herefordshiregen

Researching your agricultural Labourer ancestors

I cannot be the only person who has been disappointed in finding another agricultural labourer in their family tree, thinking that it must be a dead end. It is true there is no single set of records that allow us to find out directly about our agricultural ancestors, but there are, however, a range ofContinueContinue reading “Researching your agricultural Labourer ancestors”

Flippin’ Marvellous – Some Shrove Tuesday Customs that don’t involve pancakes

Hopefully today you are enjoying some tasty pancakes but have you thought about how people celebrated Shrove Tuesday in times gone by? In 1837 there was a letter of complaint to the Hereford Times about the “ridiculous and dangerous practice” in Kington of men and boys on the evening of Shrove Tuesday being allowed toContinueContinue reading “Flippin’ Marvellous – Some Shrove Tuesday Customs that don’t involve pancakes”

Using FANs to take the heat out of your family history research

We all at some time come up against a genealogical brick wall which seems impossible to get over. One method that may be useful is looking at FANs, the Friends/Family, Associates and Neighbours of the person. Sources of FANs can include: Researching extended family such as in laws Witnesses to marriages, naturalisations etc Baptismal recordsContinueContinue reading “Using FANs to take the heat out of your family history research”

The Victorian English Hiring Fair

Hiring fairs also called mop fairs or statue fairs took place throughout England in the 19th century and although by the end of this period they were on the wane, they still provided an important means to employ regular farm workers or farm servants. These hiring fairs were for the hiring of farm servants whoContinueContinue reading “The Victorian English Hiring Fair”

Introduction to Post Medieval Deeds

After recently completeing an online course with Pharos Tutors on Deeds and Disputes with Susan Moore, I have written an Introduction to post Medieval deeds. Deeds are some of the most widely available and useful records held in archives. Some can even date back as far as the 12th century.[i] They are, however, often neglectedContinueContinue reading “Introduction to Post Medieval Deeds”

Poor Relief Records

Want to find out more about using Poor Relief Records in England before 1834? Then email me for a copy of my latest article. Here is the first parargraph: Parish records do not consist solely of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials. There is a wealth of information that can be gleaned from the documentsContinueContinue reading “Poor Relief Records”

Records of UK Civil Internment in WWII

Last night I attended a webinar held by The National Archives on civil internment during World War 2. Recently, in collaboration with FindmyPast, the archives have digitised and released their collection so it is much easier to discover more about any relatives that may be involved. 133,908 people from World War Two are included. EnemyContinueContinue reading “Records of UK Civil Internment in WWII”

Using UK Historical Directories for Family History

Did you know that a Herring Curer operated in Herefordshire in 1913? Or that in St. Owen’s street Hereford you could find an artificial arm & leg manufacturer in 1890? Fascinating details like this can be found in historical directories which as well as helping to identify individuals can also give a context to theContinueContinue reading “Using UK Historical Directories for Family History”

Futurelearn course on Irish history

I have just completed a free online course facilitated by Trinity College Dublin on Irish lives in War and Revolution: exploring Irish history 1912-23. Using video tutorials , newsreels, articles, posters, diaries and songs, it takes you through the material that is availble on this period which is fascinating especially for those with Irish ancestry. ContinueContinue reading “Futurelearn course on Irish history”

Alfred Watkins Collection of Historic Photographs

Have you ever heard of Alfred Watkins? If not then you are missing out on some wonderful historical photographs of Herefordshire and its people. Alfred Watkins (27th January 1855 – 15th April 1935) was a Herefordian businessman, photographer, author, self-taught amateur archaeologist, antiquarian and authority on beekeeping as well as founder member of the Woolhope Naturalist FieldContinueContinue reading “Alfred Watkins Collection of Historic Photographs”