Saturday 31 August 2013

Ancestral Scotland changes

I've just noticed that VisitScotland's Ancestral Scotland website (www.ancestralscotland.com) has initiated some changes, though I'm not sure if this is a recent development or just one I've just not picked up on before. It used to be that if you subscribed for the site's newsletter, you would receive ten free credits for use on the ScotlandsPeople website (www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk). In practice, you could look up one full record (6 credits in total for search and image) and a few 1881 census transcripts (1 credit each).

This now appears to have changed. Instead of the previous registration page for the newsletter, there is a much simpler form to fill out, with the site noting that "You will receive your first issue of our newsletter within the next few weeks." A code is no longer offered upon registration for the ScotlandsPeople site, offering you free credits.

There is one other new thing on the site, and that is a limited - and by God, do I mean limited! - access to the 1881 census. You can perform a search by surname, forename, address, age range, census place and birthplace. Click search and it will tell you that there are X number of results. And err... that's it. It very politely then tells you that you need to visit ScotlandsPeople!

There is also a Clan Search function that tells you where your family is likely to have come from in Scotland, as offered "courtesy and © of TartanWeb Ltd, manufacturers of the world's largest range of clan crested products, kilts and Highlandwear accessories." Very handy if you're into that sort of thing, though it is of course worth reiterating that Highland and clan history forms just one part of Scottish history - and that Sir Walter Scott, George IV and the Sobieski brothers should all be tried for crimes against Scottish culture as far as this shug is concerned! :) There are some useful clan histories available though, through this function.

There is also a useful series of guides to archives, local studies libraries and museums across the country on the site, to help you plan a visit.

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Origins loses Burkes Peerage

The Burke's Peerage website, which was developed by, and operated by Origins.net since 2005 on behalf of Burke's Peerage (UK) Ltd, has been sold to another owner. The current website at www.burkes-peerage.co.uk will therefore cease to operate from September 1st 2013.

In an email to subscribers, Origins.net has apologised for the short notice and has intimated that it has received no communication from the new operator as to its future plans. Those with current subscriptions will be refunded a proportion of their subscription fee within the next two weeks.

Dr Ian Galbraith of Origins.net has added that "normal practice when subscription services terminate is for the "old" service provider to be permitted to provide service until the end of the subscription period, so that current subscription agreements can be honoured. But in this case the new owners are not allowing this" - the company has also apologised and stated that the new owner's intentions "has left us as much in the dark as you".

The full statement from Origins.net is online at www.burkes-peerage.co.uk

(With thanks to Caroline Gurney)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

1913 Church of Ireland Gazette online

Thanks to Genealogy in Time for flagging up that the weekly Church of Ireland Gazette from 1913 - all 52 issues - are now searchable online.

From the Church of Ireland:

Continuing our commitment to mark the Decade of Commemorations, the RCB Library is pleased to present all 52 editions of The Church of Ireland Gazette for the year 1913, in a fully searchable format online as our August Archive of the Month, in collaboration with the Editor and Board of the Gazette.

For more on the collection visit http://ireland.anglican.org/about/128 - the direct search page itself is at https://esearch.informa.ie/rcb.

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Friday 30 August 2013

UK Press Online sale - plus Church Times archive from 1863

From UK Press Online (www.ukpressonline.co.uk) - this site is often overlooked in the advent of the British newspaper Archive's arrival, but actually carries a heck of a lot of national newspaper editions (NB: I believe it only offers the English editions though of some of the UK wide titles):

Summer Sale: try all our titles!
15 DAYS FOR THE PRICE OF FIVE

Throughout August & September, we’re offering all subscribers a three-for-one special on our new All-Inclusive package: instead of 5-days access to everything in our archives for £12.49 (£14.99 with VAT), you get 15-day access to our original Daily Mirror 1903-80 plus:
  • Daily Express 1900-present
  • Sunday Express 2000-present
  • Daily Star 2000-present
  • Daily Star Sunday 2002-present
  • Morning Star 2007-present
  • Daily Worker 1930-45
  • Church Times 1863--present
  • The Watchman 1835-1884
  • Yorkshire Post 1933-45
  • Mosley Press 1933-40

Visit www.ukpressonline.co.uk/ukpressonline/open/cart/cart1.jsp to go directly to the online store!


Church Times Archive Complete: 1863 - Present
The Church Times is one of Britain's oldest newspapers, still thriving after 150 years. It was born out of the Oxford Movement in 1863, when priests could be arrested for lighting candles on an altar of the Established Church. It was an opinionated, High Church scrapper, and its 150-year archive offers a different view of historical news events, such as the Lincoln assassination (he shouldn't have been in a theatre on Good Friday), Suffragettes (against), conscientious objectors ("poltroons") and women priests (you guessed it).

Never hesitating to go against the flow, the paper was a fearless defender of the spiritual independence of the Church of England in spite its Established status. Since the mid-1950s, its sympathies have broadened, embracing diversity in the worldwide Anglican Communion, and looking more favourably on other denominations.

Now part of the Hymns Ancient and Modern group, it remains fiercely independent, scrutinising the actions of the hierarchy besides covering work in the parishes, the General Synod, the Lambeth Conference, and the state of the world in general today - and still not always in the expected way.


South Eastern Gazette
We are delighted to be able to offer free access to all our UK subscribers to the South Eastern Gazette 1852-1912.

This important regional-newspaper archive has been funded by the 'Your Heritage Lottery Fund': its near-40,000-page archive covers the latter half of the 19th Century and the pre-WWI years.

To see samples and updates from our collections, please follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/UKPressOnline-Newspaper-Archives/150661478288962).

Student Discounts
Dozens of educational institutions – from Oxbridge to Princeton – already offer their students and staff free access to all or some of the 200-year as-published archives held here at UKPressOnline.

But a university doesn’t have to subscribe to offer discounted access to this extensive resource: staff or students at any Registered university (and registration is FREE) can subscribe personally, under our Education Scheme, for education access with education rights – and at education prices.

For more information, visit http://www.ukpressonline.co.uk/ukpimg/pdf/personal_login_2013.pdf. And do register for free, whether or not you intend to subscribe.

(With thanks to UKPress Online)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Fundraising for non-profit projects or ventures

I've posted a piece on my other wee blog about a new company that my wife has been working for since January in the Largs area, which may be of interest to some of you out there, if you are involved with a non-profit organisation or project seeking grant funding.

The company Claire works for, Get 2 Grips with Grants, specialises in securing funding for various not for profit initiatives, and started off here in Largs, but has already covered much of North Ayrshire, and now spreading its wings further. They've been doing wonders for all sorts here in the local area, including funding for a new community centre with one of the churches and also a fairly significant amount raised for a local nursery that our youngest son used to attend a few years back to obtain a range of teaching materials (including iPads and all sorts). With 2014 being a heck of a year ahead on all sorts of fronts, it may be that they can help if you are actively seeking to raise funds for such non-profit initiatives, whether for a genealogical, historical, or some other purpose.

The blog post is at http://walkingineternity.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/getting-to-grips-with-grants.html. It could be worth checking them out!

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Coming shortly: Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records

It's been proofed and it's just about ready to go - my new book, Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records!

Here's the blurb:

This latest guide from family historian Chris Paton takes a look at the vast world of Scottish civil registration records. Scotland commenced the statutory registration of births, marriages and deaths within the country in 1855, some seventeen and half years after a similar process had already got under way in England and Wales. The information lost to the family historian by such a late start is, however, more than made up for by the fact that Scottish registration records are the most detailed of all those found within the British Isles.

But what was the law behind Scottish registration, and how did it differ to England, Wales and Ireland? Who was legally obliged to do what and when, what were the penalties for default, and how might such knowledge help with our ancestral research? Why were all the forms of Scottish irregular marriage not abolished in 1939, and what angered the country's doctors? Where are the records not found online via ScotlandsPeople, such as those for adoption, vaccination, civil partnerships and divorce – and what vital records does the General Register Office in England hold for Scots as far back as the 1760s, and far beyond Britain's shores?

Should be out shortly - will let you know when it's available to purchase! (A big thanks to Rosemary Kopittke and Alan Phillips at Unlock the Past for their editorial work on the book). Once it's formally published I'll come back with more information on the contents, and details on where to purchase it from.

That's not all though - I'm currently working on another Scottish title for Unlock the Past, possibly the most challenging yet... but more on that in due course! :)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

More on English hosted Soldiers Wills collection

Audrey Collins has provided a good critique on the new Soldiers Wills collection launched yesterday (see http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/english-held-ww1-soldiers-wills-to-be.html) by the English based HM Courts and Tribunals Service.

To read her comments on the new service visit http://thefamilyrecorder.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/soldiers-wills-online-good-news-up-to.html.

(With thanks to Audrey)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Churches Conservation Trust's Heritage Open Days offerings

From the Churches Conservation Trust (www.visitchurches.org.uk):

EXPLORE ‘BRITAIN’S GREATEST MASONIC SECRET’ AND ‘RIP VAN WINKLE’S CHURCH’ THIS SEPTEMBER

A church regarded as ‘Britain’s greatest Masonic secret’ and another described as 'Rip Van Winkle’s church’ are amongst the fascinating buildings which The Churches Conservation Trust will invite visitors to explore, as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days between 12th – 15th September.

St Edmund’s Church, Rochdale, is regarded as one of the finest but least known gems of ecclesiastical architecture in the country and has been comp
ared to the Medieval Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland - the setting for Dan's Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code.

Poet John Betjeman described St James’ Church, Cameley, Somerset, as 'Rip Van Winkle’s Church’ – asleep for centuries and virtually untouched. The church, which escaped major restoration in Victorian times, remains an unspoilt gem and is home to a series of 12th – 17th century wall paintings described as decorative, figurative, imitative and didactic.

These are just two of the notable churches that are rich in history and architecture, and open for the public to see this September. Over four days, The Churches Conservation Trust will give visitors the chance to absorb the architectural wonder and fascinating pasts of a variety of magnificent Medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian churches.

They can visit the partly ruined Holy Trinity Church, Wentworth, South Yorkshire, which started life as a church in the 15th century but was converted to a mausoleum in 1877. Its 16th and 17th century features trace back to the powerful Wentworth family, including the Earl of Strafford and Charles Watson-Wentworth.

The church where Thomas Becket is said to have preached himself, The Church of Saint Thomas a Becket, Capel, Kent, will host a music and arts festival displaying Medieval wall paintings, including Cain and Abel and Christ’s Entry to Jerusalem.

St. Oswald’s Church, Kirk Sandall, South Yorkshire, will celebrate Heritage Open Days with craft activities for children and an exhibition on local history for parents. At this charming Norman church, visitors can see 13th century arcades, striking stained glass and exquisitely carved screens.

Saint George’s Church, Esher, Surrey, built around 1540, boasts elaborate 18th century carvings, a three-decker pulpit and a pew designed by the Blenheim Palace architect, John Vanbrugh. As well as viewing the interior of this picturesque church, visitors can enjoy a floral take on Heritage Open Days with the North Downs Botanical Artists Exhibition.

Historian and archivist, Stuart Sizer, will host a guided walk around the intricate church site of St. Mary’s, Barnetby, Lincolnshire, whilst at St John’s Church, Stamford, Lincolnshire, visitors can even view a demonstration of the age old practice of Collyweston slating.

The CCT has saved over 340 churches in the past 40 years, preserving and restoring some remarkable examples of architecture for future generations to enjoy. Representing over 1000 years of history, each CCT church building possesses its own exceptional story. They can be found all over England: in the grounds of historic houses and stately homes; in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; close to the coast; in deserted sites in hilltops, and in major cities and pretty villages.

To find a Heritage Open Day near you or for details on these and hundreds more historic churches, visit www.visitchurches.org.uk. Visitors can plan their own day out or use the website to search for ideas, such as combinations of visits to the Trust’s churches with other historic attractions and gardens nearby.

(With thanks to Chloe Hanisko)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Brightsolid splits into two companies

Big news from Dundee!

Brightsolid, parent company of FindmyPast and Genes Reunited, and partners in ScotlandsPeople (with the National Records of Scotland and the Court of the Lord Lyon), the British Newspaper Archive (with the British Library), and Lives of the First World War (with the Imperial War Museum), is being split into two businesses - Brightsolid Online Publishing, dealing with its genealogical interests, and Brightsolid Online Technologies, dealing with its various IT interests.

As part of the changes, current heid yin Chris van der Kuyl is stepping into a new role of Strategic Advisor to the DC Thompson board (DC Thompson is the main Dundee based media group behind Brightsolid), and in his stead comes a new CEO for Brightsolid Online Publishing - and therefore a new boss for FMP and Genes Reunited - in the form of Annelies van den Belt. She was previously with SUP Media, the leading digital publisher in Russia, with previous roles also at ITV, Telegraph Media Group and News International. Heading up Brightsolid Online Technologies as CEO is Richard Higgs.

Ms van den Belt said: “The opportunity at brightsolid to build a truly global digital family history business is an exciting one. brightsolid has the potential through its current assets and footprint in the English speaking markets to become a leading global player. Furthermore, being part of the DC Thomson Group is an exciting professional proposition and I look forward to working with the Board and to sharing my digital knowledge and experience going forward in developing and creating further digital products.”

The full announcement is at www.brightsolid.com/brightsolid-group/latest-news/recent-news/brightsolid-realigns-and-appoints-new-ceo-for-online-publishing.html

(With thanks to Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter)

UPDATE: The BBC also has the story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-23893114

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Thursday 29 August 2013

Research at PRONI and in Northern Ireland

If you were inspired by last night's edition of Who Do You Think You Are, featuring Nick Hewer, check out my recent blog post at http://walkingineternity.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/a-grand-day-out-research-at-proni-in.html which contains a guide on how to get started with research at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (www.proni.gov.uk).

The articles also contains a video interview and tour with Stephen Scarth of the facility, who kindly showed me around the search room last year the day before it officially opened, also presented here:




If you are only starting off with your Irish research, you can also check out my new book Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet - here's a bit of blurb on what to expect from that!



Don't forget the North of Ireland Family History Society also at www.nifhs.org - it's planning a big Open Day and Book Sale at its Research Centre and Library in Newtownabbey on Saturday 31st August from 10.30am to 4.30pm (see the site for details). The society also has many unique offerings for members on its website, as well as look up services, which can help with research.

As my auld ma' once said - we'll soon get ye learned!

Finally, if you missed the programme and live in the UK, visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b039f83p/Who_Do_You_Think_You_Are_Series_10_Nick_Hewer/ to catch up!)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

More petty session records added to FindmyPast Ireland

FindmyPast Ireland (www.findmypast.ie) has added another 2.5 million petty session court records to its database. And that includes some more for Tipperary, so that's me happy for the next twenty minutes...!

For more details see http://www.findmypast.ie/articles/news/another-25-million-court-registers-added whilst a breakdown of what is now available - and what is new - is available at http://www.findmypast.ie/articles/world-records/full-list-of-the-irish-family-history-records/institutions-and-organisations/petty-sessions-order-books-1842-1913

(With thanks to @findmypastie)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

English held WW1 soldiers wills digitised

English held First World War soldiers wills are the latest to be digitised for online presentation, in time for next year's centenary - the BBC has the story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-23861821. To search for a soldier visit https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk/

Scottish wills have already been digitised and are available at the National Records of Scotland (www.nrscotland.gov.uk) - these will be going onto ScotlandsPeople (www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk) in the near future.

The National Archives of Ireland has also digitised its soldiers' wills from the conflict - these are freely available at http://soldierswills.nationalarchives.ie/search/sw/home.jsp

(With thanks to @vivdunstan on Twitter)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Wednesday 28 August 2013

Rootstech 2014 registration opens

FamilySearch has just announced that registration is now open for Rootstech 2014, the big American genealogy technology fair.

Full details are available at https://familysearch.org/blog/en/announcing-rootstech-2014-registration-limited-time-discount/ - there's a discount of $20 for early bookers.

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Clackmannanshire burial records 1866-2013 online

Thanks to Buzzy Garden for notice of the following:

Clackmannanshire Council has released Burial Records for the main cemeteries in The Wee County at www.clacksweb.org.uk/community/cemeteryrecords/

Although the collection is called Clackmannanshire Cemetery Records, it seems to focus on Burial Records 1866–2013 for 9 grounds.

Search on surname and initial usually (the most recent only seem to give full first names) – but if you can confirm any burial date and reference for this, then stick it in Advanced Search to find out who else is buried there.

The advanced search offers options e.g. opportunities to search by cemetery (about 9) plus by section & then by grave number/lair (I found this useful once I had found a main character on simple search, then put in lair number to find the rest also there).

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Ancestry adds English and Welsh nonconformist records

Ancestry (www.ancestry.co.uk) has added a new collection, England & Wales, Non-Conformist and Non-Parochial Registers, 1567-1970. The records are sourced from three National Archives held sets of General Register Office images, noted on the site as follows:

General Register Office: Registers of Births, Marriages and Deaths surrendered to the Non-parochial Registers Commissions of 1837 and 1857. Records of the General Register Office, Government Social Survey Department, and Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, Registrar General (RG) 4. The National Archives, Kew, England.

General Register Office: Birth Certificates from the Presbyterian, Independent and Baptist Registry and from the Wesleyan Methodist Metropolitan Registry. Digitized images. Records of the General Register Office, Government Social Survey Department, and Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, Registrar General (RG) 5. The National Archives, Kew, England.

General Register Office: Registers of Births, Marriages and Deaths surrendered to the Non Parochial Registers Commission of 1857, and other registers and church records in the Protectorates of Africa and Asia. Records of the General Register Office, Government Social Survey Department, and Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, Registrar General (RG) 8. The National Archives, Kew, England.

A brief description:

"This collection is mainly comprised of birth, marriage, and death registers from non-conformist congregations and churches in England and Wales that were turned over to the Registrar General following the Non-Parochial Register Act of 1840 and a later request in 1857. It also includes non-parochial registers from the Church of England at St Petersburg, Chelsea and Greenwich Hospitals, and registers from burial grounds and non-denominational cemeteries. You’ll also find Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist birth certificates. Details found in the records will vary depending on the event and the time period."

These images have for several years previously been available only at TheGenealogist.co.uk and BMDRegisters.co.uk - these sites also host RG6 (Quakers), RG7 (Fleet Prison), RG32-RG38 (overseas GRO records), and BT158-BT160 (Registers of Shipping and Seamen).

To search the records visit http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=2972

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Tuesday 27 August 2013

Still spaces on Scottish Research Online course

Need some help with your Scottish ancestral research? There are still spaces available on the next Scottish Research Online course, run by Pharos Teaching and Tutoring Ltd, and taught by yours truly, which commences September 4th (week tomorrow!) and runs for 5 weeks. Entirely taught online, there are weekly lessons, a weekly chat online, and a dedicated forum to help keep the discussion flowing between lessons. (NB: attendance of the weekly chats is not compulsory, but will assist in understanding the lesson's content - if you can't make one or more of the chats, transcripts are provided of the conversations).

Here's a wee intro!



So, as the man says...! The course looks at many of the more common websites used for Scottish genealogical research, though not just at the obvious parts of the sites, but also at many hidden gems you may not be aware of. I also look at many sites you may not have heard of, plus I throw in additional tips and background information on much of what made Scotland tick historically. It's a very different country in many ways to its partners in the United Kingdom, with a different legal system and state church, different land records, different everything!

If you fancy taking a sledgehammer to your ancestral brick walls, this should help develop your muscle tone before you lift it! :)

The cost is £45.99 - for further details on the course and how to book, please visit http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102 - hopefully see you there!


Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Monday 26 August 2013

National Archives to improve website

The National Archives at Kew has announced that from September it will slowly start tinkering with its website to implement a series of changes to navigation, improved tablet access and a new home page, amongst other developments. The full story is at http://nationalarchives.gov.uk/news/869.htm.

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

New South Wales teachers rolls 1869-1908

Ancestry (www.ancestry.co.uk) has added a new collection, New South Wales, Australia, Teachers’ Rolls, 1869-1908, sourced from State Records Authority of New South Wales, Kingswood, New South Wales, Australia (NRS 4073 9 reels).

If your ancestors emigrated down under and took up teaching as a career, it's well worth a look. Details include:
  • age at the time of hire
  • training
  • promotions
  • teaching classifications
  • employment history with school names and dates
  • awards
  • reprimands and disciplinary actions
  • salary
  • marital status

There are nearly 15,000 teachers indexed in the collection. To search the names visit http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=4889

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Sunday 25 August 2013

National Family History Fair on September 7th at Newcastle

Yesterday's family history event in Motherwell was great - now news of another fair coming shortly, one I've attended for the last few years, and always a lot of fun!

The National Family History Fair 2013
Saturday, September 7 between 10.00.a.m and 4.00.p.m, entrance £3.00.

ONE of Britain’s most prestigious history events is being held once again in the Newcastle area for the 11th year. There will be many exhibitors, talks from nationally renowned experts, internet demonstrations and free advice from genealogy experts. You will be able to search for your ancestors with Family Search and the major internet websites.

This year after the very successful event in 2012 it will again be held at the Tyne Suite, Newcastle Central Premier Inn, Newbridge Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8BS.

This venue is in the heart of Newcastle city centre. Saturday, September 7 between 10.00.a.m and 4.00.p.m, entrance £3.00.

Prizes and subscriptions and other special offers are being made available by Genes Reunited, Ancestry.co.uk, My History and other exhibitors at this event.

The entrance ticket provides every visitor the opportunity to win one of 10 (TEN) 6 month subscriptions to Genes Reunited courtesy of GenesReunited worth £49.95.

In addition there will be a FREE draw to win one of 15 (FIFTEEN) copies of Family Tree Maker Deluxe software worth £39.95 which includes 3 months 'Essentials' subscription access to Ancestry.co.uk - worth £30.00 Courtesy of Ancestry.co.uk

Advice
Advice on researching your family history will be available throughout the day from leading genealogist Doreen Hopwood. Doreen was the lead Genealogist for Birmingham City Libraries and is a regular contributor to the leading Family history Magazines.

Talks & Presentations
In addition there will be a series of talks from 12.00.p.m. onwards. One of the many themes at this year’s event is Irish Ancestry with Dr William Roulston who will a talk on Researching Irish Ancestry. In addition The Ulster Historical Foundation will have a stand at the event.

Our second talk of the day is at 2.00.p.m. By Mike Wood from The Society of Genealogists on Using the Society of Genealogists Website & Library. The Society of Genealogists will also have a stand at the event.

Talks are £3.00 for each talk and are limited to 80 places.

There will be FREE presentations thought the day by Ancestry and Genes Reunited

Software and other demonstrations will take place throughout the day with My History; Genes Reunited; Ancestry.co.uk; and Family Search will provide a lookup and search service. Local archives will be represented by Durham County Record Office, Northumberland Archives and Teesside Archives.

We have a first this year with an exhibitor from Australia - Unlock the Past Cruises (International) and Gould Genealogy & History – who will reveal exciting plans for Genealogy Cruises from The British Isles.

Robert Blatchford, organiser of The National Family History Fair and publisher of The Family and Local History Handbooks and The Irish Family and Local History Handbook will showcase his worldwide bestsellers at the event – see www.genealogical.co.uk

Advance Ticket Sales
Advance sales of Admission tickets and talks tickets are available online through the links on our website at www.nationalfamilyhistoryfair.com

Refreshments will be available throughout the day at the event and The Premier Inn will also provide special Meal Deals.

The venue, in central Newcastle, is accessed easily by Rail, Metro and bus services and there is plentiful parking near by. See the website www.nationalfamilyhistoryfair.com for more information.

(With thanks to Bob Blatchford)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Brilliant family history fair in Motherwell

Lanarkshire FHS
Yesterday I had the real pleasure of attending the Local and Family History Show in Lanarkshire at Motherwell, ably organised by Lanarkshire Family History Society. It was an unbelievably busy day, and one of the most enjoyable I think I've ever attended, certainly in Scotland.

The reason is that there was a noticeably different buzz about yesterday's bash. I spoke to a few of the vendors, and the comments were all similar - "we had no idea it would be this big". I think the reason for this was simple - it did not target the family history community. Instead it targeted 'the community', with a range of experiences for everyone, which even included face painting for kids - a real family fun day out.

Family historians were of course well catered for with vendors and groups there including My History, FamilySearch, Rootschat, the Scottish Military Research Group, Scottish Monumental Inscriptions, ScotlandsPlaces, RCAMHS, family history and local history societies from across the country, and many, many more. Bizarrely, the one group that wasn't there - and very noticeable in its absence - was ScotlandsPeople, or indeed any representation from other groups that form part of Dundee based parent company Brightsolid, such as the British Newspaper Archive or FindmyPast. Sorry guys - on this one, you really missed a trick!

Ali MacDonald on DNA
There was also a variety of talks on offer, including a great discussion from the University of Strathclyde's Ali MacDonald on DNA, who runs the Scottish DNA Project, which cleverly focussed in on many names commonly found in Lanarkshire, such as Hamilton and Frame, with some interesting surprises. Ali explained the basics of Y-DNA research, but it was the explanation about the real advances in deep ancestry - and how it's results are getting closer to our more recent origins (which the other more common use for Y-DNA research targets) that was a real eye opener.

Another superb talk was given by historian Professor Richard Findlay on the Union of the Parliaments of 1707. At the start of his talk he noted that the circumstances behind the union were very different to those driving the independence referendum of today. When he then announced he was going to look at the union from an English point of view, there were a couple of comedy groans from the audience - in fact, this was truly the talk's real selling point. On this side of the border we're all used to hearing about the failure of Darien etc, but it was absolutely fascinating to learn that the real reason for the English position was in fact to do with the succession of the monarchy, and the potential that Scottish nobles could choose a separate monarch after the demise of Anne if they so chose to do - and which they threatened to do. This all fed into the wider politics of war with the French and the Spanish succession, all fascinating stuff. A real game of brinkmanship on both sides that finally led to union, but one which could potentially have led to war as much as an incorporated union, so tense were the negotiations. Superb stuff - but of course, irrelevant to the current debate which looks to Scotland's future based on the here and now.


I managed to have a chat with a few groups there - the University of Strathclyde genealogical studies department told me that their series of short evening classes are now available both through online study as well as on an attendance base at Glasgow, whilst Daria Wall from the University of Dundee also reported she had a busy day promoting the Centre for Archives and Information Service's courses. David McNay of the Scottish Military Research Group also explained some major projects currently underway between his organisation and other partners in Scotland for next year's WW1 centenary commemoration (watch this space), whilst Andrew Nicholl from ScotlandsPlaces explained the successful launch of the site's new volunteer transcription project - great to see a crowdsourcing project of such scale in Scotland, transcribing many of the documents found online via the site.

Often I have gone to events in Scotland where the crowds noticeably drop by late afternoon, but this one was constantly busy throughout. One family history society further told me that they had covered their costs to get to Motherwell in the first hour of trading alone. It was a real success, and the other echoing call resounding from across the room was "please do it again next year". I'll certainly add my name to that plea!!!

After the event, the Scottish Genealogy Network held its monthly get together, with I think the largest attendance yet, providing a great ending to an already perfect day.

A seriously HUGE well done to Bob, Gerry, Elizabeth et al at Lanarkshire FHS - and already looking forward to the next one!!! (Hint!)


UPDATE: If you were at the event yesterday, please take a minute to provide feedback at http://lfhsfair2013.weebly.com/show-feedback.html - it's very short and sweet!

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Friday 23 August 2013

TNA podcast - the Great Train Robbery

The latest podcast from the National Archives at Kew is entitled The Truth About The Great Train Robbery of 1963, a 50 minute talk from Peter Guttridge. It can be listened to at http://media.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php/the-truth-about-the-great-train-robbery-of-1963/ or downloaded for free from iTunes.

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Free access to UK census records on Ancestry

Ancestry (www.ancestry.co.uk) is offering free access to its UK census records collections from 1841-1911 for the Bank Holiday weekend.

The records will be available to search for free from 00:00 BST on August 23rd 2013 until 23:59 BST on August 26th. You will need to register for a free account with the company to gain access.

(With thanks to Ancestry)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

You've Been Researched - Nick Hewer on WDYTYA

From the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (www.proni.gov.uk):

Who Do You Think You Are at PRONI

Advisor to Lord Sugar on The Apprentice and the host of Countdown, Nick Hewer has been filmed in PRONI for the family history show Who Do You Think You Are?


The former PR man to tycoon Lord Sugar visited Belfast to research his local Irish connections.

The show explores Mr Hewer’s memories of his maternal Irish grandfather, Oswald Jamieson, a Catholic who managed to reach the prestigious office of High Sheriff in Protestant-dominated 1920s Belfast. “My Irish mother and English father met as students at Trinity College Dublin”, says Hewer, “and growing up I was always aware of my dual nationality. At school in Ireland I always felt English and at home in England I felt Irish.”

The programme airs on BBC1 Northern Ireland at 9pm on Wednesday, August 28th.

(With thanks to Gavin McMahon)

NB: Just back from a day's research in PRONI myself, definitely worth going, if only to get talking to the wee security guard woman, she's brilliant - ended up showing her how to work a digital scanner yesterday! Best archive in the UK or Ireland, by a long shot - but I'm biased...!)

Don't forget that if you feel inspired to look into your Irish background after the programme, my latest book Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet is available at www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-History-on-the-Internet/p/3889/ in both paperback and e-editions. It shows what can be achieved with online resources - but you'll still end up at PRONI or the NAI in due course... :)


Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Wednesday 21 August 2013

Scottish heir hunting firm convicted of fraud

Dick Eastman is reporting on his blog that heir hunting firm World Wide Genealogy Ltd (formerly called Beneficiaries Ltd), has been prosecuted on ten counts of fraud at Reading Crown Court in Berkshire. The company was based in Edinburgh, and has now been ordered to pay back £200,000 to clients and a fine of £25,000.

The conviction, for ten counts of Fraud by False Representation contrary to Section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006, actually took place in late July - the full story is at www.lawskills.co.uk/articles/2013/07/heir-hunter-convicted-on-ten-counts-of-fraud/ and also reported locally in Berkshire by Newbury Today at www.lawskills.co.uk/articles/2013/07/heir-hunter-convicted-on-ten-counts-of-fraud/.

The local council has also issued a statement at www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=27326. Councillor Dominic Boeck, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Trading Standards said, "This is a great result. These were fraudsters preying on innocent victims in a particularly distasteful and calculated manner. It will send a clear message to companies operating in these sectors that they cannot mislead and lie to people whilst asking them to hand over potentially large sums of money. The Council will be asking the relevant Government department what more can be done to protect the interests of potential beneficiaries in circumstances like this."

For details on the company see http://companycheck.co.uk/company/SC206825.

(With thanks to Dick Eastman and West Berkshire Council)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

FindmyPast to digitise English and Welsh school registers

From the UK's FindmyPast (www.findmypast.co.uk):

Millions of school records to be published online for the first time

The Archives and Records Association (UK & Ireland) - ARA - has signed a deal, on behalf of a large number of archives and schools, with digital publishing experts brightsolid to publish online for the first time millions of school records from England and Wales.

This will be the first project to be undertaken under the framework of the new National Digitisation Consortium, which comprises up to 120 English and Welsh archives and schools working together to offer records for digitisation.

It is the first time such a large number of bodies will work together to digitise material - in this case their pre-1914 school registers. Once the registers have been scanned and transcribed by brightsolid, they will be made available to search online at leading family history website findmypast.co.uk, which is owned by brightsolid.

The registers span the period 1870-1914 and cover every region of England and Wales. They contain details of particular interest to the family historian, including name of the school and the pupil, their date of birth, year of admission to the school and the name of a parent or guardian. Teachers are also listed and Industrial School registers are included in the collection.

Chris van der Kuyl, Chief Executive of brightsolid said: “We are proud to have agreed terms with the ARA to publish online this fascinating set of school records from over 120 separate archives across England and Wales.

“Projects of this magnitude reinforce not only our ambition, but our credentials as the leading digital publishing experts, especially within the genealogy market. We look forward to working closely with the ARA and the National Digitisation Consortium on this exciting endeavour.”

John Chambers, ARA Chief Executive, said: “As the leading membership body for those who work in UK and Irish archives, the ARA has an important role to play in helping the sector find new ways of working. The National Digitisation Consortium allows a number of archives and schools, of all sizes, to offer records for digitisation within a single, shared legal agreement. As well as enabling these fascinating school records to be available to the public, this project will set an important precedent for the way the sector can work together to achieve a better return.”

(With thanks to Debra Chatfield)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Tuesday 20 August 2013

Volunteers and Plantations - PRONI events

From PRONI in Belfast (www.proni.gov.uk):

Volunteering in Ireland, 1912-16
Lecture Series

Dr Timothy Bowman (University of Kent) will deliver a series of lectures examining the various volunteer organisations which emerged in Ireland during the years before the First World War. He will look at volunteering by Unionists and Nationalists as well as civic and labour volunteers and the role of women in volunteer organisations.

Lectures:
29th August: Unionist Volunteers
5th September: Young Citizen Volunteers
12th September: Irish Nationalist Volunteers
19th September: Volunteering & the Labour Movement
26th September: Volunteering & Women

Lectures begin at 6.30pm at PRONI. All events are FREE OF CHARGE. Places limited.
Please contact PRONI to secure your place at proni@dcalni.gov.uk


A Family and Local History Event on the Plantation of Ulster

This event is aimed at anyone interested in the Ulster Plantation of the early seventeenth century, a period of critical importance in the shaping of modern Ulster and Ireland. The event will be held on consecutive days, in Belfast (PRONI – Friday 27th September) and then in Derry-Londonderry (Saturday 28th September).

The presentations in PRONI will focus on the Plantation in Belfast and east Ulster. The event will be chaired by Dr Sam Burnside and a host of renowned experts on the Plantation will speak at this one-off event, held in tribute to the life and work of R.J. (Bob) Hunter.

When: Friday 27th September, 9.30am – 4pm
Where: Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, Belfast – www.proni.gov.uk  (see note below though)

The event is free to attend and light refreshments and lunch will be provided on both days.

Registration is essential - to register please contact Tim Smyth at the Ulster Historical Foundation on 02890 661988 or enquiry@uhf.org.uk

For more info please see the event flyer at www.therjhuntercollection.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Hunter-event-flyer.pdf. Please note that the Belfast conference is now fully booked. There are places still available for the Derry conference.

NB: For anyone in Scotland who might be interested in going, it is ludicrously silly season just now on ferry costs - I've just booked a return day trip to Belfast from Cairnryan for just £5 to do some client work on Thursday, so there are some good deals on the go just now!

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

British POWs 1939-1945 on Ancestry

Ancestry (www.ancestry.co.uk) has launched a new collection on its site entitled UK, British Prisoners of War, 1939-1945. The collection has been sourced from a previous CD release by Naval and Military Press.

For further details visit http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=1601

(Correction: this collection has been updated, not launched as new)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Monday 19 August 2013

Irish Roots Autumn 2013 issue

I've been asked to give a quick plug for the latest Irish Roots magazine (Autumn 2013 issue), which includes a wee piece from yours truly also - no probs!

Here are the details of the Autumn issue:-

  • Tracing Your Co. Clare Ancestors
  • Ten Ways To Overcome The Brick Walls In Your Research....
  • Jackie Kennedy's True Irish Ancestry Revealed.
  • The Irish In Latin America.
  • O's, Macs And Other Variations In Irish Surnames.
  • Irish Sources In The US - Part II.
  • German Gathering In Co. Meath.
  • Back To Our Past Show 2013.
  • The Blasket Centre, Dún Chaoin.
  • Irish Ancestors In Australasia.
  • News From The World Of Genealogy & Lots Lots More.
  • Whats New? - Review - The latest Irish Genealogy Records, Databases And Releases Reviewed by Claire Santry.
  • Books, Irish Genealogy Societies Notes, Letters To The Editor.
  • News From The World Of Irish Genealogy And Lots Lots More!

To get your copy see:- http://irish-roots-magazine.myshopify.com/

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Suffragette papers added to National Archives of Ireland catalogue

The National Archives of Ireland (www.nationalarchives.ie)  has made some additions to its catalogue - these include testamentary records for the districts of Letterkenny and Limerick for the year 1990, and "the list of General Prison Board Suffragette Papers (GPB/SFRG/1) which detail the treatment of suffragettes who were imprisoned by the authorities, mainly during the period 1911-1914" (46 catalogued holdings).

Also added are "the list of the Mansion House All-Party Anti-Partition Conference (TSCH/11) that operated under the auspices of Department of the Taoiseach, mainly in the late 1940s and early 1950s".

Further details are available at www.nationalarchives.ie/research/what%E2%80%99s-new-in-the-online-catalogue/.

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Royal Free Hospital’s archive collection to move to LMA

From the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (www.royalfree.nhs.uk):

Archive set to move

The Royal Free Hospital’s archive collection will be moving from Hampstead to the London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) in Clerkenwell next month.

The reading room at the Royal Free Archive Centre, at The Hoo, in Lyndhurst Gardens, Hampstead, will close on 13 September 2013 to enable the preparation and transfer of the collection to the LMA.

Both the Royal Free Hospital and London (Royal Free Hospital) School of Medicine for Women collections will be available at the LMA, in Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, from early 2014. The LMA is part of the culture, heritage and libraries department of the City of London.

During the transfer, we will continue to answer as many telephone and email enquiries as we can, subject to staff and document availability.

A spokeswoman from the Royal Free said: “This is an exciting new chapter for the Royal Free’s archives. The trust has an enormously rich history and, with documents dating back to 1828 when the hospital was founded, it is of paramount importance that the archive is properly cared for. Its new home at the London Metropolitan Archives will allow greater access for members of the public and will ensure this valuable material is preserved for future generations.”

Nick Kingsley, head of archives sector development at the National Archives, added: “We have worked closely with the Royal Free and the LMA on the transfer. We are pleased that the records will be made available at the LMA alongside so many other important hospital collections and other records relating to the health and social history of London’s inhabitants.”

(With thanks to the FFHS and Katie Wood)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

FindmyPast UK adds Canadian records

From the UK FindmyPast (www.findmypast.co.uk):

Findmypast.co.uk collections head north with debut of Canadian books

Addition from Archives CD Books Canada provides 200 name-rich, searchable volumes covering almost 350 years of history

Findmypast.co.uk, an international leader in online family history, today announced the recent addition to their world subscription of Canadian books from Archives CD Books Canada to the site. The collection of books covers numerous subjects in 200 volumes that span almost 350 years of North American heritage from across the continent. The Canadian Books are now available in findmypast.co.uk’s continually growing collection of US and Canadian resources as a core resource for Canadian and Scots-Irish researchers.

Dating back to the 1600s, the Canadian books boast 71,000 pages of items including military, religious, occupational and immigration records, business directories, published genealogies and BMDs. While a primary Canadian resource, its scope of literature crosses over various nationalities and US territories. With titles such as Sketches of Irish soldiers, The Scotch-Irish of California, and German-Canadian folklore the collection is valuable for people with Canadian ancestry and those who can trace their origins back to the UK or Europe.

The books feature a sizeable amount of military records with various nominal rolls and rolls of honour relating mostly to the First World War, such as The Royal Montreal Regiment, 14th Battalion, University of Toronto Roll of Service 1914-1918 and 31st Canadian Infantry CEF 1914-1919.

“The vast amount of information in these books touches upon almost every aspect of daily life in the past,” said Debra Chatfield, Marketing manager for findmypast.co.uk. “As a fundamental backbone for Canadian research, this addition furthers our mission to bring together strong resources from all parts of the English-speaking world that your ancestors migrated to.”

See below for a complete list of the Canadian books collection on findmypast.co.uk:

· A McCurdy Family History
· Andrew Jackson.
· British Columbia, Canada- British Columbia from the Earliest Times to the Present, Biographical (vol. 3)
· British Columbia, Canada- British Columbia from the Earliest Times to the Present, Biographical (vol. 4)
· British Columbia, Canada- Influence of the War of 1812 upon the Settlement of the Canadian West
· British Columbia, Canada- On Canada's Frontier
· British Columbia, Canada- Sunset Canada - British Columbia and Beyond
· British Columbia, Canada- The Gold Stripe, nos 1-3, 1919
· British Columbia, Canada- Year Book, 1903
· Bush Life in the Ottawa Valley.
· Canada- “Canada," 1916
· Canada- 13th Battalion Royal Highlanders of Canada, 1914 - 1919
· Canada- 1837 Rebellion Losses, Claimants for Damages, 1849
· Canada- 24th Battalion, C.E.F., Victoria Rifles of Canada, 1914 - 1919
· Canada- 2nd Canadian Heavy Battery, 1914-1919
· Canada- 42nd Battalion, C.E.F. Royal Highlanders of Canada
· Canada- A History of the War of 1812
· Canada- Barristers and Solicitors, 1919
· Canada- Canada's Hundred Days
· Canada- Canadian Militia, 1919
· Canada- Elected Representatives and Civil Servants of the Canadian Dominion Government, 1919
· Canada- First World War, photographs of 72 military unit badges.
· Canada- First World War Honour Roll of the Canadian Bank of Commerce
· Canada- First World War, Honour Roll of Bank of Hamilton & Standard Bank of Canada
· Canada- Foreign Consuls, 1919
· Canada- From the Rideau to the Rhine and Back
· Canada- Gazetteer and Business Directory, 1930
· Canada- History of the 16th Battalion CEF, 1914-1919
· Canada- History of the 31st Canadian Infantry Battalion C.E.F., 1914-1919
· Canada- History of the Canadian Forces, 1914-19, Medical Services
· Canada- History of the Twentieth Canadian Battalion (Central Ontario Regiment) C.E.F., 1914 - 1918
· Canada- Letters from the Front, 1920
· Canada- List of Orders and Awards, 1919
· Canada- Listings from the Wesleyan - Methodist Almanac for Canada, 1845
· Canada- Lovell's Canadian Dominion Directory, 1871
· Canada- Nationwide (1872 and 1894), Quebec (1853)
· Canada- Obituaries from The Canadian Annual Review of Public Affairs, 1906
· Canada- Officers and Men in the First Canadian Contingent, 1914
· Canada- Official History of the Canadian Forces in The Great War
· Canada- Patents of Canada, 1824-1849
· Canada- Pathfinders of the West
· Canada- Presbyterian Pioneer Missionaries
· Canada- Provincial Government Personnel List, 1919
· Canada- Railways, Steamships & Steamboats in Canada
· Canada- Regimental History of the Governor General's Foot Guards
· Canada- Royal Montreal Regiment, 14th Battalion, C. E. F, 1914-1925
· Canada- Royal Montreal Regiment, 1925-1945
· Canada- Story of the Sixty-Sixth C.F.A.
· Canada- The Canada Directory, 1853/1854
· Canada- The Century Cyclopedia of Names
· Canada- The Clergy of Canada, 1919
· Canada- The Irishman in Canada
· Canada- The Loyalists of America and Their Times from 1620 to 1816
· Canada- The Peace River Country
· Canada- The Scotch-Irish in Canada.
· Canada- The Tragic Story of the Empress of Ireland (and other great sea disasters)
· Canada- Three Years in Canada
· Canada- Thrilling Experiences in the War in South Africa
· Canada- Who, What & When in Canada (before the 20th Century)
· Canada- Work of the Canadian Archives, 1908 - 1913
· Capt. Joseph Brant’s Status as a Chief, and some of His Descendants
· Chief Smoke Johnson.
· Ireland - Facts About Ulster
· Ireland - Sketches of Irish Soldiers in Every Land
· Manitoba, Canada- 1951 List of Electors for Rural Municipality of South Norfolk
· Manitoba, Canada- Provincial Telephone Directory #119, December 1947
· New Brunswick Canada- New Brunswick in the 1940's
· New Brunswick, Canada- The First Fifty Years of the Church of England in the Province of New Brunswick, 1783-1833
· Nova Scotia, Canada- A Compendium of the Shipping of Yarmouth, 1761-1902
· Nova Scotia, Canada- A History of the County of Antigonish
· Nova Scotia, Canada- Cape Breton, Canada
· Nova Scotia, Canada- Eastern District Telephone Directory, 1922
· Nova Scotia, Canada- Historical and Genealogical Record of the First Settlers of Colchester County
· Nova Scotia, Canada- History of Nova Scotia (vol. 3)
· Nova Scotia, Canada- Louisbourg, an Historical Sketch.
· Nova Scotia, Canada- Nova Scotia in its Historical, Mercantile and Industrial Relations
· Nova Scotia, Canada- One Hundred Years with the Baptists of Amherst
· Nova Scotia, Canada- Relief Map & Directory, 1931
· Nova Scotia, Canada- Ships of War, Lost on the Coast of Nova Scotia and Sable Island, during the Eighteenth Century
· Nova Scotia, Canada- The History of the Presbyterian Church in Cape Breton
· Nova Scotia, Canada- The Royal Province of New Scotland and her Baronets
· Nova Scotia, Canada- Yarmouth Past and Present, A Book of Reminiscences
· Nova Scotia, Canada- Yarmouth...a Sequel to Campbells History
· Nova Scotia, Canada, A Chapter in the History of the Township of Onslow
· Nova Society, Nova Scotia's Part in the Great War
· Nova Scotia- Halifax & District Telephone Directory, 1950
· Obituary of a Noted Anthropologist (Dr. A. F. Chamberlain).
· Ontario, Canada- A Biographical History of Waterloo Township and other Townships of the County
· Ontario, Canada- A History of Simcoe County
· Ontario, Canada- A History of St. John’s Church, Smiths Falls
· Ontario, Canada- A History of the County of Grey
· Ontario, Canada- Annual Report of St. Paul’s Church, Hamilton, 1905 - 1939
· Ontario, Canada- Baptism records of Rev. John Langhorn (Church of England) of Fredericksburgh, 1787-1813
· Ontario, Canada- Baptism register of Rev. Robert McDowall (Presbyterian) of Fredericksburgh, 1800-1841
· Ontario, Canada- Baptisms in St. Mark's and St. Andrew's Churches, Niagara.
· Ontario, Canada- Belleville Directory, 1940
· Ontario, Canada- Bench and Bar in the Early Days, London
· Ontario, Canada- Berlin Celebration of Cityhood
· Ontario, Canada- Burial records of Rev. John Langhorn.(Church of England)of Fredericksburgh, 1787-1813
· Ontario, Canada- Canada. Its Defences, Condition, and Resources
· Ontario, Canada- Church of England Synod Proceedings, Extracted Personnel Data, 1944
· Ontario, Canada- Commemorative Biographical Record of the County of Lambton
· Ontario, Canada- Commemorative Biographical Record of the County of York
· Ontario, Canada- David Zeisberger and his Delaware Indians
· Ontario, Canada- Diary of a Voyage from Scotland to Canada, 1833
· Ontario, Canada- Directory of Smiths Falls, 1948
· Ontario, Canada- Down the Years with Our Lady of Grace Parish, 1863 - 1955
· Ontario, Canada- Early Days at Port Ryerse
· Ontario, Canada- Early Records of Burials in St. Mark's and St. Andrew's Churches
· Ontario, Canada- Early Records of Weddings at St. Mark's and St. Andrew's Churches, Niagara
· Ontario, Canada- Feudalism in Upper Canada (McNab Township, Renfrew Co), 1823 - 1843
· Ontario, Canada- First World War, London’s Honor Roll
· Ontario, Canada- Fleming’s Farm and Live Stock Almanac, 1916
· Ontario, Canada- Galt, Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, Telephone Directory, November 1958
· Ontario, Canada- Gleanings from the Sheriff’s Records, London
· Ontario, Canada- Golden Jubilee, the T. Eaton Co. Ltd., 1869 - 1919
· Ontario, Canada- Governor Simcoe’s tour through Southern Ontario
· Ontario, Canada- Hamilton Centennial 1846 - 1946
· Ontario, Canada- Historical Sketch of Markham Township, 1793 - 1950
· Ontario, Canada- Historical Sketches of the County of Elgin
· Ontario, Canada- History of Toronto and County of York, Ontario
· Ontario, Canada- History of Leeds & Grenville from 1749 to 1879
· Ontario, Canada- History of the County of Bruce
· Ontario, Canada- History of the County of Lennox and Addington
· Ontario, Canada- History of the County of Middlesex, Canada
· Ontario, Canada- History of the County of Perth from 1825 to 1902
· Ontario, Canada- History of the Hospital for the Insane, Penetanguishene
· Ontario, Canada- History of the Ottawa Valley
· Ontario, Canada- History of the Settlement of Upper Canada
· Ontario, Canada- Illustrated Historical Atlas of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Counties
· Ontario, Canada- Inscriptions & Graves in the Niagara Peninsula
· Ontario, Canada- Land Settlement in Upper Canada 1783-1840
· Ontario, Canada- Local History of the Town of Brockville
· Ontario, Canada- Marriage records of Rev. John Langhorn (Church of England) of Fredericksburgh, 1789-1813
· Ontario, Canada- Marriage register of Rev. Robert McDowall (Presbyterian) of Fredericksburgh, 1800-1836
· Ontario, Canada- Marriage register of Stephen Conger, Justice of the Peace of Hallowell, Prince Edward County
· Ontario, Canada- Midland High School Review, Year Book, 1932
· Ontario, Canada- Ontario County; A Short Sketch of its Settlement, Physical Features and Resources
· Ontario, Canada- Ontario, Canada- German-Canadian Folk-Lore
· Ontario, Canada- Original constitution and membership, Ontario Historical Society, 1899
· Ontario, Canada- Ottawa City Directory, 1861-1862
· Ontario, Canada- Ottawa City Directory, 1909
· Ontario, Canada- Ottawa City Directory, 1926
· Ontario, Canada- Ottawa Past and Present
· Ontario, Canada- Past and Present Fortifications at Kingston
· Ontario, Canada- Past Years in Pickering
· Ontario, Canada- Pembroke Ontario's Centenary
· Ontario, Canada- Pioneer Life in Zorra
· Ontario, Canada- Pioneer Papers nos. 1-6, Simcoe County Early History
· Ontario, Canada- Pioneer Politicians, London
· Ontario, Canada- Pioneer Sketches in the District of Bathurst
· Ontario, Canada- Provincial Government Personnel List, 1919
· Ontario, Canada- Queens University Summer School Prospectus, 1943
· Ontario, Canada- Recollections and Records of Toronto of Old
· Ontario, Canada- Remarks on negotiation of the US -Canada border between St. Regis and Sault Ste. Marie.
· Ontario, Canada- Reminiscences of earlier years in Brant
· Ontario, Canada- Reminiscences of the First Settlers in the County of Brant
· Ontario, Canada- Report of the Ottawa and Hull Fire Relief Fund
· Ontario, Canada- Roll of Pupils of Upper Canada College, Toronto, 1830-1916
· Ontario, Canada- Rural Directory for the Electoral District of Lincoln, January 1929
· Ontario, Canada- Shanty, Forest and River Life
· Ontario, Canada- Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry- A History
· Ontario, Canada- The Cameron Rolls, 1812
· Ontario, Canada- The Canadian Biographical Dictionary,1880.
· Ontario, Canada- The Caradoc Academy
· Ontario, Canada- The Ethnographical Elements of Ontario
· Ontario, Canada- The Great Western Railway
· Ontario, Canada- The History of the County of Welland, Ontario
· Ontario, Canada- The Hub and the Spokes - The Capital and its Environs
· Ontario, Canada- The London Grammar School and the Collegiate Institute
· Ontario, Canada- The Magnet (vol. 8, no. 1), Jarvis Collegiate Institute Yearbook, 1926
· Ontario, Canada- The Migration of Voyageurs from Drummond Island to Penetanguishene in 1828.
· Ontario, Canada- The Naming of London Streets
· Ontario, Canada- The Parish Register of Kingston (Ontario) Upper Canada
· Ontario, Canada- The Pioneers of Old Ontario
· Ontario, Canada- The Proudfoot Papers per L&M.H.S.
· Ontario, Canada- The Settlement of London
· Ontario, Canada- The Settlement of the County of Grenville
· Ontario, Canada- The Settlers of Lobo Township
· Ontario, Canada- The Settlers of March Township
· Ontario, Canada- The Society of Friends of Lobo Township
· Ontario, Canada- The Story of Dundas
· Ontario, Canada- The Story of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Cobourg
· Ontario, Canada- The Township of Scarboro, 1796 - 1896
· Ontario, Canada- The Village of London
· Ontario, Canada- The War Book of Upper Canada College, Toronto, 1914-1919
· Ontario, Canada- The Western University
· Ontario, Canada- The White Chief of the Ottawa
· Ontario, Canada- Toon O' Maxwell—An Owen Settlement in Lambton County
· Ontario, Canada- Toronto & the Home District Directory, 1837
· Ontario, Canada- Toronto, Hamilton & London, Society Blue Book , 1900
· Ontario, Canada- Torontonensis - The year book of the University of Toronto (vol. 17), 1915
· Ontario, Canada- Torontonensis - The year book of the University of Toronto (vol. 38), 1936
· Ontario, Canada- Toronto's 100 Years
· Ontario, Canada- Tribal Divisions of the Indians of Ontario
· Ontario, Canada- United Empire Loyalists of the old Johnstown District
· Ontario, Canada- University of Toronto Roll of Service, 1914-1918
· Ontario, Canada- University of Toronto, Commencement Program, 1947
· Ontario, Canada- Vernon's London Directory, 1944
· Ontario, Canada- War of 1812-15
· Ontario, Canada- Welland County Minutes, 1936
· Ontario, Canada, Ottawa & Kingston City Directory, 1875
· Ontario, Canada The Fathers of London Township
· Ontario, London Public Schools, 1848-1871
· Quebec, Canada- A History of the Eastern Townships
· Quebec, Canada- Histoire de Longueuil et de la famille de Longueuil
· Quebec, Canada- L'Ile d'Orleans
· Quebec, Canada- Lovell's Business & Professional Directory, 1890-1891
· Quebec, Canada- McGill University at War, 1914-1918 and 1939-1945
· Quebec, Canada- McGill University, Directory of Graduates. 1946
· Quebec, Canada- Pioneers of the Upper Ottawa and the Humors of the Valley
· Quebec, Canada- Sketches of some Early Shefford Pioneers
· Quebec, Canada- Storied Province of Quebec - Biographies (vols. 3-5)
· Quebec, Canada- Storied Province of Quebec - History (vols. 1-2)
· Quebec, Canada- The Call to Arms
· Quebec, Canada- The History of the Parish of Hull Quebec, 1823-1923
· Reminiscences by Judge William Elliott
· Richard John Uniacke, a Sketch.
· Robert Wilson, Pioneer Teacher (London, Ontario)
· Saskatchewan, Canada- History of Saskatchewan and its People - Biographies)
· Saskatchewan, Canada- History of Saskatchewan and its People - Histories
· Saskatchewan, Canada- Saskatoon Telephone Directory, 1944
· Saskatchewan, Canada- The Greyston
· Sketch of Peter Teeple, Loyalist and Pioneer, 1762 - 1847
· Some descendants of Joseph Brant
· The Bramshott Souvenir Magazine
· The Gilbert Family History (vol. 5), Ancestry of William Forbes
· The Gilbert Family History (vol. 6), Ancestry of Ezra Holton
· The Gilbert Family History (vols. 1 & 2), Ancestry of Nancy Treadway & Melvin Moffatt
· The Gilbert Family History (vols. 3 & 4), Ancestry of Daniel Britton & Sally Wood
· The Gilbert Family History, (vols. 7 & 8), Ancestry of Solomon Gilbert & Thankful Haskell
· The Reverend Richard Bradford
· The Scotch - Irish in East Tennessee.
· The Scotch-Irish in South-Western Pennsylvania.
· The Scotch-Irish of California
· The Scotch-Irish of Kentucky
· The Voyages and Discoveries of the Cabots.
· The Winslow Papers, 1776-1826
· United Kingdom- Attleborough in War Time
· United Kingdom- London in the Olden Time
· United States- Officers And Members Of The Scotch-Irish Society Of America, 1891
· United States- Our Pledge to Posterity
· United States- Patriotism of The Scotch-Irish.
· United States- The Scotch-Irish of The Bench And Bar
· United States- The Scotch-Irish People- Their Influence in the Formation of the Government of the United States.
· United States- The Scotch-Irish Race Among the Nations
· United States/Canada- Directory of the Biscuit and Cracker Bakers of the United States and the Dominion of Canada, 1885
· United States/Canada- Lovell's Gazetteer of British North America, 1874
· United States/Canada- The Blue Book, Textile Directory, 1897-1898
· United States/Canada- The Scotch-Irish in the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America

The records are also available on all findmypast sites and can be searched at http://search.findmypast.co.uk/search/canada-documents

(With thanks to Myko Clelland)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!