Talks relevant to 2024

Vaccination in the 19th Century
NEW TALK:  Smallpox was the killer in the 19th century and many arguments raged against its merits causing considerable differences of opinions which is often still the case.
What’s the Weather Like With You
NEW TALK:  A look back through the centuries of weather conditions.
Heir Hunters
Probate research, coming down to find heirs entitled to a share of an estate when a person has died intestate. Some of the problems which can be encountered and how they may be solved. Taking part in a TV series.
One Day I Will
How an interest in finding my family history led me to establishing a company which undertakes all types of research including Family History. Probate Research, Media Research and Lecturing on these subjects
Establishing The General Register Office
Prior to the 1st of July 1837 births, deaths and marriages were not civilly registered the only records were found in the Parish Records. How it was organised when the establishment was considered necessary with the increase in population.
Civil Registration
A look at the registering of births, deaths and marriages, the pitfalls of the indexes, including spelling variants and errors in digitalisation and how to make the best use of searching the indexes
Census Returns
From 1841 through to 1911 how to search the returns most effectively, when you have lost a family what the reasons may be and a look at each decade to follow a family through for as long as possible.
Parish Registers
From 1538 they contain the baptisms, burials and marriages and much depends on the incumbent as to how much information is given. The dates at which changes to the keeping of the registers is of importance and what was required by law is included.
The Parish Chest
An valuable source used in conjunction with the parish registers as they help to show how people lived and include the overseers accounts, the highway accounts and settlement and removal orders
Wills  and Administration
A source of information divided into two parts pre 1858 and after 1858 the former being more complex to research. Never think an ancestor had nothing to leave, sometimes it may be as little as £5
London Sources For Genealogical Research
London research is sometimes thought of as looking for a needle in a haystack but this is not always the case and there are many sources which may have been overlooked which are to be found
I Never Thought of That
A second look at problems:
So often over the years people have told me that they have reached a brick wall in their research and sometimes I have been able to make a suggestion or suggested a source which they have not thought of which has supplied the answer
Underused Sources for Genealogical Research
In the UK the wealth of records available for research are some many and so varied that sometimes some which are not on the internet are overlooked. Some are early dating back to the 1500s
Kill or Cure
Medicine and illness in the 19th Century:  What were you most likely to die of or did you in spite of some of the remedies you live to tell the tale. What records are available for family historians.
A Genealogical Journey
A look back over the years seeing how research has changed, whether for better or for worse and what changes are still to come. Over many years of doing other people's research some of my experiences and thoughts.
Genealogical Geography
Essential to have geographical knowledge especially when researching in a country other than where you live. The different terms used to describe an area, the use of maps, county borders and duplication of place names need to be understood in the research.
Baby Farming
A highly organised and profitable trade carried on in the 19th and into the 20th century not just in the UK but in other parts of the world. The lying in establishments and the baby farmers each complimentary to each other.
Workhouses
Their history, how they developed, when and how they were designed and built, why people entered the workhouse, the conditions in which the inmates lived, the records available include admission and discharge of inmates.
Lunatic Asylums
Their history, how they developed, the medical records and treatments of the inmates and the records of the staff employed in the asylum and how they were organised and run.
Site Unseen
Internet sources for genealogy:  How to make the best use of the internet for research and some of the sites which are not so well know which may be of use to family historians
Acts of Parliament
 - which affected genealogical research:  The Acts of Parliament which came into force have affected our research and some we may wish had been more helpful in their extent and scope. It is useful to know the dates when they became effective and what they covered.
Open Wide, It Won't Hurt
Dentistry:  An account of dentistry and dentists in the 19th century, how they practised and what methods they used to promote their business. The invention of tooth brushes and toothpaste and dentures have an interesting history.
Hospitals
Their records and how to find them. A physical description of an ancestors is often not known but these records as well as giving this description give a record of their treatment and admission and discharge.
Heir Hunters
Probate research, coming down to find heirs entitled to a share of an estate when a person has died intestate. Some of the problems which can be encountered and how they may be solved. Taking part in a TV series.
Thank you very much indeed for coming to Basingstoke yesterday and for a most enlightening talk about wills and administrations. From feedback received so far it is clear that many folk were most appreciative of the clear, helpful and detailed guidance."  HGS Open Day Committee