The first reference to the Bouldstridge variation of the surname
occurs in Shoreditch, London where, according to the IGI William
son
Thomas and Ann
Bouldstridge
 was
baptised on 8 Aug 1768. A Marriage has yet to be found for
Thomas and Ann although
this IGI listingmay
well prove to be the one. The Shoreditch registers have yet to be
read, these are currently on order it is worth noting that IGI
coverage starts at 1745 for baptisms and 1764 for marriages
therefore it is not unlikely that earlier activity may be found.
Reading London registers is a mammoth task and many IGI entries need
checking if anyone interested in this line wishes to volunteer
please contact me.Thomas and his family moved back to Stoke, Coventry by 1774 and the Electoral roll of 1796 lists him as Thomas Bouldstridge of Stoke Engine Weaver. The term "Engine Weaver" relates to the use of the Dutch Loom brought to this country by the Huguenots fleeing religious persecution. The main centres for the use of Dutch Looms were London, Coventry and Leicester all of which had strong communities of Huguenot descent. In fact Thomas's son Thomas who returned to London married Rebecca Roe, the Roe surname believed to be of Huguenot origin and is common both in the Spittlefields area and Coventry. |
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