Blog
Reflections of Research
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October Half Term:
The October half term, now a staple in the school calendar, evolved from irregular school holidays in Victorian England, where education was not universal. Over time, educational reforms and local… Read more ⇢
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Fleet Marriages:
Fleet marriages in eighteenth-century London provided couples a means to marry quickly and secretly, often escaping family scrutiny and financial constraints. Conducted near Fleet Prison, these ceremonies predate stricter marriage… Read more ⇢
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Lay Subsidies:
Discover how medieval and early modern lay subsidies can help local and family historians identify inhabitants, investigate wealth and reconstruct historic communities. Read more ⇢
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The Genealogical Proof Standard:
The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) provides a framework for validating genealogical research. It emphasises conducting thorough searches, accurate citations, evidence analysis, conflict resolution, and sound conclusions. By moving beyond mere… Read more ⇢
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Taxing the Past:
Researching the development of Cranleigh in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, taxation records like Lay Subsidies and the Hearth Tax reveal insights into the community. While both records require careful… Read more ⇢
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A Visit to the Parliamentary Archives at Kew
This week, I visited The National Archives at Kew to explore newly available House of Lords records. I learned about Santobrite, a fungicide used for preservation, which necessitated extra handling… Read more ⇢
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Looking Beyond the Obvious: What I’ve Been Working On Recently
Over the summer, I focused on archival research for my Licentiateship, particularly examining Chancery records and land documentation. I aim to help others navigate historical archives, encouraging them to explore… Read more ⇢
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Beyond the Bill:
The author explores seventeenth-century Chancery records from an inheritance dispute in Surrey, focusing on interrogatories and depositions. These documents provide detailed insights into family relationships, ownership, and local perceptions. Unlike… Read more ⇢
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Lost in Translation?
Transcribing medieval manorial court records presents challenges due to inconsistent Latin spelling and unfamiliar handwriting. While translation can be manageable with known phrases, understanding clerks’ writings is crucial. Recognising patterns… Read more ⇢
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Hidden Stories in Chancery Records
The author reflects on preparing a lecture about Chancery records for genealogical research, highlighting their value as rich sources of family history. These records provide insights into familial disputes and… Read more ⇢
