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

COMING SOON

Blackwater Navigation

Event Timeline

Wool Trade

Ingatestone Baptisms

Baptisms in Lord Petre’s Private Chapel
Download

Evans List of Dissenters

Protestant Congregations in Essex 1715-1729
Download

Rotuli Hundredorum

Extract of Hundreds Roll, for Essex, 1279
Download

Essex Farmers by A.E. Fairhead

John Wood’s Tomb, Farmer of Braxted
Download

Explore the Learning Library

Research Tool

Major Events

Major Topics

Surnames

King Henry Portrait — Ties of Faith and Blood

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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?