Christopher Wadsworth (abt 1609 to 1677-1680) is the patriarch of many of the Wadsworths living in America today. Nothing is known about the life of Christopher Wadsworth prior to his arrival in America and his first appearance in Plymouth, as documented on both the tax list and list of freemen in 1633. Records show he was appointed constable for the Duxbury area on January 1, 1633/4, before the town was named, and Duxbury constable in 1637 and 1638. He served on numerous juries and committees and was deputy for Duxbury to the Plymouth General court several years between 1640 and 1667. He was also a selectman for the town between 1666 and 1671.[1]

Many genealogical records place his birth as Heptonstall, Yorkshire, England although no documentation has been uncovered to substantiate this claim. However, the town of Wadsworth is just a short distance from Heptonstall, and many Wadsworths are buried in the cemeteries found around Heptonstall and nearby Hebdon Bridge.

Further, the village of Wadworth is a relatively short distance from Wadsworth.  Wadworth is the home of Wadworth Hall, built in 1749 for the Wordsworth family.  The Wordsworth family may have originated in Wadsworth (or ‘Wadsuuorde’ as it may have appeared in earlier times).  The Doomsday Book of 1086 which is a survey of much of England and parts of Wales completed in 1086 by order of King William the Conqueror lists the village of Wadsworth recorded as ‘Wadesurrde’. The town Wadworth also appears in the Domesday Book as “Wadewrde”.

It’s very likely therefore that the assumption of Christopher’s birthplace being in or around Heptonstall is correct. However, until definitive documentation can be found, the place, time and lineage of Christopher Wadsworth will remain a mystery.

[1] https://www.plimoth.org/sites/default/files/media/pdf/wadsworth_christopher.pdf  retrieved 26 February 2020.