Local knowledge required- Meesden or Munden?

[LyndseyB]

I'm confused! I'm looking at the handwritten census records 1851-1901 for the family of James Freeman (b. c1823) and the family of his son Benjamin (b. c1869) .

On the 1881 census their birthplace is down as Meesden. On the 1891 census as Wheesden (easy mistake to make).

However, on the 1851/61/71 and 1901 it is Munden...

I don't know which records to believe. I've heard of Little Munden and Great Munden. Is there a Munden on it's own? I've never heard of Meesden. Are these places close to each other?

As for the 1841 census the only James Lenton who fits the bill is down as being born in Aldenham........

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help me!

Lyndsey

[petercornish]

Hi Lyndsey,

Meesden is a hamlet about 2 miles from Anstey (Herts) in the direction of Clavering (Essex).

Regards   ...   Peter

[petercornish]

Hi Lyndsey,

I searched the Meesden Parish Records but found no reference to a baptism for James Freeman.

I did however come across a marriage for a John Freeman viz ...
John Freeman of the parish of Yardley in the county of Hertfordshire, bachelor and Mary Cooper of the parish of Meesden, spinster married with consent of parents on first November 1828.  Witnesses James Huson and Ann Cooper.

There could be a connection.

Regards   ...   Peter
 

[kintree]

Little Munden and Great Munden are right next to Ardeley, which used to be named Yardley (got confused with Yardley Gobion, so changed).

Adrian

[LyndseyB]

Thanks to you both for your replies.

Peter...... my Gt Gt Grandfather James Freeman was born in  1825 so John Freeman and Mary Cooper couldn't have been his parents and if John was his brother he would have been a much older one. The Freeman's all seemed to have large families so it's not beyond the bounds of possibility!

I have just discovered my Grandmother Grace Freeman had 37 cousins on her father's side! She died when I was 27 so I remember her well but she never ever mentioned any of them and I was astounded when I found out!

However, I will keep your info for future reference as, as you say, a connection may become evident later on.

My next step I think will be to look at Parish Records so if someone could kindly let me know where these are kept I would be very grateful.

Thanks again

Lyndsey

[wamwig]

Lyndsey

Parish Records for most Hertfordshire parishes, including Munden and Meesdon are at the Hertfordshire Record Office, HALS, at County Hall, Hertford.

Anthony

[LyndseyB]

Cheers Anthony

[petercornish]

Hi Lindsey,

I searched the Great and Little Munden Parish Records at HALS for the periods 1820-1830 and 1865-1875 but regret no record of the Freemans.

Regards   ...   Peter

[LyndseyB]

Thanks Peter, that was very kind of you.

I guess their birth places must be Meesden then.

I was speaking on the 'phone today to a very old friend who lives in Hare Steet Village and she told me Meesden is where her husband is from and his parents still live there so I gave her some names and dates and she's going to see what she can find out! She says it's not beyond the realms of possibility that we could have some common ancestors!

Cheers!

Lyndsey