Online records: share your experiences
An in-person talk and interactive workshop for family historians looking to maximise their use of major genealogy websites and databases.
An in-person talk and interactive workshop for family historians looking to maximise their use of major genealogy websites and databases.
Discover how Facebook groups and YouTube tutorials can help you solve genealogy brick walls, identify old photos, and understand DNA results.
Discover how to safely use social media to boost your family history research, connect with other genealogists, and protect your online privacy.
Discover why documenting scattered ashes is vital for family history and how to use the free Ashes Register to preserve these final resting places.
Jenny Grant shares how she finally broke through a persistent genealogical brick wall surrounding John and Martha Street of Chulmleigh, Devon. At their marriage in Crediton in 1780, John had been living in Chulmleigh for at least six years as a gamekeeper, while Lincolnshire-born Martha lived with her guardian Sir Jacob Wolff. But John's origins remained a mystery for decades. The breakthrough came through examining an 1883 letter from her ancestor Charles Drew Street about a Chancery Court case and the Estate of William Wimpey. This led to discovering the Street v Bascombe court case of 1819, where John's children claimed to be next-of-kin to William Wimpey of Bratton Clovelly. Research revealed that John's mother was likely Sarah Pendar, making him first cousin to William Wimpey and connecting the family to Berkshire. Crucial evidence included parish registers from Lambourn Woodlands showing a John Streat baptized in 1741, and significantly, a burial entry describing Sarah as a "supposed wife" - suggesting John may have been illegitimate, which would have barred him from inheritance. This collaborative research with Peter Selley demonstrates how modern online resources can solve mysteries that stumped researchers for over 50 years.
West Berkshire Council maintains a comprehensive Historic Environment Record (HER) that serves as an invaluable resource for local and family history researchers. This database contains detailed information about buildings, monuments, sites and landscapes of archaeological and historic interest throughout West Berkshire, along with associated documentary sources including maps, books and unpublished reports. The HER is freely accessible through the Heritage Gateway online portal and the Council's interactive map. Beth Asbury, Assistant Archaeologist for HER and Outreach, manages this dynamic database which is constantly updated with new fieldwork and research findings. The Council's archaeology team welcomes contributions from local researchers and offers various public engagement activities including talks, exhibitions and social media updates. The team also works alongside the Portable Antiquities Scheme to record archaeological objects found by members of the public, making West Berkshire's heritage accessible to all.
A family scandal and a book that had to be written: Barbara Cole tells us of the origin of her book, ‘The Devil’s Tapestry’