tracing 18th century ancestors

[Karen Coatsworth]

Hello
I wasnt sure where to post this- I have traced my family member John Coatsworth back to Houghton le Spring native to West Rainton born about 1748/1750 baptised (this says son of John). I am trying to trace his father and mother. I have found a couple of possibilities but nothing definite. Apart from the usual BMD records, does anyone have any other suggestions/methods for tracing family in this era and before?
Kind regards,
Karen.

[Vance Mead]

Here are few possibilities:

Wills.
County record office. Most record offices have a searchable catalogue
County record society. Most have published numerous volumes, many of which are available online.
TNA Discovery

[Norfolk Nan]

I'm stuck in this 'dark age' of research too and while there's lots of material available it's the details that prove a family link that are usually absent.  If you're lucky you will find apprenticeships or work-related documents, military records, newspaper items for petty offences etc. that will add colour but will rarely prove this is your person.  It's very frustrating, as I'm sure you already know but when you do make that connection it's such a good feeling!  Good Luck!

[goldie61]

I'd agree with Vance - if you can find wills for your families, these are a great source of family information.
I think Northumberland wills are covered on this site:
http://familyrecords.dur.ac.uk/nei/data/simple.php

Do you know the occupation of your John? And the occupations of the other Coatsworth people?
Often sons followed in their father's footsteps (but not always of course).
If they were  'husbandmen' or 'yeomen' or farmers. you may be able to find records of the leases they held - and passed on to their sons.

Previous post for information
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=569096.1

[Guy Etchells]

Here are just a few of the hundreds of records that could take you back to the 16th century
Baptisms, marriages and burials + bishop's transcripts, monumental inscriptions, wills.
Settlement and removal records, apprentice registers, poll books.
Quarter or Petty Sessions Courts, Court of Chancery records, manorial records.
Heralds’ Visitations, inquisitions post mortem, crown wardship (1540-1645).
Feet of fines, plea rolls, muster rolls,
Court of Chancery – patent rolls, fine rolls, charter rolls, close rolls.

The records cover all classes of people.
Cheers
Guy

[Karen Coatsworth]

Thanks Guy, Goldie, Norfolk Man and Vance for those suggestions. My John Coatsworth gave his occupation as 'Hind' on 2 of his children's baptismal records. His children didn't follow in his footsteps as the family eventually left the farm life and settled in Newcastle upon Tyne. But as you say his father (John Coatsworth also) may have been in the same line of work. I will check out the resources you have suggested. Thanks again guys I will keep you posted.
Karen.

[Karen Coatsworth]

Hi Goldie
yes Peter Coatsworth is the son of John Coatsworth West Rainton Houghton le Spring 1748/1750. I am now searching for his parents.
Thank you for your help