Ardleigh (Ergela) comes from two old English words - Ard meaning High and Ley meaning Pasture. Ardleigh is one of the largest parishes in Tendring Hundred, in the northern division in Essex, England. The village lays four and half miles north of Colchester and about four and half miles from Manningtree, Essex.

About the Site

Ardleigh's Past started out purely as a site of genealogical data for family historians whose ancestors were Ardleigh's residents. Due to the unexpected interested in other aspects of information about the village I have been adding more topics. Information currently covers 1086 onwards but in the main parish records cover 1555 up to 1908 to ensure the privacy of those who may be living. I am not a professional researcher and I do not financially gain in anyway. I collect this information for local historical interest and genealogical interest. Accuracy is of importance but please use the information as a guide for your research and where possible examine the primary source.

Working Process

I am in the process of creating a comprehensive database on as many of Ardleigh residents previous to 1908. It is far from complete but I have put the research dates covered on the first page of the database and any additions will be noted as the database is updated gradually.  I have thousands of parish entries to add and thousands to transcribe so it will take some time to complete. Please contact me if you are looking for a certain person or entry and if I have the details not yet added then I am more than happy to send you details. Please may I stress that I cannot send data on whole family trees or look up non-specific research but will do my best to help. 

Thankyou

I would like at this point to take the opportunity to thank everyone (all over the world) for their contributions, support and enthusiasm for the site.  Melanie