Events

A look at the information to be found about our ancestors within the English Parish Church

A gentle introduction to the fascinating world of heraldry and how it can be used to further family history research

A discussion about the lives our ancestors in the country lived.

When Elizabeth Addy dies leaving two little girls, so begins an enthralling saga embracing generations of a real-life Yorkshire family; their loves, their losses, their dreams, even their scandal and a future that no-one could have imagined.

Before the death sentence was made discretionary in 1823 (except for murder and treason), well over 200 offences were punishable by death: many of those were offences against property. Although not as many were hanged as might be imagined, transportation to a penal colony was common and many crimes resulted in hard labour and whipping. An examination of the prison records for fourteen parishes in south Shropshire shows wide variations in sentencing but less so in offences. Men, women and children were all treated harshly with no real difference in jailing for women. Repeat offences were not uncommon: nor was joint enterprise by family members. This paper highlights some interesting findings along with an analysis of crime and punishment in the area.

Based on the books Posted in the Past and Posted in the Past Second Delivery, this talk reveals the true stories behind postcards sent in the early years of the 20th century. Using genealogy, Helen has researched the families to reveal their stories. Illustrated by images of some of the postcards, this talk shares some of those stories. A 10-year-old servant working for a laundress in 19th-century Bath, the man who helped keep the doors to Great Ormond Street Hospital open for more than 30 years, a soldier killed in the First World War – all connected by messages sent using the first real social media phenomenon of the 20th century.

Learn about the history of apprenticeship and the numerous sources available for family history research. Discover how these sources helped research a ‘brick wall’ ancestor.

There is a wealth of information to be found in the records of the Church Courts from fines our ancestors paid for playing football on a Sunday to excommunication and its aftermath, with lots of saucy doings in between, as Dr Chapman will demonstrate

Dr Kay makes the case for why occupations matter in family history research. The talk includes some general tips and tricks for research, and a section on occupational health and job-related deaths.

This talk looks at life in the Workhouse, what the alternatives were, what conditions were like and discusses the many records available to find information about either an inmate or a staff member.

This event is being held at the Chapel Community Centre, Cross Houses and we hope to see you there.

Dr Walters shows how modern internet research can uncover ethical dilemmas for the family historian including secrets, lies, bigamy, criminals, unexpected relatives and other upsetting things and hopefully how to deal with them.