21 Apr 2023

Following on from yesterday’s research into Chambers I searched the Suffolk Record Office for records relating to Fressingfield. There are a few that look interesting:

• Bond: Robert Gooch, blacksmith, bound to overseers and churchwardens, for 20, 16 Apr 1788, Weybread (Ref: FC99/G/5/53) – To indemnify the parish from the upbringing and maintenance of a female child born to Sarah Chambers, singlewoman
• Removal Order: William Snowling, Elizabeth his wife and William their son to Metfield, 1 Feb 1796, Dennington (Ref: FC112/G5/22)
• Order to overseers of Fressingfield to provide poor relief to Frances Snowling wife of William Snowling, a convict, sentenced for transportation and to Frances their daughter aged 2 years,15 Oct 1829, Fressingfield (Finding/Object Number: EG16/G9/5)
• Settlement Examination, 4 Feb 1817, Orford (Ref: FC168/G/4/2/26) – James Snowling, Shipmeadow
• Marriage Licence Bond: William Snowling and Sarah Smith, 13 Jul 1809 (Ref: FAA/23/38/208) – Singleman minor a recruit in the last Suffolk Regiment of Militia of Tannington and singlewoman of Dennington. To be married at Dennington. Henry Snowling father of William Snowling.
• Marriage Licence Bond: William Barnes and Rebecca Brook, 24 Sep 1812 (Ref: FAA/23/40/77) – singleman and plumber of Fressingfield and singlewoman of Saxmundham. To be married at Fressingfield. James Barnes father of said William. Elizabeth Brook mother of said Rebecca.
• Marriage Licence Bond: John Brooks and Sarah Moore, 7 Dec 1779 (Ref: FAA/23/27/277) – Widower yeoman and singlewoman of Fressingfield. To be married at Fressingfield.
• Original will of Susanna Gostling of Fressingfield, 1789 (Ref:IC/AA1/209/20)
• Order to maintain a male child born to Hannah Chambers, single woman, 8 Feb 1813 (Ref: EG16/G5/39)
• Bond: Francis Gobbitt, cordwainer, and John Booty, yeoman, bound to overseers and churchwardens, for 40, 28 Oct 1734, Weybread (Ref: FC99/G/5/3
  ) – To indemnify the parish from the upbringing and maintenance of a child to be born to Elizabeth Moor, singlewoman

None of those can be ordered for viewing, which is disappointing. But some can be imaged for a fee. Also some are already available. I ordered a copy of the will of Susanna Gostling.

I also found some mentions of Jane and Richard Hinksman in the records of the Beccles House of Correction, also known as Beccles Gaol. I ordered copies of these pages.

• Jane Hinksman was imprisoned from 20 Mar 1824 to 16 Apr 1824. She was aged 15 and had been convicted of an unspecified misdemeanour. She was committed on 20 Mar by John Farr Esq, & Gunton Postle, clerk. and sentenced to four Weeks hard labour. Her trade or occupation was recorded as apprentice and she was put to work sewing linen and clothing. Her behaviour was orderly. She made no earnings as a prisoner and the total expense of her maintenance was 9s sd.^{1 2 3 4 5}

• Richard Hinksman was imprisoned from 1 Jul 1846 to 7 Jul 1846. He was 14 and had been convicted, along with William Brown, on a “count of absconding from the Union Workhouse at Shipmeadow with clothing”. He was commited on 1 Jul by Dr Owen for seven days. His occupation was described as pauper and he was put to work at the mill. His behaviour was orderly. He earned nothing while imprisoned and the total expense was 1s 2d.^{6 7 8}