Richard HINGSTON (b. Devon), a bootmaker, lived in Boulogne from around 1829 to 1835. Children born there were: Marianne Charlotte bp 21 Nov 1829; Jane ca 1831; Richard b. 24 Dec 1833; Eliza b. 28 Oct 1835.

I have been waiting since May for the FHL "Naissances" films and am becoming very frustrated. If anyone has access to these records could they provide me with the particulars of one of the births, viz their mother Ann's maiden name. I would be extremely grateful. The "Tables decennales" arrived quickly but not so the births.

Many thanks.
Jane Sweet

In response to my own message, I can report that I now have the HINGSTON information, but only because I visited the FHL in Salt Lake City whilst on holiday in the area. I continue to wait for the "naissances" films here in Toronto and do require them for further study.

The birth registrations are numbered and these numbers can be found in the indices which follow each batch of entries. Helpful information includes the age of the father. Other members of the English community signed as witnesses for a couple of the births: Richard MACKIE and Joseph HEWITT, bootmakers. Very interesting, even though the handwriting isn't always easy to decipher!

Jane,

Have just found your postings back in 2007 and whilst not much help in your research, thought I would say that I am glad that my great great great grandfather - Richard MACKIE, was able to help in being a witness to your HINGSTON birth!

For information, RM returned to his birth town - St Peter Port, Guernsey - between 1841 and 1851,

Regards,

Al

Thank you, Al! Richard MACKIE was witness to the registration of two HINGSTON births in Boulogne, 1829 and 1831. He signed his full name to the first and his surname to the second. I believe that Richard HINGSTON left Boulogne between 1835 and 1838. This assumption is based on the place of birth of the next two children, Boulogne and London respectively.

Have you visited Boulogne? Do you have any knowledge of the English population of Boulogne at that time? I would be happy to send a copy of the registrations if you are interested. Regards, Jane.

Jane,

Thanks for your reply. What I find strange, is how the bootmakers all seemed to stick together in the early 1800’s, but I guess they all helped each other out.

I’m sorry to say that I have not been to Boulogne nor know of the reasons for the English moving over to work there – another line of research for when I get some spare time.

What we are looking for is RM’s father who came down from Scotland – but it is not easy looking for a specific MACKIE in Scotland without a specific birth town as there appears to be number of them born about the 1760’s.

Finally, thanks for the offer of the copy Registrations – but have been able to take copies from your impressive Ancestry Family Tree,

Regards,

Al

Al,

My current thinking is that Richard HINGSTON's moves to France and back to England were most likely financially motivated -- he wanted a better life. Alas, he did not flourish after returning to England! His brother (my ancestor) was a blacksmith who emigrated to Canada and became a prosperous farmer after spending a few years working at his trade.

I hope that others with similar interests in the English in Boulogne will post information which would help shine a light on that particular time period.

Thank you for your kind comment about my tree. I am glad that others find it helpful.

Best wishes

Jane