TALK TOPICS
Talks with titles in italics are suitable for local history groups. Some talks can be converted into 2 hr. or half day interactive workshops and these are indicated by an * after the title.
FAMILY HISTORY
WHAT HAPPENED TO LUCY? Before 1927 and legal adoption what happened to the unwanted child? Even after 1927 children were exploited, although supposedly cared for by institutions and well caring organisations. This talk looks at the plight of adoptees, foundlings, orphans and the Empire children (Child Migrants), essentially through the 19th & 20th centuries.
TWENTIETH CENTURY FAMILY HISTORY Most of us will consider that we are beyond 20th century research but there is a wealth of information available to help fill in the gaps. There are also restrictions placed on access and a conflict between legislation. This talk looks at what is and is not available and the valuable information the records contain
ANCESTRY v FIND MY PAST Two of the largest internet sites containing genealogical data and competing commercially for datasets have their advantages and disadvantages. This talk looks at the sites in depth, the search techniques to get the best results, the errors and idiosyncrasies and sets the question of which you subscribe to.
BRICKWALLS * Every family historian will hit a brick wall at some point in their research and this talk examines ways of demolishing the brick walls, breaking down barriers and overcoming challenges posed by documents that were not generated with the family historian in mind.
ARE WE REALLY BRITISH? It is a fairly sure fire thing that most of us originate from foreign blood, even if we cannot prove it until Anglo-Saxon times. This talk examines the roles and importance that the many immigrant communities that have arrived in Britain over time have played in both industry and civic life. There is a wealth of records to help trace our immigrant ancestors and the talk discusses many of them including those that are on-line.
BREAD, GRUEL & SUET DUMPLINGS – WORKHOUSE LIFE 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.
SOLD, SEPARATED OR DIVORCED Throughout history marriages have always broken down having a significant effect on the family. Not everyone divorced but there are records recording desertion, wife sale, separation and divorce some of which needed an Act of Parliament.
USING THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES The National Archives at Kew often appears overwhelming to family historians particularly first time visitors. This talk takes away the myths and explains how to get the most out of a visit, what it contains and how to use the on-line catalogue at home.
RESEARCHING BEFORE PARISH REGISTERS Pre 1600 research is an entirely different “ball game” with many records existing that can be useful although the familiar ones had not even commenced. Many of the early records are underused and many family historians consider their research can go no further when parish registers stop. This talk helps family historians see what is available.
YOU MAY WISH YOU HAD NEVER STARTED THIS! Keeping effective records on paper or on computer is a sticking point for many of us. Even seasoned researchers do not always have a good system. Using a working pedigree is often alien. This talk examines how to keep good records and looks at ways of overcoming the challenges of research and how to turn the negative into positive.
IN AND OUT OF LONDON Many researchers find it difficult and somewhat daunting when their ancestors move into or around London. Research in the capital has its own challenges which can easily be overcome. This talk suggests how to do it.
DEATH AND BURIAL IN LONDON One of the most challenging elements of London research is locating the burial of an ancestor. This talk looks at the regulations and peculiarities of London burials and provides some ideas about how to trace the whereabouts of a grave and why there may not even be a recorded burial or death.
THE INDIA CONNECTION The East India Company set up in 1600 employed thousands of British people both in India and this country. The records are extensive for civil and military personnel. Lost an ancestor? They may well have been in India.
MANORIAL WORTH From medieval times up to the 20th century the manor played a significant role in most rural communities. This talk examines how the manorial system operated and what records it generated in which your ancestor may well have appeared.
CONVICT TRANSPORTATION There is a wealth of information about transportation in various records in England and Australia, some of which are on the internet. Find out how to put the flesh on the bones of your departed criminal.
19TH CENTURY EMIGRATION During the 1800s there was amass emigration form this country to many areas of the world both for families to have a better life, escape persecution and poverty and also in connection with occupations. This talk looks at the development of the emigration system, the various assisted passage schemes and gives pointers about how to find information in both this country and the destination county.
POVERTY, PAUPERISM AND THE ALLOWANCE SYSTEM Before the workhouse poor relief was in the hands of the parish and various charities. The talk looks at the systems which either helped or hindered survival of our poorer ancestors.
HAPPY EVER AFTER This talk looks at the various Victorian marriage customs and records which have in many cases given rise to modern wedding traditions and also shows the courtship rituals which existed in different class structures of the period.
QUEEN VICTORIAS KIDS This talk examines the various rituals associated with confinement and child birth in the Victorian period and what happened after the birth including birth registration, baptism traditions, farming out of children and how the unwanted child just vanishes off the face of the earth as far as officialdom is concerned.
THE BROKEN BRANCH When someone changes a name for whatever reason this causes a challenge for family historians. This talk looks at the reasons for the change and provides some useful tips on how the name change can be discovered, looking at deed polls, alias names etc.
THE PARISH As the parish authorities were responsible for many aspects of administration besides the keeping of baptism, marriage and burial records the wealth of information contained within the records of the “parish chest” are essential for family history. This talk examines just what is available and how they will enhance the information and social scene relating to your ancestors lives.
ALL THE B’s Bastardy, bigamists and baronets to mention but a few. A light-hearted look at the effects the Bs had on society and the many records which can give a vivid insight into life at all levels of society.
WHERE THERE’S A WILL Family historians are often reluctant to look for a will as they think their ancestors simply did not leave one. This talk looks at the wealth of information they contain, how to find them and what other records support them from those associated with disputes, taxes and personal belongings. No one should rule out the existence of a will and searching for one should be automatic.
BEGINNING RESEARCH * This talk is primarily for those beginning the venture of researching their family history and details those important first steps towards success. A getting started programme and instruction on pedigree construction can be used to convert this to a workshop
LOCAL RATES AND RATE MAPS It is almost impossible to undertake research into ones family without reference to contemporary maps. Many local rate and tax systems are supported by maps such as tithe redemption, enclosure, the “Lloyd George Domesday” etc. This talk looks closely at the use of maps as complementary evidence of the various listings and written documentation.
MIDNIGHT AT THE GENEALOGICAL CAFÉ This talk looks at the various on-line tutorials that will enable you to learn how to undertake family history research.
BEYOND THE INTERNET There is a common philosophy fueled by the large data sites that your family history can all be done “on line”. This is far from the truth and it will be a considerable time before this statement is correct. This talk looks at what is not available on the internet and why it is important to still get your hand on experience in record offices and archives.
THE FAMILY ARCHIVE There can be masses of information lying around in boxes, store cupboards and drawers which will help us with our research endeavours. This talk looks at the many “home sources” that can be found, how to interpret them, the shortcomings and also how to preserve them for future generations.
PRE 1841 CENSUS SOURCES Throughout history officialdom has created lists of people on a regular basis. The pre 1841 census returns, Posse Comitatus, tax lists rate books etc. which have existed since time immemorial identify our ancestors in specific places and are a great help in locating family events. This talk looks at a variety of records available to find you ancestors.
POOR SOULS This talk looks at the wealth of records either side of the 1834 Poor Law Act in which most of our ancestors will appear. Poorer members of society, through need required assistance in the form of parish or poor relief. As such the records can provide a huge amount of information about the plight of our ancestors and may solve as few stumbling blocks along the way.
MY AVERAGE ANCESTOR During a lifetime most people left a large number of records (we all generate about 100 records). This talk takes a chronological tour of those records and explains how they can help put the flesh on the bones of our research, where they can be found and what we can find.
HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM? * This is an interactive talk or workshop which gives ideas on strategies and methodology to help solve those inevitable challenges of research right from someone missing from the census, appearing to have died twice and changes of name to mention but a few. An interactive discussion on participants’ brick walls can be included as a workshop
THE BASICS – INTRODUCTORY TALKS A series of talks detailing information about basic research documents. There are six talks:
1. Civil registration
2. Census returns
3. Parish registers and nonconformity
4. Getting the best from newspapers and directories
5. Scottish research
6. Irish family History
Please specify your interested topic. The talks are suitable for beginners and also as timely reminders to more seasoned researchers.
HOUSING LONDON’S POOR This talk examines the growth of the poorhouse/workhouse system in London together with Cottage Homes, the accommodation offered by Sick Asylum Boards, industrial schools, training ships etc. and examines the many documents so associated.
LESSER USED LONDON RESOURCES Not all records are held by the major London repositories. The local Borough archives and specialist libraries including the Bishopsgate Institute house a wealth of records which supplement and enhance the main archive holdings but are not always used by family historians. This talk examines the many resources which can be found by travelling around London.
IT’S ALL IN A TITLE * Deeds and other documents associated with individuals and property can provide a real insight into how your ancestors lived. This talk looks at the development of title deeds, their usefulness and how we can identify what we are looking for by formulary identification as well as how and where we can locate them.
FAMILY HISTORY ON THE INTERNET A talk outlining the many sources database sites and information websites available to the “armchair family historian”. It looks at both the positive and negative sides of relying upon the internet resources and explains some of the precautions needed to be taken, inaccuracies of information, the pure fictitious and the downright ridiculous
READING OLD HANDWRITING * Many documents used by family historians from census returns to medieval manuscripts can be difficult to read. This talk provides pointers to help you interpret what you are looking at and how to decipher the various handwriting styles in use over the ages. Can also be amended to become a practical hands on workshop working through examples of documents
RECORDING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY * This talk examines the various ways that you can write, record and produce a family history primarily aimed at making your research available to other family members rather than commercially publishing. Digital scrapbooking and use of “the cloud” is also discussed. A practical aspect can be included for a workshop
KEEPING UP TO DATE It is almost an impossible task to keep up to date with new datasets appearing on the Internet family history sites so this talk provides some pointers and shows the methodology of how best to keep abreast of the rapid developments.
USING THE SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS LIBRARY The Society Library in London contains a number of unique treasures, a vast number of reference book, pedigree rolls and a wealth of documents for the avid family historian. You are likely to need something that the library has during your ancestral quest and this talk examines the value of using the facility and some of the benefits of membership
MILITARY & NAVAL ANCESTRY
MILITARY AND NAVAL SERVICE This covers two separate areas, one looking at the 20th century and the other pre 1900. In both cases examination is made of the many records available to trace details of any person who served in the military and navy, including the civilian aspects of both services. Please specify which period you would like the talk aimed at.
20TH CENTURY ARMY RECORDS This talk examines specifically the variety of records available to trace an ancestor who served in both the First and Second World Wars
ROYAL NAVY SERVICE RECORDS Many of us have ancestors who have served in the Senior Service since the 1600s. This talk is an overview of the most comprehensive series of records outlining the service. The Admiralty was extremely meticulous at keeping records of operations, procedures and personnel and this talk provides an overview about such records.
ARMY SERVICE RECORDS This talk takes a look at both official records and the many other records/information available on the internet in order to establish the service of your military ancestor whether an officer or other ranks and whether in the infantry, cavalry, artillery or one of the corps.
LESSER KNOWN WORLD WAR ONE ANCESTAL RESOURCES Besides the official military records there are many other records and documents available for researching either your soldier, sailor or airman including private papers, diaries, appeals, wills and the records retained by the military museums. This talk examines how you can find more details and more importantly where to find the information.
ANCESTORS IN COURT SERIES
CAUGHT IN COURT The records of the English legal system both civil and criminal provide a wealth of information from both sides of the law. Most of our ancestors would have had some involvement with the courts during their lifetime. This talk examines the content of court and legal records in which our ancestors may appear.
CHANCERY Many of our ancestors will have bene involved in civil proceedings ending up in the Chancery system. Finding them is not always easy but the records of the court are very comprehensive and provide an insight into the lives and wranglings of our families. Using Chancery records can be complex and rewarding and this talk looks at the “how to” and information the records contain.
QUARTER SESSIONS RECORDS It would be unusual if your ancestor did not appear in Quarter Session records. Besides petty crime the Quarter Sessions administered many local government functions including licensing, local taxes, market and fairs. The records are perhaps the most comprehensive of any English Court and this talk examines their value to family historians and guides you through the content of the records.
BOTH SIDES OF THE LAW This talk looks at the records of the criminal, the police and the prison officer and their inter-relationship
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT This talk is an overview of the role of the Assize Courts, The Central criminal Court, Quarter and Petty Sessions Courts in the criminal justice system together with some resources for finding your criminal ancestor including murderers, military deserters or the petty thief
SOCIAL AND LOCAL HISTORY
MENDING BODIES, SAVING SOULS Medical advances and funeral traditions have touched every era of society. This talk looks at the social history, the effects medical science had on our ancestors, the unscrupulous body-snatchers, the developments and the many records which exist in regard to medical care and funerals experienced by our ancestors. Some aspects are just gory, some just unbelievable, some still exist today!
SUFFRAGETTES, THE CENSUS AND THE SIDNEY STREET SIEGE With the availability of the 1911 census on line this talk examines the many events and social changes which occurred, almost within living memory in the few years prior to the First World War. Delve into the households recorded in the 1911 census, the associated “Lloyd George Domesday” and the records of other events of the day. Explore the reality of what granny lived through.
FROM ALMSHOUSES TO COUNCIL HOUSES This talk examines the development of social housing and includes information on almshouses, the Peabody Trust (and similar housing associations), garden city and new town development and particularly focuses on how living conditions have improved over the years
THE DARK SIDE Most communities had an “underworld” with its share of unsavoury characters as well as highly respected persons who practiced such acts which verged on the criminal. This talk looks at the aspects of society which we all know existed but was rarely acknowledged.
IN THE PANTRY Have you ever been curious about how everyday products came into existence. This talk looks at the origins of many popular foods and appliances which we can still buy today.
LONDON’S PORT The Port of London has played a major role in the development of the City and the people who worked there. This talk looks at the development and decline of the Port, its importance and examines the lives of the many thousands who worked there.
ALL DRAWN BY HORSES (ON THE ROAD) This talk looks at the horse drawn transport age from the mail coaching networks to transport on the estate or farm. A huge number of carriages, carts and wagons existed and we look at the regional differences, the types of transport and the horses which pulled them.
VICTORIAN SHOPPING In its heyday the corner shop was king – open all hours and offering a personal service. This talk looks at the rise and fall of the corner shop, the Co-op, and the large departmental and chain stores.
VILLAGE CRAFTS Throughout rural communities many crafts existed such as the thatcher, blacksmith, wheelwright, cordwainer, and harness maker to mention a few. This talk looks at the role these played in the local economy and concentrates on their “heyday” in the 18th and 19th centuries.
PLEASURES AND PASTIMES OF VICTORIAN BRITIAN With the advent of the railways many ordinary working class Victorians began to take seaside holidays. Many began to watch or participate in sport, they frequented fairs, went to music halls and the theatre as well as staying at home working on the allotment or playing parlour games. This talk examines the varied leisure pursuits of our ancestors and how their example gave us more leisure time.
THERE’S NONE AS QUERE AS FOLK! Most communities have their own traditions, peculiarities and dialect. Many of these originated in early history and through to the modern day. Much has been preserved in pictorial, written and even oral histories. This talk gives examples of such traditions (often humorous) and puts them into the context of village and town life.
OCCUPATIONS
UP WITH THE LARK – AGRICULTURAL LABOURERS Most of us will have agricultural labourers in our ancestry. This talk discusses their lives and the wealth of records which enable us to piece together their lives. The fact that they existed means that documentary evidence exists.
ALL ROADS LEAD TO SMITHFIELD – DROVERS AND CATTLE DEALERS Many of our ancestors were “cattle dealers” or the like and may have spent many a day along the established drovers routes from Scotland or Wales to London. Those that did would have travelled with their families or met their spouses en-route. This talk explains the basis of migration and travel within the country and may just provide you with clues relating to your ancestors origin and movement around the country
ACCIDENTS AT WORK The workplace was a dangerous place to be. Whether your ancestor worked on the land, in a factory, on the railways or down a mine (to mention but a few) worker safety was the last thing anyone was that concerned about. The accidents that happened at work were many from minor wounds to untimely death. Records of such events are an abundant source of information for family historians.
UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS – DOMESTIC SERVANTS Many families will find domestic servants, both male and female within their ancestry. This talk looks at their lives and their appearance in records.
GONDOLA’S AND GROWLER’S – THE LONDON CABBIE The London cabbie was an anonymous character. This talk looks at how the industry grew and declined and how the Hansom Cab affected the lives of every Londoner.
BEST FOOT FORWARD – SHOEMAKER/CORDWAINER Every community would have its shoemaker or cordwainer. They played an important role in the village. Mechanisation and mass production diminished their role significantly but hand-made shoes are still available to this day. The talk examines what the cordwainer or shoemaker did, where the records are and what happened when the factories took over.
POST HASTE – POST OFFICE WORKERS The Post Office employed a large number of people. As an occupational source the records are “second to none£. Find out how to trace the career of a “postie”
ON THE RIGHT TRACK – RAILWAY WORKERS Railways were one of the largest employers and many companies left a legacy of staff records. This talk examines how those records help piece together the career of a railway worker using a variety of records up to nationalisation in 1948.
OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION FOR FAMILY HISTORY This talk is an overview of sources and examines the wealth of information available from directories, company records, government record etc. which will help detail the occupation that your ancestor followed and enable you to put the flesh on the bones of their working lives.
OCCUPATIONS – SPECIFIC OCCUPATIONS A series of talks providing an insight into the working day, conditions and social backgrounds to specific occupations. The talks also provide details of the various records available in company archives, trade guilds, unions and kindred organisations. Talks are available for the following occupations:
Blacksmiths Carpenters Carriers, Carters, Carmen and Cabbies Coastguards Coachbuilders and Harness Makers Gamekeepers Leather Workers (Saddlers, cordwainers etc.)Hat Makers Tailors Engineers
FIRST WORLD WAR SERIES
ROGUES AND VAGABONDS NEED NOT APPLY The First World War and its aftermath had a significant effect on those who served their families and society generally. This talk examines what our ancestor’s life was like for this short period in history and what the consequences of the war were upon each and every one of us.
BRITAIN AND THE WAR Volunteers and Conscripts, Propaganda, Munitions and looks at the chronology of the war
OVER BY CHRISTMAS Explores the triggers for the war and the lead up to conflict, the major battles (Verdun, Ypres, Somme, Cambrai etc.) and how soldiers coped, stalemate or change
TRENCHES, CEMETERIES AND MEMORIALS Life in the trenches, Over the top, trench humour, Poison gas, Forgotten soldiers (those in India and on the Eastern front), Role of Honour, CWGC and war memorials
WAR DIARIES AND TRENCH MAPS Very often service records give little detail about where our ancestor served but the battalion war diaries and the associated trench maps bring the war service alive. This talk looks at the value of both and how to interpret the information and delve further to find out more information.
IN THE AIR AND AT SEA Blockades and submarine warfare, the role of the Merchant Navy, The battles at se (Jutland, Dogger Bank etc.), Birth of the RAF and the role of the RFC and RNAS, Balloons and Pigeons.
LETTERS HOME This talk looks at the role of the Army Postal Service, what the soldiers’ letters really told us, the vast postcard market and a look at personal diaries, all of which give the soldiers perspective of real life during the war.
OTHER INTEREST TALKS
MAKING MODEL HORSE DRAWN VEHICLES One of my other interests is the building of scale models of horse drawn vehicles. This talk looks at the process and end result and is likely to be of interest to those with a model engineering background or those with a fascination for model making.
RAILWAY TO BUSWAY In Luton (my home town) an old branch railway was converted to a modern busway and this talk looks at the history of the Welwyn – Leighton Buzzard LNWR branch line part of which was used for the purpose and also the development of the modern busway.
TRAMS As the title suggests this talk traces the history and development of the tram particularly looking at the small system built to serve Luton in the early 1900s but also other systems progressing from those which were horse drawn to those using electric motive power
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