A THE FIRST GENERATIONS
We start the tree with Thomas COLCHESTER of Barking. Thomas and his descendents were farmers or had related trades and professions. For the first few generations, the family remained in the area surrounding Barking, Suffolk.
Geography
Barking is located just South East of Stowmarket and 9 miles north west of Ipswich. Click here for a map
There area is good walking country, see the link below for more info: http://www.anderton.btinternet.co.uk/starwalk/barking2.htm
Bonny Wood, an ancient woodland near Barking, which is mentioned in several of the wills referred to in this section (and visible in the background of the picture above), is now a Nature reserve. OS Map: 155 Bury St. Edmunds, Grid ref: TM 076520