James family of Caverswall (circa 1500s)

[divisionbell]

In tracing another line of my family back (in this case my maternal grandmother's), I've found that the James line corresponding to me dates back to Dilhorne until the 17th century and Caverswall around the Elizabeth period, with a Thomas James (b. 1573) the earliest semi-confirmed direct ancestor. Sifting through FreeReg, I noticed that several Jameses inhabited Caverswall beginning around the mid-16th century, with the oldest record listed being a death record for "Gilbert James" dated 1552; I strongly suspect that this line is Thomas's. Is there any information as to Gilbert's birthdate, when the family came to Caverswall and what town/county they came from beforehand?

[goldie61]

Have you searched the National Archives Discovery site?

I found this item by searching for "Gilbert James".
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C7492053
Although there is a comma between 'Gilbert' and 'James', it may be just the one person, 'Gilbert James'.
The only way to find out is to ask for a copy of the document.

Have you searched the Staffordshire Record Office catalogue?
http://www.archives.staffordshire.gov.uk/CalmView/Overview.aspx?src=CalmView.Catalog

The best avenue of research at this period is wills.
Findmypast have Lichfield wills, under which Staffordshire and surrounding counties came.
Have you looked for any wills for any James families that look like they may be of interest?

Another avenue is manor court records.
According to the manorial documents register on The National Archives, there is very little for Caverswall. It may be included in a neighbouring parish.
This is the listing for Dilhorne.
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_col=300&_dss=range&_subj=manor&_tn=dilhorne&_ocn=Staffordshire&_st=mdr

If you know who the local landowner was, (probably some high class person), you may find documents of rents or disputes in their papers, which may still be held privately.