Thompson Genealogical Records

Thompson 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.

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.

Norfolk Baptisms (1813-1880)

Transcriptions of CoE and non-conformist baptism registers. They typically contain parents names', father's occupation, but not residence. Many include mothers' maiden names.

Thompson 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.

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.

Norfolk Non-conformist Registers (1613-1901)

Registers recording birth or baptisms, marriages an burials for various denominations outside the Church of England. Also includes records for the Society of Friends in Pakefield, Suffolk.

Thompson 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.

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.

Norfolk Non-conformist Registers (1613-1901)

Registers recording birth or baptisms, marriages an burials for various denominations outside the Church of England. Also includes records for the Society of Friends in Pakefield, Suffolk.

Thompson 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 Thompson

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.

Thompson 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.

Thompson 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.

Thompson Military Records

Thompson WWI Roll of Honour (1914-1918)

Details of those who died in WWI.

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.

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.

Thompson 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.

Thompson 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.

Thompson 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.

Thompson 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.

Thompson 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.

Thompson 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.

Thompson 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.

Thompson 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 Thompson

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.

Thompson 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.

Thompson Church Records

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.

Norfolk Parish Registers (1538-2013)

Digital images of baptism, marriage and burial registers from Church of England places of worship in Norfolk.

Biographical Directories Covering Thompson

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.

Thompson 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.

Thompson 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

THOMPSON (or Tompson) is a parish a mile west from Stow-Bedon station on the Bury, Thetford and Swaffham section of the Great Eastern railway, 3 south from Watton and 10 west from Attleborough, in the South Western division of the county, hundred, petty sessional division and union of Wayland, Watton and Attleborough county court district, rural deanery of Breccles and archdeaconry and diocese of Norwich. The church of St. Martin, standing close to the road, is a building of rubble, in the Early English style, dating from about 1300, and consists of chancel, nave, south porch, transept and an embattled western tower containing a clock and 3 bells; the chancel contains three sedilia and a piscina, and its windows have beautiful tracery, but are now half blocked up; the south chapel, which also retains a piscina, appears to have been built about 1450 as a chantry and place of interment for the founder, Sir Thomas de Shardelow and his family: the nave is fitted with oak benches, which have well-carved poppy heads, every one being of a different pattern; a carved oak screen divides the chancel and nave: in the church is a modern painting, representing Joseph’s brethren announcing his death to Jacob: the stone font has an octagonal carved basin: there is a tablet to Walter Tooke, 1802, and in the churchyard are the ruins of a north chapel or vestry. The register dates from the year 1538. The living is a vicarage, gross yearly value £42, arising from 20 acres of glebe, in the gift of the trusteee of the late Henry D’Esterre Hemsworth esq. and held since 1860 by the Rev. William Smythe Thorpe B.A. of Wadham College, Oxford, who resides at Shropham. There is a Primitive Methodist chapel here, erected in 1860. A reading room and library was built in 1890 by Lord Walsingham. The town lands produce £31 yearly, which sum is divided between the church and the poor. In the time of Edward I. a small chantry was established here by the then lord of Tompson; Sir Thomas de Shardelow fifty years later, bestowed upon it a chantry house, called “Tompson’s College,” an estate and the advowson of the living. The College Farm, now in the occupation of Mr. A. J. Cackett, still marks the site of the ancient residence of the chantry priests. Lord Walsingham, who is lord of the manor, and the trustees of the late Henry D’Esterre Hemsworth, esq. (d. 1850) are the principal landowners. The soil is light, with a clay or black gravel subsoil. The chief crops are wheat, barley and oats. There is some heath land used as a cattle run and a sheep walk, and a mere called “Tompson Water.” The area is 2,890 acres; rateable value, £2,171; the population in 1891 was 358.

National School (mixed), erected in 1874 by Lord Walsingham & maintained by him & by an annual grant of £10 from the Hemsworth trustees; the school will hold 100 children; average attendance, 63; Miss Sarah Violet Tyler, mistress. In 1886 a residence was erected for the schoolmistress by Lord Walsingham.

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1896)

Most Common Surnames in Thompson

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Wayland Hundred
1Hunt261:142.85%50
2Smith191:190.26%1
2Baldwin191:193.66%138
4Crook171:2113.49%736
4Buckle171:2110.00%552
6Betts131:281.37%47
7Howes111:330.88%25
8Cater101:366.06%573
8Calver101:363.48%297
10Briggs91:402.70%256
10Downs91:4012.50%1,211
12Oldfield81:455.10%605
12Hazel81:459.20%1,040
12Bunnett81:458.00%926
12Nann81:45100.00%4,793
12Sandcraft81:4580.00%4,171
17Bailey71:510.71%42
17Lake71:510.88%69
17Spraggs71:5187.50%4,793
20Brown51:720.16%3
20Hubbard51:720.51%41
20Bennet51:7220.83%2,565
20Gaskin51:726.17%1,111
20Collen51:72100.00%6,392
20Leggate51:7211.36%1,761
26Thompson41:900.24%14
26Cook41:900.41%46
26Crane41:900.88%169
26Land41:901.16%249
26Starr41:9010.81%1,964
26Mutton41:907.84%1,594
26Stubbings41:907.55%1,554
33Matthews31:1200.56%131
33Stubbs31:1202.17%687
33Lincoln31:1200.51%113
33Murrell31:1201.10%315
33Barham31:1201.85%589
33Chase31:1201.62%490
33Ransom31:1203.45%1,040
33Coote31:1208.33%1,994
33Cheney31:12011.54%2,446
33Easling31:12037.50%4,793
33Cobles31:120100.00%8,132
44Williams21:1800.40%147
44Johnson21:1800.09%7
44Potter21:1800.31%96
44Rudd21:1800.23%56
44Peck21:1800.79%344
44Chenery21:1801.06%479
44Boggis21:1805.41%1,964
44Tolman21:1805.26%1,934
44Eagling21:1801.24%595
44McRow21:1802.53%1,134
44Eavis21:18033.33%5,754
55Baker11:3600.07%20
55Ward11:3600.06%12
55Chapman11:3600.06%13
55Saunders11:3600.14%85
55Newton11:3600.24%198
55Warren11:3600.26%213
55Griffin11:3600.55%510
55Steel11:3601.39%1,211
55Short11:3600.96%893
55Bush11:3600.18%126
55Howlett11:3600.12%54
55Hannah11:3603.33%2,244
55Knights11:3600.11%52
55Tully11:36050.00%9,303
55Westbrook11:36033.33%8,132
55Chilvers11:3600.23%188
55Hinsley11:3602.63%1,934
55Crack11:3608.33%3,756
55Hensley11:3605.88%3,121
55Lain11:3600.94%876
55Calf11:36025.00%7,164
55Nuth11:360100.00%11,117
55Greve11:360100.00%11,117