Abbey (1272-1450)

A history and records of a Cistercian abbey in Cheshire. It contains a contemporary history of the abbey, pleas and evidences, and a collection of Bulls granting privileges to the Cistercian order.

Cheshire Electoral Registers (1842-1900)

A full name index, connected to original images of the registers. These records list those who were eligible to vote and may give a description of an individual's property.

Cheshire Tithe Maps (1836-1854)

Around 500 maps that record land ownership down to individual fields. These are referenced to documents to record landowners, occupiers, field names, land use and rents due.

Cheshire Land Tax Assessments (1700-1908)

An index to over 2 million names listed in records detailing land ownership and occupation in Cheshire. These records can be used to trace land ownership and succession to leases. Contains digital images of original records.

Cheshire and Lancashire Funeral Certificates (1600-1678)

Transcripts of records that detail the lives and lands of Cheshire and Lancashire landholders.

Davenham Directories & Gazetteers

Worrall's Directory of Warrington etc. (1871)

A directory of Warrington, St Helens, Prescot, Leigh, Newtown-le-Willows, Widnes, Runcorn, Frodsham, Altrincham, Bowdon, Knutsford, Middlewich, Northwich, Winsford and adjoining townships. Includes descriptions of each place, a list of their residents: their calling and abode.

Kelly's Directory of Cheshire (1938)

A directory of the county detailing its history, agriculture, topography, economy and leading commercial, professional and private residents.

Kelly's Directory of Cheshire (1934)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Cheshire (1923)

A directory of settlements in Cheshire detailing their history, agriculture, topography, economy and leading commercial, professional and private residents.

Kelly's Directory of Cheshire (1923)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Davenham Cemeteries

Cheshire Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Cheshire's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Cheshire Monumental Inscriptions (1870-1875)

Transcriptions of several thousand headstones in the county of Cheshire.

Deceased Online (1629-Present)

Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Mausolea and Monuments (1500-Present)

Profiles of several hundred mausolea found in the British Isles.

Davenham Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Davenham Histories & Books

Cheshire Image Bank (1800-2000)

A database of over 20,000 images recording places and events in Cheshire. Images can be searched by meta-data.

Victoria County History: Cheshire (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

Lancashire and Cheshire, Past and Present (370-1867)

A history of two Northern counties from the Germanic invasion to the Victorian period.

Cheshire Church Photographs (1890-Present)

Photographs and images of churches in Cheshire.

Memorials of the Civil War in Cheshire (1642-1651)

A history of the English Civil War from a Cheshire perspective.

Davenham School & Education Records

Cheshire School Records Index (1796-1950)

An index to over 400,000 pupils extracted from Cheshire school records. Includes names of parents and residences.

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Davenham Occupation & Business Records

Smuggling on the West Coast (1690-1867)

An introduction to smuggling on the west coast of Britain & the Isle of Man, with details of the act in various regions.

Midlands Mines Index (1896)

Profiles of coal and metal mines in the Midlands region of England.

Lost Pubs of Cheshire (1750-Present)

Short histories of former public houses, with photographs and lists of owners or operators.

British Trade Union Membership Registers (1870-1999)

An index to and images of registers recording over 3.7 million trade union members.

UK Medical Registers (1859-1959)

Books listing doctors who were licensed to operate in Britain and abroad. Contains doctor's residencies, qualification and date of registration.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Davenham

Victoria County History: Cheshire (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Davenham Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

Victoria County History: Cheshire (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

Cheshire and Lancashire Funeral Certificates (1600-1678)

Transcripts of records that detail the lives and lands of Cheshire and Lancashire landholders.

Cheshire Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Cheshire's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Davenham Church Records

Davenham Parish Registers (1560-1910)

The parish registers of Davenham provide details of births, marriages and deaths from 1560 to 1910. Parish registers can assist tracing a family back numerous generations.

Diocese of Chester Parish Registers (1538-1911)

Digital images of registers that record baptisms, which typically occur shortly after birth; marriages and burials. The registers can be searched by name and can help establish links between individuals back to the 16th century.

Cheshire Workhouse Creed Records (1872-1911)

Registers recording the admission of over 12,000 people for poor relief in Cheshire. Records include name, birth year, parish, occupation, religion, reason for admission and more.

Cheshire Bishop's Transcripts (1598-1900)

An index to over 2 million entries from baptism, marriages and burials sent by parishes to be held by the Bishop of Chester.

Cheshire Clergy List (1541-1542)

A list of 16th century Anglican clergy in the Diocese of Chester.

Biographical Directories Covering Davenham

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

The Concise Dictionary of National Biography (1654-1930)

A directory containing lengthy biographies of noted British figures. The work took over two decades to compile. Biographies can be searched by name and are linked to images of the original publication.

Davenham Maps

Cheshire Tithe Maps (1836-1854)

Around 500 maps that record land ownership down to individual fields. These are referenced to documents to record landowners, occupiers, field names, land use and rents due.

Maps of Cheshire (1577-1920)

A collection of digitalised maps covering the county.

Cheshire Maps (1571-1831)

A series of maps depicting the county and routes passing through it.

UK Popular Edition Maps (1919-1926)

Detailed maps covering much of the UK. They depict forests, mountains, larger farms, roads, railroads, towns, and more.

Ordnance Survey 1:10 Maps (1840-1890)

Maps showing settlements, features and some buildings in mainland Britain.

Davenham Reference Works

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Surname Origins (1790-1911)

A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.

British Family Mottoes (1189-Present)

A dictionary of around 9,000 mottoes for British families who had right to bear arms.

Historical Description

Davenham; two miles to the west of which, on the opposite side of the Weaver river, is Vale Royal Abbey, the seat of Thomas Cholmondeley, Esq.— The original building was founded by Prince Edward, son of Henry the Third, as a monastery for Cistertian monks, 100 of whom he had placed in his mansion-house, at Dunhall, about the year 1266, in pursuance of a vow he had made upon narrowly escaping from shipwreck. In 1277, upon the petition of the monks, because, as the king observes, "the latter place was not, forsooth, lightsome enough for their fat worships," he began to erect a stately abbey in the more cheerful and pleasant situation of Vale Royal, an appellation given by the king himself to this district. This abbey was not completed till the year 1330, when the expence of the building was found to have amounted to the immense sum of 32,000l.

At the dissolution of religious houses the revenues of Vale Royal Abbey were estimated at 518l. 19s. 5d. per annum, and the site was then granted to Sir Thomas Holcroft, of Holcroft, in the county of Lancaster, from whose grandson, Sir Thomas Holcroft, the whole demesne was purchased by Dame Mary, daughter of Christopher Holford, of Holford, in this county, and widow of Sir Hugh Cholmondeley, knight, who was member of parliament for Cheshire in the year 1585. Dame Mary was stiled the ‘ Bold Ladie of Cheshire,’ by King James the First, who honoured her with a visit at Vale Royal, in the year 1617; she died on the 15th of August, 1625, and was buried with her husband in Malpas church, where a magnificent monument is erected to their memory. The present Earl Cholmondeley is descended from Hugh, their third son. The estate of Vale Royal was inherited by Thomas, the fourth son, whose great-grandson is the present owner.

During the civil wars, in the reign of Charles the First, Vale Royal was plundered by a detachment from General Lambert’s army, which was then engaged in besieging Beeston Castle, garrisoned for the king.

The parliamentary troops, after seizing every valuable article, whether of decoration or furniture, set fire to one of the wings, which appeared to have been the refectory of the abbey, from the marks of the bare walls, which were standing some few years back. There is a curious tradition that, during the time the troops above-mentioned were in possession of Vale Royal, the family were supported wholly by the milk of a white cow, which had found means to escape from the soldiers, who were conveying her away with other cattle. Whatever truth there may be in this tradition, it is certain that the posterity of the white cow has been gratefully preserved in a breed, which is white with red ears, still kept at Vale Royal.

The hall of the present mansion was erected about 250 years ago, and is a very spacious room, being nearly 70 feet in length; the wings were rebuilt about 10 years since.

The apartments contain a great number of family and other portraits, some of them remarkably fine pictures. Among these are particularly to be noticed the portraits of Charles the First and James the First, by Sir Peter Lely; the great Duke of Somerset, by Rubens; the Earl of Londonderry and his sister, Mrs. Cholmondeley; Governor Pitt, Sir Lionel and Lady Tollemache; Lady Salisbury, his mother, and the last Sir Hugh Cholmondeley: the latter is a full length in green armour, painted on board, and placed at the end of the gallery called Sir Hugh’s. Here is also a curious painting on wood of King Charles the First, putting on his cap previous to his being beheaded; this was panted by Deniers, in 1649. Another painting represents Mr. John Thomasine, the celebrated writing-master of Tarvin.— The library contains an extensive collection of curious and valuable works. Among its choicest rarities are writings called the Prophecies of Nixon, the famous Cheshire prophet; these are preserved with particular care, and no stranger is permitted to see them.

In a pamphlet published at Chester, purporting to contain the original predictions of Nixon, it is said that he was born at a farm called Bridge House, in the parish of Over, near Newchurch, and not far from Vale Royal, in the year 1467; but, in the account of his life, written by John Oldmixon, Esq. it appears that he lived in the reign of James the First. His infancy and boyhood were only remarkable for expressing a heavy and sluggish apprehension, which bordered on stupidity, and so feeble was his intellect that even the most common employments of husbandry could not be taught him without considerable difficulty. As he grew older he became distinguished for stubbornness of disposition and sullen taciturnity. Previous to the utterance of his prophecies he generally fell into a trance, and whatever means were employed to awaken him he remained fixed and insensible till the bodily paroxysm had abated, of the nature or even of the presence of which he seemed to have had knowledge.

Some mystical expressions which he uttered on recovering from one of these fits, and of which the whole neighbourhood rang with the fulfillment, occasioned him to be noticed by Thomas Cholmondeley, Esq. the owner of Vale Royal. This gentleman took him into his house, and intended to have had him educated, but it was found impossible to remove his natural ignorance, and he was suffered to pursue the occupation of a plough-driver, to which his capacity seemed only equal. During his stay in this family he is said to have foretold many things that were soon afterwards actually fulfilled, and others that were not to be accomplished till after the expiration of many years. Among the latter events were the the Civil Wars, the death of Charles the First, the Restoration, and the Revolution.

His fame having at length reached the court of James the First, he was sent for by that monarch, who wished to converse with the man who possessed such extraordinary powers. Nixon was unwilling to attend, declaring that his reason for his reluctance was the certainly of being starved, should he be obliged to comply with the monarch’s command; be was, however, forced to visit the palace, where the king, to prevent the possibility of his suffering the fate he so much dreaded, assigned him a place in the royal kitchen. It, notwithstanding, happened that the king, having departed suddenly for Hampton Court, at a time when Nixon, for some mischievous prank, was locked up in a closet, he was entirely forgotten for three days, at the expiration of which he was found lifeless, being literally starved to death.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

DAVENHAM (formerly called Daneham) is a parish, township, and compact village, on the road from Northwich to Middlewich, 2 miles south-south-east from the former place and 4 north-west from the latter, and about 2 miles from Hartford station on the London and North Western railway, in the Northwich division of the county, hundred, union and county court district of Northwich, petty sessional division of Leftwich, rural deanery of Middlewich and archdeaconry and diocese of Chester. The township lies between the Tivers Dane and Weaver: the church and portion of the village are in the township of Leftwich. The church of St. Wilfred, entirely rebuilt at various times within the period 1850—80, is an edifice of stone in the Decorated style, consisting of chancel, clerestoried, nave of five bays, aisles, transepts, south porch, and an embattled western tower with pinnacles and a lofty octagonal spire, and containing a clock and 6 bells: there are 14 stained windows, including two in the chancel; one erected in 1890 to the Rev. Thomas France-Hayhurst M.A. late rector (1830—84), d. 1889, and another erected by James France France esq. in memory of his niece: the church affords about 650 sittings. The register dates from about the year 1560. The living is a rectory; average tithe rent-charge £510, net yearly value £300, with 9 acres of glebe and residence, in the gift of Col. C. H. France-Hayhurst, and held since 1884 by the Rev. Thomas William Hamilton France-Hayhurst M.A. of Trinity College, Cambridge. The Wesleyan chapel erected in 1856 is a structure of brick, and affords sittings for 200 persons. The Congregational chapel, used by the Primitive Methodists, is a email edifice, built in 1852. The Liberal Club, erected in 1886, contains a library and reading room and is well supplied with books and periodicals. The Constitutional Club comprises a reading room and a library of 900 volumes; the members now (1896) number about 160. The club is managed by a committee of 18 members. Vicar’s charity of about £13 yearly is for apprentice fees, the poor’s land of 18a. 3r. 27p. together with Oldfield and Brock’s gifts, provides £60 a year for the poor, and Wrench’s charity furnishes £6 13s. 4d. for distribution in money, which is given in sums of 6s. 8d. to poor householders born and living in the parish. Davenham Hall, occupied by Christopher Kay esq. J.P. is a spacious mansion standing in a well wooded park, about half a mile south of the village. Grove Mount is the residence of Lea Jones esq. J.P. At an early date the estates in this locality were annexed to the barony of Shipbrook, and were afterwards divided into the manors of Over and Nether Davenham, at that period vested in the Brett family, from whom they passed by marriage to the Holfords, a family long resident here: Allen Holford, the last male heir, alienated his estates to Thomas Ravenscroft, his brother-in-law, on whose death, in 1795, the property was purchased by William Harper esq. of Liverpool. The manor is now vested in Colonel C. H. France-Hayhurst, of Bostock Hall, who is also the chief landed proprietor. The area of the township is 496 acres, chiefly applied to dairy purposes; rateable value, £2,779; the population in 1891 of the ecclesiastical parish was 3,362.

National School, endowed with £18 10s. 8d. yearly from various charities (boys, girls & infants), for 350 children; average attendance, 310.

Kelly's Directory of Cheshire (1896)

Most Common Surnames in Davenham

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Northwich Hundred
1Buckley1641:5710.01%37
2Atherton1081:8618.27%180
3Oakes981:9514.80%148
4Carter921:1019.11%75
5Robinson911:1022.87%11
6Shaw861:1083.27%17
7Dutton831:1124.93%34
8Hulse791:1189.28%106
9Curzon771:12153.85%850
10Davies761:1231.34%3
10Tomlinson761:1238.51%98
10Stubbs761:1237.27%72
13Hitchen741:12626.52%443
14Hough721:1296.79%70
15Jackson661:1411.68%7
16Jones621:1500.57%1
16Wilkinson621:1503.30%28
16Burgess621:1502.86%23
16Yarwood621:15013.00%234
20Walker611:1532.12%14
21Hughes601:1551.65%9
22Holland581:1613.49%35
23Johnson571:1631.37%6
24Maddock561:1667.69%129
24Sandbach561:16624.78%548
26Smith531:1760.74%2
26Dean531:1763.07%32
26Garner531:1765.03%71
29Baker521:1795.16%76
30Latham501:1866.39%114
31Brooks491:1905.14%88
32Cross481:1947.38%151
33Walton461:2034.97%92
34Thompson451:2072.55%31
34Moss451:2073.75%55
34Such451:20788.24%1,788
37Dodd441:2122.73%39
37Gleave441:21211.67%314
39Hatton431:2176.88%162
40Dale421:2223.33%54
41Taylor411:2270.81%5
41Vernon411:2275.89%136
43Griffiths401:2332.68%42
43Warburton401:2333.41%57
43Noden401:23316.26%500
46Percival391:2395.99%149
46Goodier391:23912.15%384
48Clarke381:2451.60%18
48Forster381:2456.11%163
48Hickson381:24510.80%337
51Burrows371:2526.20%175
51Newall371:25214.98%495
53Boden361:25912.54%435
54Higgins341:2745.47%163
54Pickstock341:27430.63%1,036
56Wilson331:2821.63%25
56Harrison331:2821.42%19
56Eaton331:2825.07%149
59Williams321:2910.57%4
59Goulding321:29125.00%930
59Hitchinson321:29176.19%2,071
62Plant311:3005.69%199
62Hodgkinson311:3005.42%190
62Weedall311:30024.80%951
65Clark301:3113.23%91
65Moore301:3112.12%44
65Berry301:3116.37%240
65Platt301:3112.81%69
65Davenport301:3112.32%52
65Bostock301:3114.97%172
71Perry291:3216.33%251
71Dudley291:32115.51%664
71Cotterill291:32112.39%527
74Wakefield281:3337.67%327
74Kennerley281:33311.86%517
74Whitlow281:33314.43%643
77Birkenhead271:34536.99%1,393
78Pickering261:3585.66%249
78Bebbington261:3583.79%140
78Bracegirdle261:3586.21%283
81Evans251:3730.91%15
81Wood251:3730.71%10
81Bennett251:3731.11%21
81Webb251:3733.09%111
81Riley251:3732.81%99
81Lowe251:3732.14%59
81Gregory251:3733.21%117
81Ravenscroft251:3738.36%416
81Carden251:37360.98%2,098
90Brown241:3880.76%12
90Whitehead241:3883.08%115
90Nixon241:3884.10%183
90Lightfoot241:3883.20%125
90Hassall241:3885.14%245
90Bratt241:38811.06%571
90Hamlet241:38816.44%838
97Sant231:4059.66%514
97Blagg231:40534.85%1,493
99Kirk221:4235.85%317
99Massey221:4232.18%76
99Kitchen221:42312.72%726
99Hoole221:42316.30%892
103Lyon211:44416.41%930
103Pemberton211:4444.49%243
103Rathbone211:4446.27%366
103Egerton211:4445.16%288
103Astbury211:4446.07%354
108Lewis201:4661.24%38
108Mills201:4662.83%133
108Dickinson201:4666.06%371
108Hope201:4664.35%247
108Whalley201:4665.49%328
108Dickenson201:4667.69%474
108Rogerson201:4665.95%364
108Allcock201:4665.71%342
108Hodkinson201:4664.55%262
108Fleet201:4666.01%370
108Lunt201:4666.92%431
108Rowlinson201:46611.24%708
108Bennion201:46610.93%678
108Blade201:46660.61%2,384
122Young191:4902.53%123
122Graham191:4903.94%231
122Andrews191:4905.54%362
122Heath191:4903.08%169
122Clough191:4905.52%360
122Deakin191:4905.54%362
122Royle191:4901.89%79
122Moseley191:49011.59%754
122Blackhurst191:49016.96%1,022
131Lamb181:5182.88%161
131Bradshaw181:5183.14%189
131Blower181:51823.08%1,337
131Gorst181:51811.04%756
131Muskett181:51832.73%1,709
136Wright171:5480.56%13
136Bates171:5483.98%270
136Horton171:5484.62%324
136Sadler171:5487.17%515
136Stringer171:5486.75%488
136Peach171:54832.69%1,766
136Littler171:5482.74%166
136Shenton171:5488.33%615
136Dooley171:5486.09%443
136Cawley171:5485.63%410
136Minshall171:5489.39%687
136Broady171:54815.74%1,059
136Woodier171:54828.81%1,609
149Scott161:5822.23%131
149Ward161:5821.46%67
149Anderson161:5823.33%233
149Barnes161:5822.09%119
149Ford161:5822.31%138
149Williamson161:5821.03%40
149Poole161:5822.98%207
149Fryer161:5826.64%512
149Millington161:5823.29%226
149Worrall161:5822.68%174
149Garnett161:5827.41%573
149Cookson161:5823.88%287
149Harrop161:5822.13%123
149Kettle161:5827.34%564
149Dunning161:5826.32%484
149Hine161:58228.07%1,664
149Ollier161:5827.66%597
166Thomas151:6210.80%29
166Hall151:6210.71%24
166Morris151:6210.87%33
166Mellor151:6211.35%65
166Gough151:6214.63%379
166Dalton151:6219.93%822
166Gerrard151:6214.04%323
166Ashmore151:62116.48%1,202
166Raynor151:62119.74%1,356
166Speakman151:62111.36%912
166Foden151:6213.90%309
177Price141:6650.85%36
177Sweeney141:66510.85%924
177Atkin141:66511.86%990
177Fitton141:6656.06%531
177Acton141:6654.36%384
177Capper141:6653.01%246
177Hayhurst141:66543.75%2,426
177Stretch141:6658.59%756
177Blease141:6654.58%403
186Bell131:7171.47%103
186Bailey131:7170.64%26
186Barker131:7171.41%93
186Booth131:7170.49%16
186Parry131:7171.42%94
186Slater131:7171.73%125
186Hopkins131:7174.29%408
186Vickers131:7172.76%240
186Alcock131:7173.89%369
186Wilding131:7175.96%564
186Bowyer131:7174.11%390
186Palin131:7172.38%198
186Byron131:71726.53%1,847
186Wrench131:7176.25%602
186Corker131:71710.16%930
186Threadgold131:71714.13%1,192
186Dobell131:71723.64%1,709
186Proudman131:71722.03%1,609