Gresham Genealogical Records

Gresham 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.

Gresham Baptism Records (1690-1812)

A printed register documenting the baptism of people in and around Gresham. They list parents' names - their occupations, residence and sometimes other details.

Norfolk Bishop's Transcripts (1685-1941)

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

Norfolk Archdeacon's Transcripts (1600-1812)

Browsable images of copies of Norfolk parish registers that were sent to the Bishop of Norfolk.

Norfolk Parish Registers (1538-1900)

An index to baptisms, marriages and burials in Norfolk parish registers. Images of the registers can be viewed separately.

Gresham 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.

Gresham Marriage Index (1690-1812)

An index to marriages recorded by the church, listing the date of marriage and the names of the bride and groom.

Gresham Marriages (1690-1812)

Details of those who were married at the church between 1690 and 1812. Information given may include parents' names, ages, marital status, abode and more.

Gresham Marriage Records (1690-1812)

A book containing a transcription of the marriage registers of Gresham. Church marriage registers are the primary source for marriage documentation before 1837. They may record the bride and groom's residence, the groom's occupation, parents' names, marital status and witnesses.

Norfolk Bishop's Transcripts (1685-1941)

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

Gresham 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.

Gresham Burial Records (1690-1812)

A printed book recording burials in the churchyard of Gresham. These records essentially record deaths in and around Gresham between 1690 and 1812. Details may include the age of the deceased, their residence and name of relations.

Norfolk Bishop's Transcripts (1685-1941)

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

Norfolk Archdeacon's Transcripts (1600-1812)

Browsable images of copies of Norfolk parish registers that were sent to the Bishop of Norfolk.

Norfolk Parish Registers (1538-1900)

An index to baptisms, marriages and burials in Norfolk parish registers. Images of the registers can be viewed separately.

Gresham 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.

Norfolk Electoral Rolls (1844-1952)

Digital images recording those eligible to vote in part of Norfolk.

Norfolk Poll Books (1714-1865)

Books recording votes cast in elections. These records name freeholders, and sometimes their tenants.

Norfolk and Norwich Hearth Tax Assessment (1666)

A transcription of the Lady Day hearth tax for 1666 for the county of Norfolk.

Newspapers Covering Gresham

Norfolk News (1845-1870)

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

Norfolk Chronicle (1776-1869)

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 Norfolk district. Every line of text from the newspaper can be searched and images of the original pages viewed.

Bury and Norwich Post (1801-1900)

A regional newspaper covering news and events in Norfolk and Suffolk. The newspaper contains numerous notices and articles useful to family historians, such as notices of birth, marriage and death.

The Colchester Gazette and General Advertiser (1814-1817)

A newspaper covering Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. Around 50% of issues from 1814-1817. Original images, searchable by an OCR index.

The Daily Herald (1926)

A London newspaper that later became The Sun.

Gresham 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.

Norwich Diocese Probate Index (1751-1818)

A searchable index to early wills proved in the Court of the Bishop of Norwich. Contains the name of the testator, year of probate, residence and occupation.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Admon Index (1559-1660)

An index to estate administrations performed by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. The index covers the southern two thirds of England & Wales, but may also contain entries for northerners.

Norwich Diocese Probate Index (1370-1603)

A searchable index to early wills proved in the Court of the Bishop of Norwich. Contains the name of the testator, year of probate, residence and occupation.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Probate Abstracts (1630-1654)

A searchable database of mid-17th Century probates performed by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. Supplies details of testator and executor.

Gresham Immigration & Travel Records

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.

17th Century British Emigrants to the U.S. (1600-1700)

Details on thousands of 17th century British immigrants to the U.S., detailing their origins and nature of their immigration.

Gresham Military Records

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.

Silver War Badges (1914-1920)

An index to nearly 900,000 military personnel who were awarded the Silver War Badge for sustaining injures. Records include rank, regimental number, unit, dates of enlistment and discharge, and reason for discharge.

Norfolk Poor Law Union Records (1796-1900)

Over 130,000 browsable pages detailing the administration of the dependent poor in Norfolk. Records contain details on births, marriages & deaths; punishments; admissions and discharges and more.

Norfolk Poll Books (1714-1865)

Books recording votes cast in elections. These records name freeholders, and sometimes their tenants.

Suffolk Eyre Roll Civil Pleas (1240)

Transcriptions and translations of pleas brought before a court. They largely concern land disputes. A number of cases relate to Suffolk.

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.

Home Office Prison Calendars (1868-1929)

Records of over 300,000 prisoners held by quarter sessions in England & Wales. Records may contain age, occupation, criminal history, offence and trial proceedings.

Gresham Taxation Records

Poll Book for Norfolk East (1865)

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

Poll Books for Norfolk (1768-1817)

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

Norfolk and Norwich Hearth Tax Assessment (1666)

A transcription of the Lady Day hearth tax for 1666 for the county of Norfolk.

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.

Gresham Land & Property Records

Poll Book for Norfolk East (1865)

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

Poll Books for Norfolk (1768-1817)

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

Norfolk Electoral Rolls (1844-1952)

Digital images recording those eligible to vote in part of Norfolk.

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.

Gresham Directories & Gazetteers

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1937)

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

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1933)

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 Norfolk (1929)

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

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1916)

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 Norfolk (1912)

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

Gresham Cemeteries

Norfolk Monumental Inscriptions (1600-1999)

Browsable images of booklets containing transcriptions of hundreds-of-thousands of gravestones and other memorials. Maps are included to help locate memorials.

Norfolk Church Monuments (1300-1900)

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

Norfolk Monumental Inscriptions (1700-1985)

An index to vital details engraved on over 5,000 gravestones and other monuments across the county of Norfolk.

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.

Gresham 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.

Gresham Histories & Books

Picture Norfolk (1800-1950)

A database containing over 16,000 photographs, sketches and other images of the county.

Victoria County History: Norfolk (1086-1900)

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

The History of Norfolk (1000-1810)

A detailed history of the county – its hundreds and parishes.

Handbook: Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk & Cambridgeshire (1892)

A traveller's guide to four Southern counties.

Norfolk Church Photographs (1890-Present)

Photographs and images of churches in Norfolk.

Gresham 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.

Gresham Occupation & Business Records

Norfolk Pubs (1300-Present)

Thousands of profiles of Norfolk pubs, arranged by location. Contains photographs, names of licensees or landlords, architectural details, name changes, historical extracts and more.

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.

Norfolk Mills (1600-Present)

Profiles and photographs of steam, water and windmills in the county.

Norfolk & Norwich Hospital (1744-1883)

A history of the early period of Norwich's hospital.

Lost Pubs of Norfolk (1750-Present)

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

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Gresham

The Visitation of Norfolk, Vol. 2 (1563)

Pedigrees of Norfolk gentry families, including descriptions of their arms. This volume also includes a number of transcripts of wills, inquisitions post mortems and other records.

The Visitation of Norfolk (1563)

Pedigrees of Norfolk gentry families, including descriptions of their arms.

Victoria County History: Norfolk (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.

Gresham Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

The Visitation of Norfolk, Vol. 2 (1563)

Pedigrees of Norfolk gentry families, including descriptions of their arms. This volume also includes a number of transcripts of wills, inquisitions post mortems and other records.

The Visitation of Norfolk (1563)

Pedigrees of Norfolk gentry families, including descriptions of their arms.

Victoria County History: Norfolk (1086-1900)

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

The Visitation of Norfolk: 1664 (1000-1664)

Pedigrees compiled from a mid 17th century heraldic visitation of Norfolk. This work records the lineage, descendants and marriages of families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

Norfolk Church Monuments (1300-1900)

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

Gresham Church Records

Gresham Parish Registers (1690-1812)

Baptism, marriage & burial records transcribed from the registers of Gresham presented in the form of a printed book.

Norfolk Parish Map (1835)

A map delineating parishes in the county of Norfolk.

Norfolk Bishop's Transcripts (1685-1941)

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

Norfolk Archdeacon's Transcripts (1600-1812)

Browsable images of copies of Norfolk parish registers that were sent to the Bishop of Norfolk.

Norfolk Parish Registers (1538-1900)

An index to baptisms, marriages and burials in Norfolk parish registers. Images of the registers can be viewed separately.

Biographical Directories Covering Gresham

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.

Gresham Maps

Norfolk Parish Map (1835)

A map delineating parishes in the county of Norfolk.

Norfolk Historic Maps (1780-1988)

An online application that allows you to browse several types of maps, including tithe maps, enclosure maps and aerial photography.

Faden’s Map of Norfolk (1794)

A map charting settlements, streets, rivers, natural features etc.

Maps of Norfolk (1588-1922)

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.

Gresham 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

GRESHAM is a parish, about 3 ½ miles south-east from Sheringham and 5 miles south-west from Cromer stations on the Great Eastern and Midland and Great Northern joint railways, 6 east from Holt station on the latter line and 10 from North Walsham, in the Northern division of the county, North Erpingham hundred and petty sessional division, Erpingham union, Holt county court district, rural deanery of Repps and archdeaconry and diocese of Norwich. The church of All Saints is an ancient building of fiint, with stone dressings, chiefly in the Decorated style and consisting of chancel, nave, south porch and a circular embattled western tower containing a bells: in the church are some monuments to the Spurgin family, dated 1838 and 1857, and to the family of Arden, dated 1854—7, and a curiously sculptured font: on the south wall of the chancel is a tablet inscribed to Robert Smyth, a former rector, ob. 1685, and on the floor of the aisle a brass (undated) to James Gatt: the body of the church was restored in 1856 and the tower in 1886, and there are sittings for 200: the churchyard has been enlarged by a quarter of an acre, taken out of the glebe by the Rev. Arthur Dewing Spurgin B.A. rector, 1857—92, d. 25 Dec. 1892. The register dates from the year 1560. The living is a discharged rectory, average tithe rent-charge £286, gross yearly value £268, net £183, including 23 acres of glebe with residence, in the gift of and held since 1893 by the Rev. Adolphus Theophilus Gledhill M.A. of Jesus College, Cambridge. There are Free Methodist and Primitive Methodist chapels. The Gresham Reading and Recreation Club meets in the schoolroom and has a library of 100 volumes; there are now (1896) 75 members. The foundations remain here of a large castellated building, which Sir Edmund Bacon obtained licence to crenellate 12 Edward II. (1318): it is rectangular in plan, with a semi-circular projection at each angle, probably the remains of towers or turrets, and is surrounded by a deep fosse. Gresham was formerly held by a son of Geoffrey Chaucer, the father of English poetry, and is supposed to have given its name to the family of which Sir Thomas Gresham, founder of the Royal Exchange and of Gresham College, London, was a descendant, Robert William Ketton esq. of Felbrigg Hall, is lord of the manor and Frederick Howe Lindsay Bacon Windham esq. of Hanworth Hall, is the principal landowner. The surface is hilly, and the soil in the lower grounds is strong and loamy; in the higher it is a light soil, suitable for turnips and barley. The chief crops are wheat, turnips, barley and pasture land. The area is 1,319 acres; rateable value, £1505; the population in 1891 was 372.

A School Board of 5 members was formed February 28, 1873, for the united district of Gresham, Barningham Norwood, Bessingham & East Beckham; G. H. Pigott Aylmerton, clerk to the board; John Suffling, Aldborough, attendance officer.

Board School (mixed), enlarged in 1874, at a cost of over £500, for 108 children; average attendance, 85.

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1896)

Most Common Surnames in Gresham

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in North Erpingham Hundred
1Gotts241:1610.91%406
2Chapman141:270.81%13
3Cooper131:290.66%9
3Shepheard131:2920.97%1,361
5Painter121:329.60%742
6Smith111:350.15%1
6Farrow111:351.39%70
8Walker101:380.96%36
8Jordan101:385.46%498
8Pyke101:3828.57%2,038
11Wall91:4210.59%1,062
11Larwood91:426.34%665
13Fox81:480.64%24
13Pegg81:482.58%270
13Hurn81:483.54%399
13Thaxter81:4814.55%1,505
17Thompson71:540.41%14
17Lawrence71:542.95%379
17Cory71:549.09%1,154
17Reeder71:543.52%445
17Leeder71:541.87%218
17Greenacre71:542.41%293
17Sharpen71:5418.42%1,934
17Stibbons71:5435.00%2,855
25Wright61:640.19%2
25Pike61:644.05%643
25Spurgin61:6475.00%4,793
25Flogdell61:6424.00%2,501
29Cox51:760.76%93
29Williamson51:760.80%99
29Holland51:762.14%386
29Sands51:762.51%445
29Knights51:760.56%52
29Platten51:761.74%297
35Curtis41:950.64%102
35Thornton41:955.26%1,163
35Emery41:954.17%963
35Ransome41:951.41%302
35Lowder41:9526.67%3,321
35Cleathero41:95100.00%7,164
41Colman31:1270.61%151
41Tyrrell31:1271.55%466
41Fields31:1273.61%1,088
41Amies31:1271.21%359
41Covell31:1274.41%1,269
41Flogdale31:127100.00%8,132
47Brown21:1910.07%3
47Wilson21:1910.14%19
47Page21:1910.19%37
47Rowe21:1910.55%233
47Mann21:1910.22%51
47Hurst21:1913.08%1,309
47Temple21:1911.12%519
47Crowe21:1910.45%172
47Starling21:1910.41%151
47Nurse21:1910.55%229
47Dade21:1911.98%918
47Bumfrey21:1913.45%1,447
47Attle21:191100.00%9,303
47Chestine21:191100.00%9,303
61Baker11:3810.07%20
61Clarke11:3810.04%5
61Fisher11:3810.12%59
61Dixon11:3810.23%181
61Reynolds11:3810.12%65
61Frost11:3810.10%43
61Winter11:3810.23%185
61Robins11:3811.85%1,531
61Easton11:3810.70%660
61Locke11:3811.59%1,340
61Chilvers11:3810.23%188
61Tooley11:3810.57%539
61Ayton11:3810.65%619
61Pells11:3811.45%1,249
61Tice11:3811.32%1,163
61Paston11:3810.92%855
61Corey11:38112.50%4,793
61Willer11:3813.85%2,446
61Tibbatts11:381100.00%11,117
61Cletheroe11:3811.82%1,505
61Morters11:38110.00%4,171
61Silance11:381100.00%11,117