The Conn families of the Sunderland Area.

Research by David Conn

The ancient parishes of Monkwearmouth and Bishopwearmouth spread along the north and south bank of the River Wear, but such was the growth in population in the area that the new parish of Sunderland was created in 1720. The massive growth in the shipbuilding industry, along with its associated trades of sailmaking, ships chandlers, provisioning etc. made the Sunderland area a magnet for the large numbers of men who were losing their jobs on the land because of the revolution that was taking place in agriculture. Consequently the members of the Conn family that did arrive in Sunderland were migrants, and as such are extremely difficult to place into any family tree. Because of that I have chosen to list the records according to parish, and when possible to indicate from which family they originate. In many cases this must be taken as speculation.

I have also included the Conn family of Houghten-le-Spring with these records. The parish of Houghten-le-Spring lies to the southwest of Sunderland and includes the chapelries of Penshaw and West Rainton. The Conn's of Penshaw have been included with the Sedgefield families.

Bishopwearmouth records.

Hendon, St Paul records

Monkwearmouth records

Sunderland records

Houghten-le Spring records

This family is part of the very large Conn family from Scotland and Northern Ireland. The principal researcher is Alex Conn who shoukl be consulted for any information. His website can be found at www.Ayrshireroots.com

Robert Conn married Alice Middleton at Houghten-le-Spring on 19 Jan 1876. This was his second wife.

Their children were:-

  1. 3 Apr 1877. Baptism of Mary Alice
  2. 15 Feb 1879. Baptism of Alexander.
  3. 17 Dec 1881. Baptism of John Middleton. Buried 1 Oct 1882.
  4. 2 May 1883. Baptism of Jane Spiers.
  5. 11 Mar 1885. Baptism of John Middleton.Buried 9 Mar 1894.
  6. 29 May 1887. Baptism of Lavinia.
  7. 26 May 1889. Baptism of William James Middleton. Buried 16 Jan 1890.
  8. 20 Nov 1890. Baptism of Emily.
  9. 17 Aug 1892. Baptism of Hilda Annie.
  10. 15 Jan 1899. Baptism of Robert.