Acta
Latin: an officical record of proceedings
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The Story Hidden in Your Surname
English surnames, originating primarily post-Norman Conquest, embody stories of ancestry, occupation, and geography. Initially ephemeral, they transitioned into hereditary labels reflecting personal lineage, place, or character traits. Surnames serve as… Read more ⇢
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The World of Millers
In early 17th-century England, millers along the River Loddon played a crucial yet complex role in rural communities. Responsible for transforming grain into flour, they navigated economic challenges and maintained… Read more ⇢
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Tracing Lines of Identity: A Week of Heraldic Research Across Borders
This week’s exploration of heraldry ignited a newfound passion. I delved into the connection between English and Scottish coats of arms, revealing key differences in their systems of descent and… Read more ⇢
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The world of probate records
Wills serve as vital resources for family historians, revealing intricate relationships and social structures across generations. They detail familial connections, property inheritance, and can even highlight wider community links. While… Read more ⇢
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Making the Most of a Sunny Easter
This week, we embraced the sunny weather during the Easter holidays, prioritising family time over work. Our adventures included exploring Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Mary Rose Museum, as well… Read more ⇢
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Is the Meaning of Easter Lost to Chocolate Eggs?
The article explores whether children’s understanding of Easter’s meaning is overshadowed by their excitement for chocolate eggs. It traces the origin of the egg as a symbol of renewal, linking… Read more ⇢
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Poor law records for C18th and C19th Research
This week took me into parich chest records to try and identify the ancestors in a project i am working. These can be some of the most valuable records when… Read more ⇢
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Tracing Family Connections in the Early Modern Period (1500–1600)
Researching family history in the early modern period (c.1500–1600) can be challenging. Parish registers of baptisms, marriages, and burials—often the foundation of genealogical research—frequently do not survive from this period.… Read more ⇢
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The Story of Mary Jones
In 1859, nineteen-year-old Mary Jones of Hambledon, Surrey, was convicted of the murder of her newborn child and sentenced to death. But her case was clearly one of seduction with… Read more ⇢
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Lodging House Keepers and Survival in Victorian London
This week has been a bit varied, but one theme coming out of my research and talk preparations over the last couple of weeks, which I thought I would explore… Read more ⇢
Sarah Pettyfer 