NEWNHAM OF WESTMESTON

[Janeymc]

Hi, I am new to the forum so apologise if I have put this is the wrong place!!  I am trying to trace the NEWNHAM family of Westmeston in Sussex.  Can anybody help with any links please, many thanks 

[CaroleW]

Hi and welcome to Rootschat

Can you give details of which particular Newnham family you are researching - names and birthyears etc as there were 4 Newnham families living in Westmeston on the 1911 index

Please don't post any details of anybody who may still be living

So we don't waste time duplicating info - can you also tell us whether you already have all available BMD and census info and tell us exactly what info you need help with

[Jane Masri]

Welcome to Rootschat 
We have another member of Rootschat who is also researching NEWNHAM's in Sussex, 'sussexkim'.  I'll send her a PM drawing her attention to your post as she might be able to help you.  If you scroll down this page you'll find a posting by her concerning this family,

Jane

[Janeymc]

I'm looking for details on John Meadhurst Newnham born 1806 in Westmeston.  He had 11 children with his wife Mary Marchant.  Peter Newnham born 1846 is my ancestor so I have a few bits on him but am struggling with going back further.
Any help would be greatly appreciated x

[CaroleW]

Hi

John Meadhurst Newnham born 1806 in Westmeston

Although he was living in Westmeston - the 1851 and 1861 census gives his birthplace as Wivelsfield

[sillgen]

John Meadhurst Newnham was baptised at Wivelsfield age 4, 7 Jan 1810.  His mother was Elizabeth Newnham.  No father given other than "Father Meadhurst".   Often illegitimate children have a clue in a middle name and the vicar has been helpful here.

[sillgen]

It looks as if Elizabeth had another son, Timothy, also baptised the same day.  Both boys are indexed under Newnham and Meadhurst.
There is a marriage for Elizabeth Newnham to John "Midhurst" in Brighton 14 March 1803 but I can't think why the boys would be called Newnham if they were from that marriage.   If possible you need to look at the original registers to see if they hold any further clues.

[sillgen]

Timothy married Elizabeth Comber in Ditchling in 1832.     Following them may give you more information too.

[sillgen]

Just going back to basics for a moment.  Where did you originally get the middle name Meadhurst from?    According to census records there are two John Newnhams both born Wivelsfield c1806.   Just checking!   I think you are right as at John's Marriage to Mary Marchant, which was in Cuckfield in 1831, one of the witnesses was Timothy Newnham but it would be annoying to go off on the wrong line.