Immigration to Wateringbury (1330-1550)

Post date: Feb 28, 2015 2:30:28 PM

The National archives have recently (24 Feb 2015) published a database of 65,000 immigrants into England between 1330 and 1550. In 1440 the estimated population of England was about 2 million. The database can be found (and searched) at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/news/englands-immigrants-1330-1550-database-goes-online/.

There are 3 entries connected to Wateringbury.

Richard Been, a French servant (non-householder) to John Reve, identified in tax records from 1440.

William Dorant, a French householder, identified in tax records of 1440 and 1441.

John Frenshman [French man], identified as a labourer (non-householder) identified in tax records of 1440.

A general comment made about the survey is the fact that many immigrants have been identified in rural locations rather than urban. Many were servants brought back from France during the hundred Years War.