The Manor and the Man - manorial records workshop

Bit stuck on those manorial records? Celia Heritage's forthcoming workshop in Chatham might help:

THE MANOR AND THE MAN
8th October 2011

Venue: Christ Church University, Medway Campus, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4UF

Cost: £45

Manorial records are often dismissed as "difficult" or "only of use for very early research". They are in fact one of the few sources that potentially span the centuries from the 1300s right through until the 20th century while, although early records are in Latin, from the 18th century the majority are in English. Manorial records are one of the few sources that can give us a run of conclusive evidence that will prove a family tree over several generations, sometimes before the advent of parish registers. With a little knowledge manorial records are not difficult and this workshop aims to break down these misconceptions and open up a much wider world of research to you.

This is an intensive workshop limited to 12 students. In the morning we will look at the manorial system and its records and also at who lived on the manor. You may be surprised to find how many of your poorer ancestor may feature. The afternoon will consist of a palaeography workshop with two tutors led by Dr David Wright and adjusted to the individual's skill level. We will practise reading old handwriting and take a look at some very basic Latin which will be need for pre-17th century documents.

Booking at: www.heritagefamilyhistory.co.uk/courses.htm#The%20Manor

(With thanks to Celia)

Chris