Genealogy Chat

I have recently been in contact with a distant cousin who kindly sent me lots of information in the post, which included copies of newspapers reports from deaths, copies of wills etc that I found really interesting, it has since given me a 'bug' for this kind of information, and was keen to find out how people go about tracking down this kind of information. My distant cousin has given me a couple of ideas, just wandered how everyone else goes about it. As I am fairly new to finding out anything other than census and parish information. Also, if anyone has any suggestions of other interesting things to look for, would love to hear your ideas. Thank you in advance.

What a great find. I have had a few things given to me by family members and it is great to find out details of my ancestors. The Times Newspaper is searchable on line along with parish records so good luck with your reseach. Irene

If you live near to where your ancestors came from, then most libraries keep past issues of local newspapers on film that you can take photocopies of articles from. Sometimes, if you have the time, it is interesting just reading what was going on in the area at a particular period in time, and browsing through the newspaper articles. It gives you an idea of what was happening when your ancestors were around. Kath. x

Sometimes SKS has indexed parts of the local paper's BMD and obituaries, which makes it even easier to find what you want. If you live in the area where your ancestors lived, a library large enough to have a local studies section can be a treasure trove - I have come across old electoral rolls and bound versions of old parish magazines, which in addition to bp marr & buials have also described other events such as Sunday school prize recipients, members of the Temperance League, helpers at sales of work etc. One set for just before WW1 described details of 2 very posh weddings, including how the bride and groom motored to the nearest town to catch the evening train to London for their honeymoon. It also listed a brief description of the wedding presents and who had given them. Historical directories are also useful for giving a picture of rural life if your ancestors were ag labs - what tradesmen and artizans lived in the village, which carriers went were and what time you had to leave. Jay

Hello Karen, I have had two successes by contacting British Library Newspapers on their email address [email protected] The website address is http://www(.)bl(.)uk/collections/newspapers(.)html remove brackets. Although the website is full of information I have found it easier to just email them to ask what I want to know and they have been extremely helpful sending me articals through the post. Regards Cherie

Sorry Karen I see the email address did not come out properly! It was newspaper at (you know the symbol) bl(.)uk Hope you know what I mean otherwise feel free to email me direct. Cherie

Cherie. Just had a look at the website (British Library Newspapers) and they are charging £50 for 4 look-ups. Just wondered if they charged you for the information they sent....or was it free? I'm trying to find a newspaper reference to my Gt-Gt-Uncle who drowned (age 10), but don't want to pay £50!! Many thanks! Natalie

Natalie If you have the death cert, giving the exact date of death, you will probably find that the local central library which holds newspapers will do you a photocopy for a lot less than £50. But it will cost more if they have to spend ages searching. nell

If the Old Crone hadn't destroyed her computer, she would be suggesting this website: http://www.a2a.org.uk/ A2A stands for Access to Archives and is an online catalogue for all sorts of archives. Every archive depends on funding to enable online catalogues to be produced, so coverage is variable. There is no guarantee that you will find anything, but you may strike gold. Nor is never any guarantee that records survive in the first place and different areas have different strengths. Even if you have no ancestors where you live, visit the local studies library and the local archives. Have a look at the sort of indexes they have. There are masses and masses and masses of finding aids in hand written transcripts, printed volumes, on film, fiche, cd and only a tiny quantity of these have found their way onto the net. My favourite discoveries come from pulling a volume off the shelf and finding: a marriage licence, a witness in a court case, someone paying tax or receiving a handout. If you are researching an unusual name, you automatically turn hopefully to the index. Newpapers are fascinating, but unless you have an exact date and a specific incident to look for, you can spend a lot of time getting local colour, but no notes to show for it at the end of the day.

Thanks everyone. Lots of useful tips there. From what you have said, it looks like it's time I did some footwork and visited my ancestor's local library/archive to see what I can discover. Only time I've done this before was when I visited London Metropolitan Archive as a newbie and felt completely overwhelmed by all the resources available. Hopefully Hackney will prove a bit more user-friendly!