Learning Library
The Learning Library examines events and social trends that shaped Essex before 1852. The inaugural topics are Nonconformity and the History of two Surnames: Wood and Wiffen. Any Visitor can access the documents in the Library. To access some documents on the Collections and Mysteries Pages you must register.
Future topics will include Epidemics, War, and Economics. The topics are explored taking into account the lives of the Wood families of Essex. Check back to discover new topics added to the library.
Library Contents
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Nonconformity
Wood Surname
Wiffen Surname
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Blackwater Navigation
Event Timeline
Wool Trade
Featured Documents
Ingatestone Baptisms
Evans List of Dissenters
Rotuli Hundredorum
Essex Farmers by A.E. Fairhead
Explore the Learning Library
Research Tool
Major Events
Major Topics
Surnames
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Coming 2024
Coming 2024
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Ties of Faith and Blood
Nonconformity Topics
Religious affiliations are an important research perspective that is overlooked. Using the mindset of the 21st century, researchers underestimate the importance of religion before 1800. Convictions of faith were bonds between people that rivaled blood-ties. Essex has a history of nonconformity, and one-third of the Wood families of Essex were nonconformists.
Acts of Parliament
English laws to persecuted Nonconformists
Protestant Tradition
Essex at the center of Quakers and Independents
Protestant Parishes
Did you ancestor live in a Protestant Parish?
Lord Petre
Meet the Petres who championed Catholics
Catholic History
Loyalty to Rome was considered treason
Catholic Parishes
Did your ancestor live in a Catholic parish?