Letterbox

As a result of the recent survey in progress of all parochial documents in the county by the Kent Archives Office and Cathedral Archives and Library Canterbury, it has been discovered that the parish records for St Giles Tonge are missing. These include a register of baptisms and burials 1717-1812 and marriages 1718-1754, a register of banns and marriages 1754-1812 and marriages 1813-1836, Overseers' accounts 1772-1822 (2 volumes), churchwardens' accounts 1683-1870 (5 volumes).¹

The tragedy highlights the need for the survey and the co-operation of incumbents and Parochial Church Councils in depositing their parochial records in safe and supervised custody with their archives office. In the introduction to Guide to Parochial Registers and Records Measure 1978,² in outlining the three developments which have paved the way for the new measure, the guide says, "Secondly, the easier means of travel and higher mobility of modern life have exposed all types of parish property to more risk of loss or damage." The purpose of this short note is twofold: firstly, to ask all those on Parochial Church Councils and Incumbents of parishes to consider strongly depositing their records under the 1978 Parochial Registers and Records Measure. Whilst it is appreciated that there is often great resentment to depositing the records of a parish miles away from the church, those that have a genuine regard for their preservation and enjoyment by future generations will do well to heed the advice of so many people that have fought to get this measure introduced. It is by no means certain that the arrangements for their preservation in the parishes in these new safes is either desirable or particularly safe. It has been suggested that the new arrangements might act as an incinerator for the very documents they are intended to preserve.³ Let us hope that the truth of this statement will never be put to the test.

Secondly, it would be helpful if anyone who has examined the parish records of Tonge in the last five, ten or fifteen years could contact either the writer or the Kent Archives Office. I should add that the records had disappeared sometime before the present incumbent and P.C.C. who have themselves been at pains to locate their whereabouts in the locality. However, it is hoped that a wider appeal might assist in discovering when the records disappeared and where they can be found. I am the eternal optimist in that I believe that they lurk somewhere - please help us to find them.

Duncan Harrington L.H.G.

1. C. Eveleigh Woodruff, An inventory of the parish registers and other records in the diocese of Canterbury. (Canterbury 1922).

2. CIO Publishing, Dean's Yard, Westminster SW1 April 1978

3. The Sunday Times 18th January 1981 "Store of earthly treasure""

The Editor welcomes all letters and would particularly like to receive more, especially on subjects such as requests for research information, books and related topics. lllustrations, if relevant, are always helpful and can assist readers in identifying objects, understanding points and following arguments.