Researching family history in Kent could lead to ancestors who were mariners, papermakers, brick makers, involved in the hop industry, or agricultural more generally, and anything in between. It may be that connections are found further afield, such as by discovering Huguenot ancestors whose origins lay over the English Channel in France.
Start with what you know
As with any family history project, begin at home. Collect names, dates, places, and stories from relatives, even if they seem vague. Kent families often moved between villages for farm work, dock labouring, hop picking, or military service, so small clues can be important.
Parish registers are your backbone
Kent’s parish records are among the most valuable resources for genealogists prior to the 19th century. Where they survive, baptisms, marriages, and burials can take you back to the 16th century. Many of these records are available online, with the originals held at Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone, which is the county’s main archive.
Understand Kent’s geography and borders
Kent’s boundaries matter. Places like Woolwich and Greenwich historically lay in Kent, meaning that sources such as probate were covered by Kentish authorities. Coastal communities such as Dover, Deal, and Ramsgate saw sailors, soldiers, and merchants come and go, while rural areas in the Weald were shaped by farming but also industries such as brick making and ironworking. Knowing the local economy helps understand the context of our ancestors lives.
Look beyond birth, marriage, and death
Once you’ve built a basic family tree, branch out into other sources. Wills and probate records can uncover family relationships and property, whilst records of the parish chest such as settlement examinations can be especially useful in Kent, where seasonal work created frequent movement between parishes.
Find out more
If you'd like to find out more about your Kent ancestors, contact us today for a free quote for undertaking genealogical research. Alternatively, consider attending the Researching Ancestors in Kent zoom tutorial to take your own research further.
