From all of the records I’ve investigated over the years, an unfortunate reality comes to light. The misfortune I’m driving at is how women have been regarded in the records. In very early baptismal records frequently just the name of the father was entered! There were also times when a woman who was buried was only addressed as ‘Widow’ Smith/Jones etc.
Todays blog makes light of a record from Molash, Kent where the following entry. ‘Old Thomas Hicks wife was buried on February 18 1653’. It’s a pity hat the minister never noted the fact that her name was ‘Cecily’ as it would have been an embracing way to address a person. It’s an aspect of respect for women that thankfully has come a long way!
