Kent Families

I have been both fortunate and successful with my research into my Kent links as there is a wealth of research available through the Kent Family History Society published parish indices as well established genealogies compiled by related genealogists who have been successful in tracing my Kent families.

My own trips to Canterbury and other repositories lead me to have great confidence in the accuracy of the tree and files in this section of the history.

My major family in Kent and all sub families come mainly from East Kent. That being Canterbury to the coast. My mother Betty Joan Griggs is my connection to the county. The Griggs family has a lineage of Blacksmiths and at one time many of the East Kent parishes had a Griggs as their Blacksmith. So not a family of wealth, but a family of skilled respected artisans. With the decline of the Blacksmith trade my branch fell on hard times, labouring on the land and then taking part in the in a minor rebellion in 1838 at Bossenden Wood.

Fred Griggs is probably the most recognised source of my branch of the Griggs Clan and his self published book provides a wealth of information. I have largely checked and re-checked is theories  as an old fashioned pre-internet genealogist should do. I believe my level of knowledge and expertise enable me to have the confidence stated above.

Several other large family groups stretching back through the centuries appear in my tree. I shall endeavour where possible to break each major grouping into separate trees and histories. This will include surnames such as Claddish, and its variations, which may now be the rarest in the world. Other names that have long branches are Christian, Dodd and Neame. If you read this and are able to contribute to the tree or provide particular histories please contact me. The various page links will navigate you to the various families of the Kent tree.