Our quarterly journal “Berkshire Family Historian” (free to all members) is packed with information. Some of the most interesting contributions are Members’ articles about their genealogical journey and the things they unearthed during the research.
Here is our archive of those articles. It’s a constant work in progress, with new articles being added each quarter.
We’ve thrown in a few articles from organisations such as the Berkshire Record Office and – unashamedly – some plugs for products you can buy from the shop to help your research
The John Willis Family of Dorchester and Caroline Counties, Maryland
Explore John Willis Sr’s journey from Wantage, to Colonial Maryland, 50-acre land patent, family legacy & court roles in the 17th/18th C
Thomas Willats: High Sheriff and Prisoner
Thomas Willats, from a notable Berkshire family, faced extensive legal disputes and financial difficulties. Despite owning Kidmore End estate, he endured 17 years in debtor’s prison amid multiple Chancery cases, family inheritance conflicts and controversial associations with Ely Stott. His extensive correspondence and legal records reveal both personal and financial struggles.
The Butlers of Inkpen
St Michael’s Church in Inkpen, Berkshire, a Grade II* listed thirteenth century building with flint walls and Bath stone dressings, stands at the North Wessex Downs. Rich in history, it preserves memorials to the influential Butler family, whose contributions over 150 years, with renovations and ecclesiastical roles, have shaped the parish’s religious and community life.
When My GGG-Great Aunt Terrified The Queen
Richard Peaver recounts a royal tale, an attack on the queen in 1813 by a domestic servant suffering from mental health issues
John Abell of Marcham, Berkshire – my 3x great grandfather
“It is a shame I should suffer more than the rest, as others are as guilty as I am.” – John Abell, 13 July 1837
Three guineas and a wooden dish
In March 1785 when Thomas Heddington (surname is also recorded as Headington, Eddington, Addington and Haddington) broke into Isaac Sewell’s house, I am sure he had no idea that he would be part of the first British settlement of Australia.
Bullock, Malthouse and Montague
Much has been written about the Bullock, Malthouse and Montague families over the last two centuries, providing some excellent resources, but the potential relationship between these families during the early to mid sixteenth century remains very muddled.
Meet My Grandad: Old King Cole
Old King Cole was a merry old soul – we all know that. What you didn’t know, perhaps, was that he was my grandad.
A visit to the Emmer Green Chalk Mines
In May, the Berkshire Family History Society and the scouts gave me a long-awaited pleasure. Having heard stories of the chalk mines in Emmer Green, I had given up hope of ever visiting; but the wait was wort
Who were the Sopers?
c. 2009, the lane in Padworth on which the church and Padworth House stand was named Sopers Lane, chosen to commemorate one of the village’s oldest families. Shirley Dixon has researched the family for many years.
The Russells of Swallowfield Park
Roy Starkey highlights one of Berkshire’s notable families, the Russells of Swallowfield Park – the home of Sir Arthur Russell
The Future of British Genealogy in Berkshire According to ChatGPT
Leigh Dworkin, Windsor Branch Chairman, investigates a possible future for genealogy, and its impact on family historians
The Little End of Caversham
David Cliffe reminds us about an early census survivor related to the Little End of Caversham and the fire of 1907
The life of an agricultural labourer in early 19th century Berkshire
The life of an agricultural labourer in early 19th C Berkshire – Alan Winter looks at the socio-economic factors affecting ag lab ancestors
Hora-Sicamma Coat of Arms
Hora – Sicamma Coat of Arms – Susan Hora tells us about her family’s coat of arms
The Broad Silk Hand Loom Weavers of Spitalfields
The Broad Silk Hand Loom Weavers of Spitalfields – Alan Winter writes of their struggles against the decline of their trade 1828-1860
Busting a Gut in Warsaw, Łódź and Łomża – Polish Ancestral Tourism – Part 3
Leigh Dworkin, Chairman Jewish Genealogical Society of Great Britain (JGSGB) and Berks FHS Windsor Branch Chairman, continues his adventures in Poland
Sydney Joseph Rosier
Sydney Joseph Rosier –
Ruth Robinson shares the life of her great grandfather
Can Anyone Have a Coat of Arms?
Can Anyone Have a Coat of Arms?
Hilary Waller answers the question –
in theory, yes they can but what are they and why might you want one?
How I demolished my very old German brick wall!
How James Thornber’s “Researching German Ancestry” workshop in late 2020 led to Mavis Warner’s big break-through.
Memories of going to Reading School 1945 to 1951
Memories of going to Reading School 1945 to 1951: Lindsay Knott shares her father, Peter Barrie Knott’s, memories of life in Reading
Unexpected Berkshire Connections
Unexpected Berkshire Connections – Peter Clark shares his findings of Berkshire roots, from not knowing he even had any
Councillor Jones – A tale of long service
Councillor Jones – A tale of long service: John Harman details a career in service to the village of Binfield
Jeannie Marion Reid, a journey
Jeannie Marion Reid, a journey: Richard Croker delves into the Scottish census
A Wartime Childhood
A Wartime Childhood: Lindsay Knott shares memories of her father, Peter Barrie Knott’s, life in Reading
The White Hart at Fyfield – from chantry to hostelry – our ancestors’ local
The White Hart at Fyfield – from chantry to hostelry – our ancestors’ local: Sheila Wheatley tells the tale of a village pub:
George Barnard Smith (1885-1962)
George Barnard Smith (1885-1962): Michael Hill recounts his grandad’s life – carter, war veteran, and pugilist
The Binfield Family of Reading
The Binfield Family of Reading – Gordon Cox introduces us to a musical dynasty dominated by 3 generations of the remarkable Binfield family
Robert Claude Utley (1896-1911)
Robert Claude Utley (1896-1911) – Eric Saxton tells a tale of a life cut short in a tragic incident – a drowning, while on a Scouting trip
Sharing my Seares saga…
Sharing my Seares saga… Jackie Mitchell details a family who have given her a few problems and a brick wall
Binfield Parish Council – The Early Days
Binfield Parish Council – The Early Days. John Harman takes a look at the early days of local government following the Reform Act of 1832 & 1894 Local Government Act
A Remarkable Lady
A Remarkable Lady. Jackie Blow sheds a light on a little known pioneer – Louisa Rowe (neé Parsons) born in Sidbury Devon in 1856
Polish Ancestral Tourism – Wolf Hunting in Womja (Lomza) part 2
Polish Ancestral Tourism – Wolf Hunting in Womja (Lomza) part 2. Leigh Dworkin continues with his trip in search of his ancestors
The Stoter family name – history and meaning
The Stoter family name – history and meaning. Stuart Stoter delves into the origins of his surname
Cheers from England to Australia
Cheers from England to Australia. Jennifer Bolton details her convict heritage
Who was Henry Stacey?
Who was Henry Stacey? Richard Croker looks into a mysterious appearance and disappearance within a family
Polish Ancestral Tourism – Wolf Hunting in Womja (Lomza) – Part 1
Polish Ancestral Tourism – Wolf Hunting in Womja (Lomza) – Part 1. Leigh Dworkin takes us on a trip in search of his ancestors
Lieutenant Frederick F. Kislingbury, 1846-1884
Eric Saxton tells the story of a Soldier, Pioneer, and Arctic Explorer from East Ilsley
John Septimus Roe (1797 – 1878)
Penny Stokes recounts the story of John Septimus Roe (1797 – 1878)
A tale of two houses called Adelaide
Fred Waite continues the story of a much-travelled ancestor – William Watkins Waite and his travelling family
Memories of Christmas at Sulham in the 1930s
Fred Waite continues the story of a much-travelled ancestor – William Watkins Waite and his travelling family
William Watkins Waite and his travelling family – the Australia years
Fred Waite continues the story of a much-travelled ancestor – William Watkins Waite and his travelling family
Historical epidemics discovered during my research
Barry Jerome shows us that the current pandemic is nothing new
A Problem Family
Terry Wickenden illustrates the problems that can be presented when researching a family
Berkshire’s Mayflower connection
To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim Fathers’ voyage to the New World we take a look at Berkshire’s connection.
William Watkins Waite and his travelling family – the New Zealand Years
Fred Waite continues the story of a much-travelled ancestor – William Watkins Waite and his travelling family
Bandsman John Charles Harvey, 1914 – 1940
Eric Saxton tells the story of an East Ilsley man who was caught up in Dunkirk