Thomas and William PARNELL - Wendling, Norfolk

[nigelp]

John Parnell married Sarah Wiggett in Wendling, Norfolk on 15 October 1811.

I believe they had seven children, the youngest being Thomas (born 6 May 1823 and baptised 8 May 1823 in Wendling) and William (born 15 December 1825 and baptised 18 December 1825 in Wendling).

I can't find any further information on Thomas and William. Can anyone find them in censuses? Can anyone find marriages or deaths / burials for them?

Nigel

[peggypatch]

Do you know that they both survived infancy?

[nigelp]

I have checked the Burial Records (including BTs) for Wendling at the NRO and could not find burials for them. However, the Parish records for Wendling are not in good condition and some years appear to be missing.

They were the youngest two children in the family and the family was poor. There is, therefore, for example a likelihood that they left home before 1841 to find work.

Nigel

[peggypatch]

Sounds like you've done all you can with Wendling then. As you say, they probably moved on for work, maybe someone will come back with something yet.

[nigelp]

Since making this post I have found the army record for a William Parnell who says he was a labourer and born in Wendling, Norfolk. He joined the army in 1846 claiming to be aged 17 and was discharged (as a Sergeant) on 27 April 1868. Although his army record suggests he was born in about 1829 rather than 1825 I suspect he may be the same person as there was only one Parnell family in Wendling at the time.

What is interesting is that he gives his place of residence on discharge in 1868 as Mullingar, Westmeath. I have never been able to find the baptism of his father and although his father says in the 1841 Census that he was born in Norfolk there is a family rumour that he came from Ireland. It seems somewhat strange that his son who was born in Wendling, Norfolk and who served in the 36th Foot Regiment in the Ionian Islands, West Indies and East Indies should choose to settle in Mullingar, Westmeath if there was no family connection with the area.

Can anyone suggest what further documents or information I may be able to find on William Parnell's military service or life in Mullingar after 1868?

Nigel

[degenerate]

It seems somewhat strange that his son who was born in Wendling, Norfolk and who served in the 36th Foot Regiment in the Ionian Islands, West Indies and East Indies should choose to settle in Mullingar, Westmeath if there was no family connection with the area.

The 36th foot was in Ireland in the early 1840s and early 1860s.  Furthermore, their depot companies were in Ireland at times when the bulk of the regiment was in England.

http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/h_36th_Foot_history

[nigelp]

Hi,

Thanks for that link. Very interesting.

Nigel

[Lesley1]

Hi Nigel

I have Parnell's distantly connected on my tree.  Please email me privately so I can send you information on this family.

Thanks
Lesley

[teddybear1843]

I am just up the road from Wendling if you want any pictures taken.

I also run a norfolk-tours holiday business if you ever want to visit.

Teddy
norfolk-tours.co.uk