Chislehurst Genealogical Records

Chislehurst 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.

Kent Bishop's Transcripts (1560-1911)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Kent Parish Registers (1538-1911)

Browsable images of registers the recorded baptisms, marriages and burials in Kent. Names are not indexed.

Kent PR Index (1538-1870)

An index to around 40,000 various parish register extracts for Kent.

British Birth and Baptism Records (1400-2010)

A collection of indexes and transcripts of birth and baptism records that cover over 250 million people. Includes digital images of many records.

Chislehurst 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.

Canterbury Diocese Marriage Licences (1751-1837)

Abstracts of marriages licences granted by the Diocese of Canterbury. These records can contain more details than marriage records, including details such as age, occupation, residence and names of parents or guardians.

Vicar General’s Office Marriage Licences (1600-1679)

Abstracts of marriage licences granted by the Vicar-General in London. These licences could be used to marry in any church in the Province of Canterbury.

Canterbury Diocese Marriage Licenses (1568-1750)

Abstracts of records that granted parties the right to marry. They list name, marital condition, residence, year of licence and a reference to order the original document. Coverage is for: 1568-1618, 1661-1700 and 1726-1750.

Kent Bishop's Transcripts (1560-1911)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Chislehurst 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.

Kent Bishop's Transcripts (1560-1911)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Kent Parish Registers (1538-1911)

Browsable images of registers the recorded baptisms, marriages and burials in Kent. Names are not indexed.

Kent PR Index (1538-1870)

An index to around 40,000 various parish register extracts for Kent.

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.

Chislehurst 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.

Kent Hearth Tax (1664)

A transcription of records naming those who had taxes levied against them for the privilege of owning a hearth.

Kent Register of Electors (1570-1907)

Browsable images of Kent electoral rolls poll books, which list those eligible to vote as well as lists of freemen, apprentices, burgess records and militia musters.

1901 British Census (1901)

The 1901 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.

Newspapers Covering Chislehurst

South London Press (1867)

A local paper including news from the London area, legal & governmental proceedings, family announcements, business notices, advertisements and more.

Shoreditch Observer (1857-1867)

A local paper including news from the Shoreditch area, legal & governmental proceedings, family announcements, business notices, advertisements and more.

London Standard (1827-1900)

Original images of a local newspaper, searchable via a full text index. Includes news from the London area, business notices, obituaries, family announcements and more.

Kent & Sussex Courier (1873-1939)

A conservative-oriented newspaper reporting on local news, births, marriages and deaths in the two counties.

Kent & Sussex Courier (1873-1950)

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

Chislehurst 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.

Wills & Admons at Canterbury Probate Registry (1396-1650)

An index to probates and administrations held at Canterbury Probate Registry. Contains details on the testator, type of grant, residence, occupation and reference to order the original.

Tyler's Index to Kent Wills (1460-1882)

Abstracts and references to 10,000s of wills and probate documents, primarily from East Kent.

Diocese of Rochester Wills and Probate (1662-1784)

Browsable images of inventories. Also includes freeman papers for Queenborough.

Archdeaconry of Rochester Wills and Probate (1635-1857)

Browsable images of administrations, inventories and wills.

Chislehurst Immigration & Travel Records

Prisoners Transported from Kent (1851-1852)

A small list of convicts transported to the colonies.

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.

Chislehurst Military Records

The Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment (1914-1920)

A great deal of information relating to the regiment, including a thorough history, biographical details, photographs, information on honours etc.

West Kent Queen's Own Yeomanry (1794-1909)

A general history of the yeomanry, including extracts from original records

Victoria County History of Kent, Vol. 3 (43-1900)

A volume from the most respected work concerning English history. It covers military history, country houses, industry, roads and a transcription of Domesday entries relating to Kent.

QORWKR Battalion Orders (1914-1916)

A finding aid for records detailing orders relating to ordinary rank men in the Royal West Kent Regiment.

Kent Voluntary Aid Detachments (1914-1918)

Details of voluntary aid workers in Kent during WWI.

Kentish Prison Hulk Registers (1811-1843)

Registers recording details of around 9,000 prisoners held in ships stationed in Kent. Records describe a convict's name, age, place of birth, physical description, offence, conviction, sentence, discharge and conduct report.

Kent Workhouse Records (1777-1911)

Over 70,000 browsable pages detailing the administration of poor law unions in Kent. Records contain details on births, marriages & deaths; punishments; admissions and discharges and more.

Kent Quarter Sessions Index (1657-1804)

A name index to 1,000s of people mentioned in legal records relating to crime and administration. The records include settlements, removals and bastardy orders.

Kent Quarter Sessions & Court Files (1558-1899)

Legal records covering a variety of issues from land to bastardy.

Act Books of the Archbishops of Canterbury (1663-1859)

An index to names and places mentioned in act books of the Province of Canterbury. It records various licences and conferments, such as marriage and physician licences.

Chislehurst Taxation Records

Poll Book for the County of Kent (1832)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Kent Hearth Tax (1664)

A transcription of records naming those who had taxes levied against them for the privilege of owning a hearth.

Kent Land Tax Assessments (1689-1832)

Browsable images of registers that record owners and occupiers of land. Useful for tracing succession of freehold and tenancies.

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.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Chislehurst Land & Property Records

Poll Book for the County of Kent (1832)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Kent Land Tax Assessments (1689-1832)

Browsable images of registers that record owners and occupiers of land. Useful for tracing succession of freehold and tenancies.

Kent Register of Electors (1570-1907)

Browsable images of Kent electoral rolls poll books, which list those eligible to vote as well as lists of freemen, apprentices, burgess records and militia musters.

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.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Chislehurst Directories & Gazetteers

Directory: Bromley, Bickley, Chislehurst & Orpington (1928)

An exhaustive gazetteer, containing details of the area's history, governance, churches, postal services, public institutions and more. Also contains lists of residents with their occupation and address.

Pike's Weald of Kent & Romney Marsh Directory (1884-1885)

A gazetteer and directory of part of Kent.

Kelly's Directory of Kent (1938)

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

Kelly's Directory of Kent (1938)

An exhaustive gazetteer, containing details of settlement's history, governance, churches, postal services, public institutions and more. Also contains lists of residents with their occupation and address.

Kelly's Directory of Kent (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.

Chislehurst Cemeteries

Kent Monumental Inscriptions (1500-1920)

Transcriptions of thousands of memorials and headstones found in Kent.

Kent Church Monuments (1300-1900)

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

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.

Chislehurst 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.

Chislehurst Histories & Books

The History of Chislehurst (955-1899)

A general history of Chislehurst, focusing on ecclesiastical and manorial affairs.

History & Topographical Survey of Kent (1189-1801)

A sprawling work containing a detailed history of the county and each parish.

Victoria County History: Kent (1086-1900)

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

Victoria County History of Kent, Vol. 3 (43-1900)

A volume from the most respected work concerning English history. It covers military history, country houses, industry, roads and a transcription of Domesday entries relating to Kent.

Kent Church Photographs (1890-Present)

Photographs and images of churches in Kent.

Chislehurst School & Education Records

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.

Cambridge Alumni Database (1198-1910)

A searchable database containing over 90,000 note-form biographies for students of Cambridge University.

Chislehurst Occupation & Business Records

Canterbury Teaching and Medical Licences (1568-1646)

A calendar to licences granted by Diocese of Canterbury to teachers, physicians and apothecaries.

Smuggling in Kent (1697-1830)

Articles detailing several smuggling gangs that operated in the county.

Smuggling on the South East Coast (1675-1871)

An introduction to smuggling in on the east coast of England, with details of the act in various regions.

Smuggling on the East Coast (1600-1892)

An introduction to smuggling on the east coast of England, with details of the act in various regions.

Kent Pub Histories (1820-Present)

Histories of Kent pubs, with photographs and lists of owners or operators.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Chislehurst

Victoria County History: Kent (1086-1900)

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

Pedigrees of Kent Families (1066-1840)

Hand-draw genealogical charts covering Kent's gentry. Includes descriptions of coats of arms.

Tyler's Kent Families (1500-1900)

A collection of pedigrees, family notes and historical extracts relating to Kent and its families.

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.

Chislehurst Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

Victoria County History: Kent (1086-1900)

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

Pedigrees of Kent Families (1066-1840)

Hand-draw genealogical charts covering Kent's gentry. Includes descriptions of coats of arms.

Kent Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Kent'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.

Chislehurst Church Records

Visitations of the Archdeacon of Canterbury (1557-1679)

Extracts relating to the ecclesiastical history of the Archdeaconry of Canterbury.

Kent Church Photographs (1851-Present)

Photographs of parish churches in Hampshire, with architectural details and extracts from the 1851 ecclesiastical census.

Kent Bishop's Transcripts (1560-1911)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Kent Parish Registers (1538-1911)

Browsable images of registers the recorded baptisms, marriages and burials in Kent. Names are not indexed.

Act Books of the Archbishops of Canterbury (1663-1859)

An index to names and places mentioned in act books of the Province of Canterbury. It records various licences and conferments, such as marriage and physician licences.

Biographical Directories Covering Chislehurst

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.

Chislehurst Maps

Maps of London & The Vicinity (1940)

Detailed maps of London and 125 other places in the vicinity.

James Wyld's Map of London and Environs (1872)

A map charting London and 25 miles round.

Maps of Kent (1522-1922)

Digital images of maps covering the county.

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.

Chislehurst 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

The village of Chislehurst, noted for being the place of retirement of the famous Camden, the choreographer and antiquary, who resided here for several years, and here composed the greatest part of his Annals of Queen Elizabeth. An estate in this parish, comprising a very handsome seat, termed Camden Place, is now the property of Thompson Bonner, Esq.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

CHISLEHURST is an extensive parish, delightfully situated on the high road from Bromley to the Crays, with a station on the South Eastern and Chatham railway, 3 miles east from Bromley, 8 south-west from Dartford and 11 from London, in the Western division of the county, lathe of Sutton-at-Hope, Ruxley hundred, Bromley petty sessional division, union and county court district, rural deanery of West Dartford, archdeaconry of Maidstone, and diocese of Canterbury. The parish is supplied with water by the Kent Water Company from works at Shortlands and Orpington. Under the provisions of the “Local Government Act, 1894” (56 & 57 Vict. ch. 73), by Local Board Order No. 40,686, which came into operation April 1st, 1900, an Urban District Council of fifteen, members was formed for Chislehurst parish. The district is divided into two wards, Lower and Upper. The church of St. Nicholas is of flint, and entirely (save part of the chancel) in the Perpendicular style, and has a tower with spire containing a clock and 8 bells: there is a good screen of wood, and a rood screen: the font dates from the 12th century: the church contains monuments to Sir Philip Warwick, secretary to Charles I. 1684; William Selwyn esq. treasurer of Lincoln’s Inn, 1817, with sculptures by Chantrey; Sir Edmund Walsingham kt. 1549; Sir Thomas Walsingham kt. his son, ob. 1630; and a brass with demi-effigy to Alan Porter, rector, 1452: part of the church called “The Scadbury Chantry” has for many years been the burial place of the Townshend family, Viscounts and Earls Sydney: all the stained glass is modern; the church was restored in 1849, and has 480 sittings. St. Nicholas parish registers date from the year 1558. The living is a rectory, net yearly income £250, including 12 acres of glebe, with residence, in the gift of the Bishop of Worcester, and held since 1902 by the Rev. James Edward Le Strange Dawson M.A. of Corpus-Christi College, Oxford.

The Church of the Annunciation, constituted the church of a separate ecclesiastical parish Oct. 20, 1876, was built in 1870, at a cost of £10,000, and is of stone in the Gothic style, and has several stained windows: in 1893 the chancel was decorated: there are 600 sittings. The register dates from the year 1870. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value £116, in the gift of Keble College, Oxford, and held since 1870 by the Rev. Henry Lloyd Russell, of St. Mary Hall, Oxford.

Christ Church, erected in 1872 on a site presented by N. W. J. Strode esq. at a cost of about £5,000, is of Kentish rag, with Bath stone dressings, in the Early Decorated style, and has a tower with spire, containing a clock and one bell: it affords 700 sittings, one-third of which are free. The register dates from the year 1872. The living is an incumbency, yearly value about £350, derived from pew rents, in the gift of trustees, and held since 1902 by the Rev. George Henry Pole M.A. of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.

The Catholic church, erected in 1854, and dedicated to St. Mary, is of stone, and has a bell-cote, containing one bell: the east window and several others are stained: the chapel which adjoins the nave on the north side was added in 1874 by the Empress Eugenie, at a cost of £1,500, from the designs of Mr. H. Clutton, architect, to receive the remains of the Emperor Napoleon III. who died at Camden Place, Jan. 9. 1873: the sarcophagus of polished Aberdeen granite, presented by Her Majesty Queen Victoria, within which rested the remains of the Emperor Napoleon III. has been removed with the body of the Emperor to the chapel built by the Empress Eugenie at Farnborough, Hants, where also are now laid the remains of the Prince Imperial, killed at Itelezi, in Zululand, 1st of June, 1879; the memorial erected by Monsignor Goddard on the spot where his body lay while in this church consists of a canopied wall tomb of 15th century Gothic, with a recumbent figure of white alabaster of the prince, in the uniform of the Royal Artillery: a Small chapel adjoins the church.

The Wesleyan chapel, built in 1870, affords 400 sittings.

The Village Hall, near St. Nicholas’ church, is used for parochial meetings, entertainments and concerts, and has a small stage with proscenium and scenery; it will seat about 350 persons.

St. Mary’s Hall, Chislehurst West, was erected in 1878, at a cost of £2,000 and is used for Sunday and daily school purposes, as well as for entertainments and public meetings; it also provides rooms for a workman’s club: the hall will hold 400 persons.

St. George’s Hall, in Church lane, was erected by the Chislehurst Habitation of the Primrose League; it will hold about 100 persons, and connected with it is a lending library; meetings are held on the 1st Thursday in each month.

The parochial charities produce an aggregate yearly income of £106 4s. 8d. and consist of Benson’s gift of £15 15s. yearly, arising from £525 in New 3 ¼ per Cents, and expended in clothing; four benefactions, amounting unitedly to £8 8s. 6d. yearly, derived chiefly from Consols and given to the poor; Harvill’s charity of £13 16s. 8d. annually, and a sum of £1,306 14s. 4d. Consols and producing £36 2s. yearly, both devoted to the support of the national schools; Rand’s and Cowell’s income of £233 6s. 8d. Consols, and distributed to widows and widowers; Wilson’s bequest of £16 1s. 8d. annually, furnished by the Charity Commissioners for books for parochial use; and Warwick’s benefaction of £5 18s. 10d. derived from a sum of £200 15 s. 3d. Consols for apprenticing lads. These gifts apply to the whole (civil) parish of Chislehurst.

Almshouses for 12 inmates were erected in 1882.

St. Michael’s Orphanage was established in 1855 for boys between the ages of 4 and 12 years who have lost either or both parents; they are admitted on payment of £13 annually; the institution is supported by subscriptions, and is under the management of a lady superintendent assisted by the rector.

The Governesses’ Benevolent Institution, Harley street, London; office, 32 Sackville street W, founded in 1842, Las an asylum here for aged governesses; the building was erected in 1871, with residential chambers for 12 annuitants, who receive £42 a year, paid monthly, four tons of coal and medical attendance.

Camden Place, on the west side of the Common, built and formerly inhabited by William Camden, the antiquary, who died here Nov, 9, 1623, was, for about six years the residence of the ex-Empress Eugenie; it is a large brick mansion, situated in beautiful grounds, which, together with the park, cover an area of about 130 acres: the window overlooking the balcony is that of the room in which the Emperor Napoleon III. died, and may be viewed from a footpath past the garden front; the gardens are well laid out and ornamented with statuary: Camden is said to have written his “Annals of Queen Elizabeth” while resident here about 1615: Charles Pratt, lord chief justice of the Kings Bench, Earl, and afterwards Marquess Camden, took his title from this place; Mr. and Mrs. Bonar, who lived here in 1813, were murdered in their bedroom May 30, by the footman, Philip Nicholson, who was hanged on Penenden Heath August 23, in the same year. The house is at present used as the headquarters of the Chislehurst Golf Club.

Frognal, now the seat of the Hon. Robert Marsham-Townshend M.A., F.R.G.S., F.G.S., F.S.A., D.L., J.P. is a large mansion of brick, containing many family and historical portraits of much interest, including some fine miniatures; it is separated by a road and a beautiful avenue of trees from Scadbury Park, which is well timbered and preserved, and comprises about 300 acres.

The Arab’s Tent, a remarkable house, built from the designs of Mr. Ewan Christian, architect, stands in the midst of beautiful scenery, commanding an extensive view. Newlands is the residence of Sir George Hayter Chubb, and Southholme, of Donald Campbell Shearer esq.

There are common lands secured to this parish, extending over 150 acres, intersected by roads and footpaths and in parts covered with gorse and trees, and during the summer months are a favourite resort of excursionists: they are now under the management of a Board of Conservators. On the common is a monument to the Prince Imperial, erected in 1880 by the residents of Chislehurst and of the neighbourhood; it consists of a Runic cross of granite, 27 feet high, beautifully carved and having on the front the imperial bee and the inscription following:-“Napoleon Eugene Louis Jean Joseph, Prince Imperial, born in Paris, 16th March, 1856, killed in Zululand, 1st June, 1879;” at the back is inscribed an extract from the prince’s will, expressive of his gratitude to H.M. Queen Victoria, the royal family and the English nation.

The celebrated statesman Sir Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth’s minister, was born at Chislehurst about 1536, as was also (in 1509) Sir Nicholas Bacon, father of Francis Bacon, Viscount St. Albans and lord chancellor; Prince Hoare F.S.A, artist and author, who died at Brighton, Dec. 22, 1834, was buried here; and William, 1st Baron Wynford, formerly lord chief justice of the Common Pleas, died here March 3, 1845.

The Hon. R. Marsham-Townshend is lord of the manor and the principal landowner.

The soil is various, but is chiefly loam, gravel and clay; subsoil, sand and chalk. The chief crops are cereals of all kinds, but mostly fruit. The area is 2,786 acres of land and 5 of water; rateable value, £74,743; the population in 1891 was 6.557, and in 1901, 7,429, viz.: Lower Ward, 2,314 and Upper Ward, 5,115.

The population of the ecclesiastical parishes in 1501 was, St. Nicholas (parish church), 2,410; the Annunciation, 2,822.

Under the provisions of the “Divided Parishes Act, 1882,” a detached part of Foots Cray parish has been added to Chislehurst.

PLACES OF WORSHIP, with times of services

St. Nicholas’, Rev. Jas. Edwd. Le Strange Dawson M.A, rector; Rev. Charles Senhouse Ryder M.A. & Rev. Herbert Joseph Dawson M.A. curates; matins & sermon 9.45 a.m.; matins, litany & sermon it a.m. & 1st & 3rd sun. at 12; children’s service 3 p.m.; even gong & serm. 7; festivals, 7.15, 8 & 10.15 a.m.; children's serv. 9.15; matins 11 a.m.; evensong 5.15 or 8 p.m.; evensong & sermon on the festival 8 p.m.; week days; matins (except wed. & fri.) 10 a.m. wed. & fri. 11 a.m.; evensong (except wed. & fri.) 5.15 p.m. wed. (& vigils) 8.15 p.m. fri. 7.30 p.m.; from Easter, to Michaelmas evensong at 6 instead of 5.15.

Church of the Annunciation, Rev. Henry Lloyd Russell vicar; Rev. Robert Ryder B.A. curate; sundays, matins (& when there is no late celebration, litany) & sermon 10 a.m.; children’s service, 3.30 p.m. evensong & sermon 7 p.m.; saints’ days, 7.15 & 11.30 a.m.; evensong, 5.30 p.m. on the even or vigil 8 p.m. evensong daily at 5.30 p.m.

Christ Church, Rev. George Henry Pole M.A. incumbent; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; thurs. 5.45 p.m.

St. John the Baptist Mission Church, Mill place, Rev. Charles Senhouse Ryder M.A. curate.

St. Mary’s Catholic, Rev. Auguste M. Boone, resident priest; mass, 8.30 & 11 a.m. 3.30 p.m. daily 8 a.m.; wed. & 1st fri. 6 p.m.; holy days, 9 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Wesleyan, Rev. William West Holdsworth M.A. Rev. Edward Greeves, Rev. Joseph R. Hewitson, supernutmerary; 11 a.m.. & 6.30 p.m.; wed. 7 p.m.

SCHOOLS

National, Chislehurst common, erected in 1874, for 130 boys, 111 girls & 72 infants; average attendance, 90 boys, 42 girls & 30 infants.

Countess Sydney’s (mixed), Perry street, built for 40 children; average attendance, 20.

Christ Church (mixed & infants), for 120 children; average attendance, 45 mixed and 23 infants.

National, Chislehurst West, enlarged in 1866 & again in 1890, for 120 boys, 120 girls & 150 infants; average attendance, 94 boys, 95 girls & 78 infants.

Wesleyan, Willow grove, built in 1875, enlarged in 1892 for 250 children; average attendance, 170.

Kelly's Directory of Kent (1903)

Most Common Surnames in Chislehurst

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Blackheath Hundred
1Smith651:820.44%1
2Brown581:920.99%2
3Wood521:1031.02%5
4White411:1301.04%8
5Sutton391:1372.87%84
6Cooper281:1911.09%21
7Johnson271:1980.81%12
8Turner261:2060.88%15
8Crouch261:2064.04%232
8Keeble261:20614.13%942
11Wilson251:2140.92%16
11Green251:2141.09%28
13Edwards241:2230.99%25
13Davis241:2230.91%18
15Watson231:2321.39%58
16Taylor221:2430.41%3
16Marchant221:2433.12%204
18Deen211:25587.50%4,913
19Payne201:2671.21%59
19Francis201:2672.31%153
19Mercer201:2672.35%156
22Morris191:2811.24%69
22James191:2811.47%94
22Perry191:2812.76%210
25Allen181:2970.72%23
25Russell181:2970.69%19
25Skinner181:2971.07%57
25Townend181:29741.86%3,140
25Wain181:29715.38%1,388
30Whitehead171:3141.67%128
31Mitchell161:3341.01%63
31Chapman161:3340.53%14
31Foster161:3341.10%79
31Marsh161:3340.72%30
31Allan161:3349.64%1,030
31Miles161:3341.13%81
31Chubb161:33422.22%2,102
31Pascall161:33418.60%1,816
39King151:3560.43%11
39Miller151:3560.81%44
39Harvey151:3561.11%87
39Stevens151:3560.67%29
39Burgess151:3561.35%116
39Hills151:3560.71%34
39Homewood151:3563.21%337
39Seagust151:356100.00%6,935
47Roberts141:3820.71%40
47Harris141:3820.39%10
47Clarke141:3820.87%60
47Field141:3821.40%130
51Davies131:4111.80%200
51Cook131:4110.53%24
51Hunt131:4110.85%68
51Mills131:4110.65%38
51Ford131:4111.18%117
51Burton131:4111.32%132
51George131:4111.72%184
51Sheppard131:4113.13%390
51Weeks131:4111.88%208
51Cripps131:4114.18%559
51Harland131:4118.97%1,155
51Sparkes131:41111.11%1,388
51Tapsell131:4118.90%1,145
64Williams121:4460.33%9
64Wright121:4460.51%26
64Baker121:4460.23%4
64Morgan121:4460.86%82
64Phillips121:4460.68%50
64Ellis121:4460.83%80
64Howard121:4461.10%119
64Reynolds121:4460.99%102
64Wells121:4460.55%32
64Newman121:4461.00%104
64Ives121:4466.28%919
64Leaver121:44616.44%2,078
76Adams111:4860.59%43
76Potter111:4861.30%157
76Thorpe111:4862.38%341
76Gough111:4868.40%1,252
76Monk111:4862.92%452
76Hawes111:4864.68%768
76Blundell111:4863.97%625
76Ansell111:4863.20%497
76Mayhew111:4869.32%1,382
76Eke111:48625.00%3,090
76Libby111:48678.57%7,263
76Cudd111:48691.67%8,042
76Patt111:486100.00%8,577
89Thomas101:5350.49%37
89Clark101:5350.31%13
89Martin101:5350.20%6
89Robertson101:5353.14%549
89Marshall101:5350.72%83
89Collins101:5350.38%17
89McKenzie101:5354.74%842
89Fox101:5350.94%123
89Stone101:5350.75%90
89Walton101:5352.92%502
89Duncan101:5354.81%852
89Watkins101:5352.00%305
89Beck101:5353.92%683
89English101:5354.88%863
89Plummer101:5356.76%1,131
89Ricketts101:53513.70%2,078
89Hatch101:5356.62%1,113
89Teasdale101:53532.26%4,063
89Tye101:5354.81%852
89Crowhurst101:5351.89%287
89Tester101:5353.75%646
89Roots101:5352.40%390
89Diaper101:53576.92%7,644
89Nickolls101:53520.83%2,888
89Durling101:5354.02%710
89Bayman101:53555.56%6,047
89Rollison101:53566.67%6,935
89Nickalls101:53531.25%3,974
89Tiarks101:535100.00%9,168
89Edlanam101:535100.00%9,168
89Eggletow101:535100.00%9,168
89Baysman101:535100.00%9,168
121Knight91:5940.39%27
121Webster91:5941.82%308
121Reed91:5940.78%110
121Lawrence91:5940.61%76
121Barber91:5941.40%232
121Clayton91:5943.44%661
121Reeves91:5940.72%98
121Fuller91:5940.60%73
121Pugh91:5948.26%1,464
121Oakley91:5946.57%1,212
121Marks91:5944.66%907
121Hoare91:5941.82%311
121Rouse91:5944.02%804
121Thorp91:5945.63%1,060
121Friend91:5941.17%178
121Dickens91:59415.00%2,432
121Cheshire91:59416.67%2,637
121Sainsbury91:59418.00%2,803
121Feltham91:59415.79%2,530
121Parris91:5945.63%1,060
121Goodhew91:5942.57%482
121Tookey91:59414.29%2,350
121Dabner91:59414.29%2,350
121Haisman91:59422.50%3,324
121Catlett91:59434.62%4,646
146Jones81:6680.19%7
146Robinson81:6680.44%47
146Holland81:6681.26%238
146Dean81:6681.23%230
146Bates81:6681.09%195
146Stephens81:6681.52%291
146Willis81:6680.99%167
146French81:6680.81%131
146Ryan81:6682.66%574
146O'Brien81:6684.15%907
146Leigh81:6683.24%718
146Horn81:6682.47%540
146Crane81:6683.38%757
146Peck81:6685.59%1,175
146Brand81:6683.38%757
146Quick81:6687.02%1,417
146Pickett81:6686.06%1,246
146Whittington81:66810.39%1,989
146Funnell81:6683.02%652
146Dennett81:6686.90%1,396
146Hugill81:66840.00%5,609
146Packman81:6682.16%457
146Tolhurst81:6681.97%403
146Weatherley81:6688.08%1,599
146Downton81:66861.54%7,644
146Clutton81:66853.33%6,935
146Janson81:66833.33%4,913
146Sperring81:66857.14%7,263
146Darrell81:66840.00%5,609
146Charrington81:66853.33%6,935
146Chattell81:66872.73%8,577
146Freston81:66888.89%9,942
146Leavens81:66844.44%6,047
146Josiffe81:668100.00%10,921
146Lillcote81:668100.00%10,921
181Jackson71:7640.45%67
181Bennett71:7640.37%42
181Griffiths71:7641.33%287
181Webb71:7640.28%22
181Palmer71:7640.40%53
181Dunn71:7641.06%222
181Murphy71:7641.06%224
181Rowe71:7641.43%315
181Griffin71:7641.63%370
181Smart71:7642.07%509
181Johnstone71:7645.60%1,300
181Simmons71:7640.54%95
181Howe71:7641.72%398
181Welch71:7641.94%471
181Norton71:7641.48%330
181Finch71:7641.10%239
181Garrett71:7642.10%518
181Golding71:7641.26%275
181Jolly71:7648.97%1,967
181Spicer71:7641.28%278
181Charlesworth71:76416.67%3,197
181Bloomfield71:7644.61%1,105
181Hitchcock71:7643.06%788
181Woodman71:7644.19%1,020
181Crowe71:7649.72%2,102
181Staples71:7642.19%546
181Petty71:7645.34%1,252
181Chivers71:76413.73%2,759
181Willoughby71:7648.05%1,795
181Holgate71:76421.21%3,879
181Nutter71:76415.22%2,972
181Barham71:7641.75%415
181Eley71:76411.86%2,465
181Line71:76425.93%4,519
181Worley71:76413.21%2,676
181Rayment71:76414.89%2,923
181Kinder71:76477.78%9,942
181Stiff71:7649.72%2,102
181Ransome71:76417.07%3,259
181Epps71:7641.31%282
181Woodhams71:7642.67%661
181Tims71:76441.18%6,318
181Saddington71:76431.82%5,251
181Inns71:76487.50%10,921
181Shadbolt71:76433.33%5,415
181Ellingham71:76419.44%3,606
181Tidman71:76424.14%4,259
181Greengrass71:76423.33%4,158
181Saggers71:76446.67%6,935
181Moulden71:76436.84%5,815
181Cowdry71:76470.00%9,168
181Liles71:76487.50%10,921
181Cremer71:76420.59%3,780
181Moul71:76463.64%8,577
181Freese71:76470.00%9,168
181Tuhey71:76487.50%10,921
181Shults71:764100.00%12,184