help with research

[thesearcher]

Can anyone advise me on how best to find out more about an ancestor, James Housden, born in Sawbridgeworth? He was born in 1771, as far as I know he was a farmer and I have evidence that he had at least one son, James, born 1803. I live many miles from there so a visit to local records is not really feasible.

[Jan1954]

As a starting point, check out the online indexes at HALS:

http://www.
hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/heritage1/HALS/indexes/

Also, on the Family Search Pilot site are the following baptisms in Sawbridgeworth, both with the parents being James and Ann:

Sarah HOUSSEN, 4th November 1792
John HOWSDEN, 17th May 1807

So surname spelling variations may also be the order of the day.

[Peter Goodey]

I live many miles from there so a visit to local records is not really feasible.

Check what records are available through the Mormons, order the film(s) you want and view them at your nearest Mormon establishment.

I see that the Sawbridgeworth parish registers and some other parish records are available.

This is a standard technique for people who don't live near enough to the record office and as we're talking about film and not transcriptions, it's essentially equivalent to a personal visit.

[thesearcher]

Thank you, that's vey helpful to know.