Rowley Regis Parish Records, 1539-1812

Overview of "Rowley Regis Parish Records, 1539-1812"

Introduction

"Rowley Regis Parish Records, 1539-1812" is a historical compilation of parish records from Rowley Regis, a village in the West Midlands, England. The book is primarily a collection of primary sources, including baptismal, marriage, and burial records, which provide valuable insights into the lives of the residents of Rowley Regis over a period of nearly three centuries.

Key Themes

1. Historical Context

   • The book offers a glimpse into the social, economic, and religious fabric of Rowley Regis during the 16th to 19th centuries.
   • It highlights the impact of significant historical events such as the English Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, and the changes in religious practices.

2. Family History

   • The parish records contain detailed information about births, marriages, and deaths, making it an invaluable resource for genealogical research.
   • Readers can trace family lineages and explore the lives of their ancestors.

3. Community Dynamics

   • The records reveal the social hierarchy of the village, including the relationships between local gentry, clergy, artisans, and laborers.
   • They also provide insights into community interactions, such as church attendance and participation in local events.

4. Economic Life

   • The book includes records related to occupations, land ownership, and economic activities, offering a nuanced understanding of how the village economy functioned over time.

Plot Summary

Given that "Rowley Regis Parish Records, 1539-1812" is a collection of historical documents rather than a narrative work, there is no traditional plot summary. Instead, the content is structured around the chronological arrangement of parish records:

• Baptismal Records: These entries list the names of children baptized in the parish church along with their parents' names and sometimes additional details like the child's age or occupation of the father.
• Marriage Records: These entries document marriages performed in the parish church, including the names of the bride and groom, their ages, occupations, and sometimes the names of their parents or witnesses.
• Burial Records: These entries list the names of individuals buried in the parish churchyard along with their ages and sometimes additional details like their occupation or cause of death.

Critical Reception

Since "Rowley Regis Parish Records, 1539-1812" is a historical document rather than a literary work, it does not typically receive critical reviews in the same way novels or other creative works do. However, historians and genealogists often praise such collections for their historical significance and utility in research.

Practical Applications

1. Genealogical Research

   • The detailed records make it an essential resource for anyone tracing their family history in Rowley Regis.
   • Researchers can use these records to verify information found in other historical documents and to fill gaps in their family tree.

2. Historical Research

   • The book provides primary sources that can be used to study various aspects of historical life in Rowley Regis.
   • It is particularly useful for historians interested in social history, economic history, and religious history.

3. Local History

   • The records offer a unique perspective on local history, allowing readers to understand how the village evolved over time.
   • They can also be used to reconstruct daily life in Rowley Regis during different periods.

Conclusion

"Rowley Regis Parish Records, 1539-1812" is a valuable historical resource that offers insights into the lives of people living in Rowley Regis over nearly three centuries. Its detailed records make it an indispensable tool for genealogical research and historical studies, providing a rich tapestry of information about community dynamics, economic life, and family histories.