Ancestry adds London directories and East India Company records

Ancestry (www.ancestry.co.uk) has added a new collection of London directories and records of interest for India - here are the descriptions:

London, England, City Directories, 1736-1943
https://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=61265
Source: London Directories held by the London Metropolitan Archives, London, England. Images produced by permission of the City of London Corporation. The City of London gives no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for the purpose of the information provided. Images may be used only for purposes of research, private study or education. Applications for any other use should be made to London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road, London EC1R 0HB (email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk). Infringement of the above condition may result in legal action.

About London, England, City Directories, 1736-1943

This database is a collection of directories for London from 1736 to 1943. Various types of directories exist, including:

• Street: listing of residents, businesses, and tradesmen according to street address
• Commercial: includes businesses, but may also include private residences; generally an alphabetical listing of traders
• Trade: not just for businesses, but anyone with a recognized trade or profession; an alphabetical listing of trades and businesses
• Court: lists wealthy residents and government officials
• Post Office: listing of householder's names and addresses

UK, Registers of Employees of the East India Company and the India Office, 1746-1939
https://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=61468
Source: The Wohl Library of the Institute of Historical Research, School of Advanced Study, University of London, England, Registers of Employees of the East India company from 1707 to 1861 and the India Office from 1862 to 1947.

About These Records

The records list the employees, both civil and military, of the East India Company and later, the India Office. You may be able to find (where available):

• Name
• Military Rank
• Place of residence or military service
• Date of death
• Place of death
• Date of marriage
• Name of parents

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Saturday volunteers at London Metropolitan Archives

From London Metropolitan Archives (https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/london-metropolitan-archives/Pages/default.aspx):

Did you know that on LMA’s open Saturdays our experienced family history volunteers are here to help? Our volunteers can offer a 45-minute consultation to show you how to use and get the best out of LMA sources for family history research. And they will do their best to help if you have got stuck with your London ancestors and need some new ideas to get your research going again. Find out more here. 

Our volunteers enjoy the challenges of helping people with their family history stories and benefit from the wider LMA volunteer experience including an annual celebration day as well as occasional extra treats such as visits and events. If you are already an experienced family historian who knows LMA’s genealogical sources and would enjoy helping people find their London ancestors, please contact us via ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk for further details.

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Forthcoming events at London Metropolitan Archives

Forthcoming exhibitions and talks at London Metropolitan Archives (https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/london-metropolitan-archives/Pages/default.aspx):

Criminal Lives, 1780-1925: Punishing Old Bailey Convicts
Exhibition runs until 16 May 2018

Between 1700 and 1900, Britain stopped punishing the bodies of convicts and increasingly sought to reform their minds. Exile and forced labour in Australia and incarceration in penitentiaries became the dominant modes of punishment. This exhibition uses the collections of LMA to trace the impact of these punishments on convict lives.

Free - during normal LMA opening hours. Further details at https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/london-metropolitan-archives/news-events/Pages/criminal-lives-exhibition.aspx


A Visit to Conservation
Thursday 18 January, 2 - 3 pm.

Meet members of the Conservation team and find out about the essential work which preserves our records for future generations.

Free - booking essential. See https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-visit-in-conservation-tickets-41041084990


The IHR British History in the Long 18th Century Seminar: Sparing the noose: the penal outcomes of convicts sentenced to death at the Old Bailey, 1730 to 1868
Wednesday 24 January, 5.15 - 7.30 pm.

A significant and increasing proportion of those sentenced to death at the Old Bailey were ‘spared the noose’ and instead transported, imprisoned, or given free pardons. This talk explains how the death penalty was gradually abandoned and discusses how, and on what basis, decisions about alternative penal outcomes were made. Speaker Bob Shoemaker

See https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-ihr-british-history-in-the-long-18th-century-seminar-sparing-the-noose-the-penal-outcomes-of-tickets-39911625747


Approaches to Opening Up Medical Records
Friday 19 January, 9.30 am - 1.30 pm.

At this professional seminar, London Metropolitan Archives and St Bartholomew’s Hospital Archives will share their approaches to opening up access to medical records in their collections through two current projects funded by the Wellcome Trust Research Resources in Medical History scheme. More information on the Eventbrite booking page.

Free - booking essential. See https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/approaches-to-opening-up-medical-records-tickets-40179235174


Training and induction sessions
Check future events at LMA

Every month, we run a selection of training sessions for LMA users to enable you to enhance your research. Whether you're new to archives or a seasoned visitor, you may still find these sessions useful!

We run sessions most months on the following topics:

Getting started at LMA
Handling documents
Family History starter sessions
Understanding old handwriting

See https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/london-metropolitan-archives-2913691059


LGBTQ+ History Club: Discovering the Archive
Wednesday 17 January, 6 - 7.30 pm.

An introduction to LGBTQ+ History Club, including a behind the scenes tour, document viewing and a chance to discuss ideas. LGBTQ+ History Club meets to explore and share lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual and queer histories. Keep up to date here: www.facebook.com/lgbthistory. Contact LMA to be added to the LGBTQ+ email list

Free - drop in session. See https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lgbtq-history-club-discovering-the-archive-tickets-41040925513

(With thanks to LMA)

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Whitechapel Bell Foundry records deposited at LMA

The latest newsletter from London Metropolitan Archives has revealed that the archives of Whitechapel Bell Foundry, which was established in 1570, have been deposited with the archive. The company was responsible for the creation of the famous bells of Big Ben in London, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, the Great Bell of Montreal, and London's Bow Bells amongst others, and is the oldest manufacturing firm still working in Britain.

The collection is accessible at the archive under catalogue number B17/040. For more on the history of the firm and the collection's acquisition, please visit https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/london-metropolitan-archives/the-collections/Pages/whitechapel-bell-foundry.aspx.

(Image: Liberty Bell, Wikimedia Commons; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Liberty_Bell_2008.jpg)

Chris

My next 5 week Scottish Research Online course commences Sept 11th 2017 - details at www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

London Metropolitan Archive - June events

Some forthcoming events at London Metropolitan Archives:

The Londoners - portrait of a working city, c1447-1980
Exhibition runs until 5 July 2017

Hundreds of thousands of faces - images of born Londoners and more transient visitors - are preserved forever in our collections.
Winners, losers, the famous or the forgotten, countless Londoners have been recorded as they went about their work in the capital.
From studied portraits to casual snapshots, from 15th century drawings to recent colour photographs, the archive brings them all together and presents them as the history of our capital city.

Free - during normal LMA opening hours.

The Londoners: Exhibition Tour with the Curator

Join us for a tour of our current exhibition of images of Londoners. Encounter artists and aldermen, loungers and labourers, at home, in the street, or in the studio.

Free - drop in sessions will be running on the following dates:

Thursday 8 June, 6 - 6.30 pm.
Tuesday 13 June, 1 - 1.20 pm.
Thursday 22 June, 1 - 1.20 pm.


A visit to Conservation
Thursday 22 June, 2 - 3 pm.

Meet members of the Conservation team and find out about the essential work which preserves our records for future generations.

Free - booking essential.


Deciphering Old Handwriting (Advanced)
Thursday 15 June, 5.30 - 7 pm.

This practical session gives expert help in reading different types of handwriting from the 16th and 17th centuries. You will practice with copy documents from LMA's collections and get tips for deciphering early historical writing. Some experience of reading historical documents is required.

£8 - booking essential. See https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/deciphering-old-handwriting-advanced-tickets-32619444637


Making the most of your trip to LMA

Every month, we run a selection of training sessions for LMA users to enhance your research. Whether you're new to archives or a seasoned visitor, you may still find these sessions useful!

We run sessions most months on the following topics:

• Getting started at LMA
• Handling documents
• Family History starter sessions
• Understanding old handwriting

LGBTQ History Club
Wednesday 7 June, 6 - 7.30 pm.

A regular monthly meeting to explore lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual and queer histories.

Keep up to date with the programme here: www.facebook.com/lgbthistory.


Photography and Film in the Archives Group
Tuesday 20 June, 5.30 - 7.30 pm.

Join us for a monthly series of talks, document viewings and discussions about photographic archives, collections and histories.

Free - drop in session.


More details on the above, plus further events, are outlined at http://mailchi.mp/cityoflondon/may-events-at-london-metropolitan-archives-812969

Chris

My next 5 week Scottish Research Online course commences Sept 11th 2017 - details at https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102.
For details on my Scottish & Irish genealogy guide books, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.
For my genealogy research service, please visit http://www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk.

Great Fire of London anniversary events

Some events at London Metropolitan Archives (http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/london-metropolitan-archives/Pages/default.aspx) to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London:

London’s Baking! Bakers, Cakes, Bread and Puddings from 1666
Exhibition runs 30 August 2016 - 1 February 2017

Taking its inspiration from Thomas Farriner and his bakery, the starting place of the Great Fire, this exhibition tells the story of London’s bakers from 1666 to the 20th century. Discover recipes (to take away and bake!) for almond cakes c1700, suet puddings c1850 and question
able school puddings from the 1970s.

Free - during normal LMA opening hours.


Exhibition tour with the curator
Thursday 22 September, 6 - 6.30 pm

Join us for a tour through baking in London from the 17th to 20th centuries. Starting with the Great Fire, see how London’s baking develops over the centuries, including important London firms such as Birch and Birch and J Lyons and Company.

Free - drop in session


The Great Fire of London
Friday 30 September
10.30am - 4pm

Commemorating its 350th anniversary, this event will focus on the impact of the Great Fire on St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and the role the hospital played in rebuilding the City.

The day comprises talks, document viewings, and an afternoon walking tour. Morning presentations will be supported by the findings of recent excavation works carried out by Museum of London Archaeology.

£15 - booking essential.Further details and booking via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-great-fire-of-london-tickets-26900139040

Chris


For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

London Metropolitan Archives - February events

Forthcoming events from London Metropolitan Archives:

Exhibitions:

War in London
Runs until 27 April 2016

The current exhibition at LMA reveals the effects of five conflicts on Londoners and their city, from the English Civil War to the Cold War.

This exhibition uncovers historical manuscripts, maps, photographs and films that tell us about the destruction of the city, the threat of imminent invasion and the heroism of ordinary Londoners.

War in London: 20thC Conflicts and London’s Response
Talk

This informal session will be an opportunity to examine some of LMA’s material relating to the First and Second World Wars and to civil defence plans in the second half of the century.

Free - booking essential. You can book online at Eventbrite for this event which takes place on Tuesday 16 February, 2 - 3 pm.

You can see more events for our War in London exhibition on our events feed on Eventbrite.


Talks and events

The Voice of a Community
Talk

Hear the recollections of relatives whose family emigrated from China to London during the early 1900s, listen to the memories of Black sailors who worked aboard the British Merchant Naval ships of the 1950s and uncover what life was like as a resident on a Peabody Estate in the 1930s.

Free - booking essential. You can book online at Eventbrite for this event on Thursday 4 February, 3 - 4 pm.


Drill Hall Days & Nights: 1977-2011
Event

For nearly 35 years the Drill Hall Theatre and arts centre in Bloomsbury changed London’s cultural and political landscape.

The Drill Hall archive is now at LMA and Outhouselondon is hosting a celebration with performers, friends, speakers and recordings of shows plus guided tours of the LMA archives. All of this is followed by fabulous food and drinks at The Bourne & Hollingsworth bar (fully accessible and next door) from 2pm onwards.

£10 / £7 - booking essential (includes drinks and canapés). You can book online at Eventbrite for this event on Friday 5 February, 12.30 - 2 pm.


Maps and London
Event

In 1616 Dutchman Claes Visscher published his now famous panorama of London. In this day of talks and walks we will explore the archives collection of maps, plans and panoramas before taking to the streets to compare the modern city with the old.

£10 (bring a picnic) - booking essential. You can book online at Eventbrite for this event which takes place on Saturday 13 February, 11 am - 4 pm.


Conference

Animating Black Archives - the Next Ten Years: Annual Huntley Conference at LMA

Friends of the Huntley Archives at LMA will partner and present with linked archives. There will be presentations from the Black Cultural Archives, the George Padmore Institute, the Institute for Race Relations, FHALMA and photographer Charlie Phillips.

The conference will address ‘ways forward’ for Black British Archives over the next ten years and showcase related recent and future projects.

£10 - booking essential (includes lunch). You can book online at Eventbrite for this event which takes place on Saturday 27 February, 11 am - 4.30 pm.


Regular events

LGBTQ History Club
Event

Surat-Shaan Rasberger Knan will make a presentation on the Twilight People oral history project. The project sets out to record the experiences of LGBTQ people of faith. Discover more about the project here: http://www.twilightpeople.com

Free - drop in session on Wednesday 3 February, 6 - 7.30 pm.

You can find out full details for the event on Eventbrite

Film Club
Event


February Film Club: London’s Parks and Forests

This month's Film Club will look at the green spaces that are so important to London. We will see a number of parks and forests, with a particular focus on Epping Forest. We hope you can join us in watching a range of films that examine these characteristic parts of our city.

Free - drop in session on Wednesday 17 February, 6 - 7.30 pm.

You can find out details of the full programme on the Eventbrite website


Training sessions for new visitors to LMA:

We run a variety of learning sessions for new visitors, or anyone who wants a refresher on how to get the most out of your research at London Metropolitan Archives. You can check our events listings on eventbrite to see which sessions are coming up:

Getting Started: Come along and tour the Information Area to find out how to get the best out of our research facilities.

Using the Catalogue: There are 3.5 million record descriptions in our catalogue! Let us help you find your way around with advice and guidance for exploring our collections online.

Handling Documents: This practical session aims to help you handle archival items in the most appropriate way. As well as demonstrating how to handle various archival formats, a conservator will also explain the dos and don’ts that apply in the Archive Study Area.

Family History Starter Session - Using our Digital Resources: Starting your family history? Come along to this workshop and learn how to get the most out of digitised family history sources, including LMA’s records on Ancestry. This workshop is aimed at beginners.

Deciphering Old Handwriting: This practical session gives expert help in reading different types of handwriting from the 18th to early 20th centuries. You will practise with copy documents from LMA’s collections and get tips for deciphering all kinds of writing. We run sessions for beginners and intermediate level.

For events dates, times and booking details for these sessions and all our other events, please see the LMA events feed on the Eventbrite website.


A Visit to Conservation
Tour

Meet members of the Conservation team and find out about the essential work which preserves our records for future generations.

Free - booking essential. You can book online at Eventbrite for this event which takes place on Thursday 18 February, 2 - 3 pm.


Further details via https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/london-metropolitan-archives/Pages/default.aspx

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including my recently released Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Hammersmith and Fulham records now held at LMA

From London Metropolitan Archives:

Which records of Hammersmith and Fulham are now at LMA and why?

Hammersmith and Fulham Archives, based for many years in the Lilla Huset building on Talgarth Road, is now offering public access from the refurbished Hammersmith Library. In preparation for this move, a review of the archival holdings was carried out to help the service make some important decisions such as identifying holdings that would be more appropriately held in other collections. Following a public consultation, it was agreed to implement the recommendations of the review which included the move of certain classes of records to LMA. Nicola Avery describes the records transferred to LMA and explains how they fit into the LMA collections.

Nicola's article is accessible at www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/london-metropolitan-archives/the-collections/Pages/which-records-of-hammersmith-and-fulham-are-now-at-lma-and-why.aspx

(With thanks to LMA)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including my recently released Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

LMA nominated for award for preservation of the Great Parchment Book

London Metropolitan Archives has been nominated for an award for its groundbreaking conservation work on the Great Parchment Book. Here's its announcement:

Conservation of Great Parchment Book shortlisted for prestigious award

It is with great pleasure that we announce that the Conservation of the Great Parchment Book has been shortlisted for The Pilgrim Trust Award for Conservation 2015. The award recognises excellence in conserving an individual or collection of cultural heritage objects in the UK. Four shortlisted projects, including the Great Parchment Book, are now in with a chance to win a coveted prize fund, trophy and attend the VIP awards ceremony in October at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. We will let you know how we get on.

The Great Parchment Book, compiled in the late 1630s to list tenants and landholders in County Londonderry in Ireland, is accessible in a digitised and fully searchable format at www.greatparchmentbook.org.

(With thanks to the LMA)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including my recently released Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

Crossrail's Bedlam Burial Ground Register project online

The following may be of interest to those with ancestors from London, England. It's an online searchable database of many of those who were buried in Bedlam (Bethlem) Burial Ground in the 16th and 17th centuries, a project produced as part of an archaeological excavation by CrossRail to remove 3000 skeletons at Liverpool Street Station, where the old Bedlam Burial Ground was based, and where construction work is now underway.

The project used 16 volunteers to trawl through old parish registers. A short video on their work is available at http://youtu.be/Q60UJMKkzlA and presented below:

Partners involved in the project were London Metropolitan Archives and the Museum of London. For more on the project visit www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/crossrail-history-hunters-to-unearth-secrets-of-bedlam, whilst to search the database, visit www.crossrail.co.uk/sustainability/archaeology/bedlam-burial-ground-register#

(With thanks to Audrey via Facebook)

Chris

For details on my range of genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

London Metropolitan Archives beginners events in January 2015

London Metropolitan Archives has a series beginners sessions for those wishing to use the archive. The following is a summary:

Use LMA: Getting Started
Talk & tour
Tuesday 6 January, 11 - 11.30 am
Free - booking essential. Book online at Eventbrite.
Come along and tour the Information Area to find out how to get the best out of our research facilities. Meet at the Information Area desk.

Handling Documents at LMA
Workshop
Wednesday 7 January, 1 - 2 pm
Free - drop in session.
This practical session at London Metropolitan Archives aims to help you to handle archival items in the most appropriate way. As well as demonstrating how to handle various archival formats, a Conservator will also explain the dos and don’ts that apply in the Archive Study Area.

Family History Starter Sessions: Using LMA’s Digital Resources
Workshop
Thursday 8 January, 2.30 - 3.30 pm
Free - booking essential. Book online at Eventbrite.
Starting your family history? Come along to this workshop and learn how to get the most out of digitised family history sources, including LMA’s records on Ancestry. This workshop is aimed at beginners.

Use LMA: Using the Catalogue
Talk & tour
Wednesday 14 January, 11 - 11.30 am
Free - booking essential. Book online at Eventbrite.
There are 3.5 million record descriptions in our online catalogue! Let us help you find your way around with advice and guidance for searching the LMA OPAC.

A Visit to Conservation
Tour
Thursday 15 January, 2 - 3 pm
Free - booking essential. Book online at Eventbrite.
Meet members of the Conservation team and find out about the essential work which preserves our records for future generations.

Use LMA: Getting Started
Talk & tour
Wednesday 21 January, 11 - 11.30 am
Free - booking essential. Book online at Eventbrite.
Come along and tour the Information Area to find out how to get the best out of our research facilities. Meet at the Information Area desk.

Use LMA: Using the Catalogue
Talk & tour
Tuesday 27 January, 11 - 11.30 am
Free - booking essential. Book online at Eventbrite.
There are 3.5 million record descriptions in our online catalogue! Let us help you find your way around with advice and guidance for searching the LMA OPAC.

To book a place for any of these events visit http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/london-metropolitan-archives-2913691059

(With thanks to LMA)

Chris

Stuck for a Christmas gift?! I have a series of genealogy books available in the UK, Australia and Canada, on Scottish, Irish and British based subject areas. Further details at http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. Santa approves!

London workhouse records and women's military records indexes on Ancestry

Ancestry (www.ancestry.co.uk) has added one new major London dataset, comprised of city workhouse admission and discharge records, and two third party indexes for collections held at the National Archives at Kew, England:

London, England, Workhouse Admission and Discharge Records, 1738-1930
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=60391
Source: Board of Guardians records held by the London Metropolitan Archives, London, England.

Web: UK, Women's Army Auxiliary Corps Index, 1917-1920
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=9293
Source: Women's Army Auxiliary Corps service records 1917-1920. The National Archives of the UK (TNA), Kew, Surrey, England. Series WO 398.

Web: UK, Women's Royal Naval Service Index, 1917-1919
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=70690
Source: Women's Royal Naval Service (1917 - 1919). The National Archives of the UK (TNA), Kew, Surrey, England. Series ADM 318 and 336.

Chris

My next Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the Old Parish Records online course starts on November 5th, and runs for 5 weeks, priced at £45.99. Spaces are still available - see http://pharostutors.com/coursedescriptions.php#302

Great Parchment Book Day event in London

From the Great Parchment Book blog (http://www.greatparchmentbook.org/2014/06/23/programme-announced-for-great-parchment-book-day/), details of a Great Parchment Book Day conference event at London Metropolitan Archives to be held on Friday 25th July 2014.

The Great Parchment Book of the Honourable The Irish Society was a major survey compiled in 1639 by Charles I of the planted estates in Derry managed by the City of London's trade guilds and the Irish Society. It recently underwent a massive conservation challenge, the book being heavily damaged by fire many years ago, with a great deal of useful information retrieved for the use of historian and family historian alike.

The conference will have two main sessions, the morning focussing on the Great Parchment Book story itself, with the afternoon a technological session on handling historical documents through innovative technologies. The event is fully booked, but there is a waiting list for any potential cancellations.

The following is the programme:

MORNING: CONTEXT

10.00am Registration, coffee and housekeeping

10.15am Welcome (Deputy Catherine McGuinness)

10.20am Introduction to LMA, collections overview, where the Great Parchment Book sits within those collections, why it became the focus for the project and why it mattered (Philippa Smith)

11.00am TEA/COFFEE

11.15pm Accessing History through Innovative Technologies:
The Great Parchment Book Project Story
Conservation (Dr Caroline De Stefani)
Transcription/textual encoding (Dr Patricia Stewart)
Digital flattening (Kazim Pal)
Q&A

13.00pm LUNCHTIME

AFTERNOON: EXPLORING NEW TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS IN CREATING ACCESS TO HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS

14.00pm Welcome and introduction – impact, outcomes and wider context (Dr Tim Weyrich)

14.30pm Display of damaged original materials including Great Parchment Book and LMA Rogues Gallery; demonstration of digital flattening software; opportunity to discuss further possible applications of flattening software and other techniques being researched on LMA material; demonstration of textual encoding (Dr Caroline De Stefani, Marie Poirot, Dr Tim Weyrich, Kazim Pal, Dr Helen Graham-Matheson, Dr Patricia Stewart)

15.15pm TEA/COFFEE

15.30pm HISTORY FUTURES PANEL (Professor Melissa Terras - UCL, Chair, Dr Tim Weyrich – UCL, Emma Stewart – LMA, David Howell – Bodleian Library)

How new technologies can and may impact on challenging materials, access and availability, preservation issues – how can we take projects forward? HLF partner bid proposal, Q&A and expressions of interest

16.30pm CLOSE

(With thanks to the Great Parchment Book blog)

Chris

Now available for UK research is the new second edition of the best selling Tracing Your Family History on the Internet: A Guide for Family Historians, whilst my new book British and Irish Newspapers is also now out. And FindmyPast - please reinstate the original Scottish census citations on your new site.

Using London Metropolitan Archives sessions

Some forthcoming guided user sessions at London Metropolitan Archives:

Handling Documents at LMA
This practical session aims to help you to handle archival items in the most appropriate way. As well as demonstrating how to handle various archival formats, a Conservator will also explain the dos and don’ts that apply in the Archive Study Area.
Wednesday 8 January, 1 - 2 pm at London Metropolitan Archives. Free – drop in session.

Use LMA: Getting Started
Come along and tour the Information Area to find out how to get the best out of our research facilities.
Wednesday 15 January, 11 am - 12 pm at London Metropolitan Archives. Free, but booking is essential - you can book online using EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/use-lma-getting-started-tickets-8930763153 or call 020 7332 3851.

Behind the Scenes Tour
Tour the archives and meet with LMA professionals to find out about the essential work which preserves our records for future generations
Thursday 16 January, 2 - 3 pm at London Metropolitan Archives. Free, but booking is essential - you can book online using EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/behind-the-scenes-tour-tickets-8948490175 or call 020 7332 3851.

Visitor information for all events at LMA is available at http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visiting-the-city/archives-and-city-history/london-metropolitan-archives/visitor-information/Pages/default.aspx.

Chris

My latest book, Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records, is now available from http://www.gould.com.au (print) and http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html (ebook), whilst Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet is available at http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-History-on-the-Internet/p/3889/.

London, England, Selected Rate Books, 1684-1907 on Ancestry

Ancestry has added a new collection, London, England, Selected Rate Books, 1684-1907, as sourced from London Metropolitan Archives.

Some blurb from the site:

Rates were collected in each parish for support of the sick and poor, maintenance of roads and church, and other parish expenses. This database includes rate books held at the London Metropolitan Archives for parishes in London. (Note: There are gaps in coverage for some areas, and approximately half the content is from the parish of St. Dunstan in the East.)

Rates were assessed based on a dwelling’s value. These records include a listing of who occupied the house, who owned the house, the type of dwelling, the name or situation of the property, how much rent was collected, and the rates paid. In some cases you may need to page forward for the rent and rate details which appear on the next page.

To search the collection visit http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=5209

Chris

My latest book, Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records, is now available from http://www.gould.com.au (print) and http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html (ebook), whilst Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet is available at http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-History-on-the-Internet/p/3889/.

Progress on Great Parchment Book site

All of the original images for The Great Parchment Book, as well as enhanced images for two thirds of the content, have now been added to the project website at www.greatparchmentbook.org. From the site:

The Great Parchment Book of the Honourable The Irish Society is a major survey, compiled in 1639 by a Commission instituted under the Great Seal by Charles I, of all those estates in Derry managed by the City of London through the Irish Society and the City of London livery companies. It represents a hugely important source for the City of London’s role in the Protestant colonisation and administration of Ulster. Damaged as the result of a fire at Guildhall in 1786, it has been unavailable to researchers for over 200 years. However, the manuscript has remained part of the City of London’s collections held at London Metropolitan Archives (LMA reference CLA/049/EM/02/018.)

The project update, from October 18th, can be read at www.greatparchmentbook.org/2013/10/18/spot-the-difference/.

Chris

My latest book, Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records, is now available from http://www.gould.com.au (print) and http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html (ebook), whilst Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet is available at http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-History-on-the-Internet/p/3889/. My next Pharos Scottish course, Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs, starts Nov 13th - see http://pharostutors.com.

LMA organises further London walks

Further walking events organised by London Metropolitan Archives (http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visiting-the-city/archives-and-city-history/london-metropolitan-archives/Pages/default.aspx)

Stoke Newington
We will look at how Stoke Newington developed from a prosperous country village to an inner-city borough. Starting with its 16C church and amazing cemetery posing as an arboretum; an ingenious Jacobean solution to the capital’s water shortage; a fine 18C country house; and along the way the haunts of famous dissenters and radicals including Mary Wollstonecraft, Letitia Barbould and Daniel Defoe.

Led by John Finn of City Highlights.
Meet at Stoke Newington Railway Station.
This walk on Tuesday 18 June from 11 am to 1 pm is a repeat of the one on 12 June.

The walk costs £8. Booking is essential - you can book online at Eventbrite at http://stokenewington2.eventbrite.co.uk/%20 or call 020 7332 3851.


Woolwich
In this walk we are visting Woolwich. Looking at its early industrial heritage with the development of the Royal Dockyards and the Woolwich Arsenal, its post-war period of decline as a somewhat neglected Thameside borough, and various aspects of its most recent regeneration.

Led by Chris Everett of City Highlights.
Meet Outside Woolwich Arsenal Railway Station.
This walk on Thursday 11 July 2013 from 11 am to 1 pm is a repeat of the one on 10 July.

The walks costs £8. Booking is essential - you can book online at Eventbrite at http://woolwich2.eventbrite.co.uk/%20 or call 020 7332 3851.


Victoria
In this walk we look at the area around Victoria and the fascinating story of how it was transformed from open fields to its present vibrant 21C status. Gems from its hidden past include a brewery, a prison on the site of which is now a cathedral, an 18C school, a canal basin that became a railway station and the site of the suffragette parliament.

Led by Alan MacDougall of City Highlights.
Meet on front steps of Westminster RC Cathedral, Victoria Street.
This walk on Wednesday 7 August 2013 from 2 to 4 pm is a repeat of the one on 14 August.

The walks costs £8. Booking is essential - you can book online at Eventbrite at http://victoriawalk2.eventbrite.co.uk/ or call 020 7332 3851.

(With thanks to LMA)

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...!

Women in Science talk at LMA

From London Metropolitan Archives:

Women in Science

A day of talks, presentations and documents which explores the lives and contributions of women to scientific progress.

Science is found throughout the collections at London Metropolitan Archives. We have engineering designs for Tower Bridge and food science in the Lyons collection. On this day, we will be looking at the female scientists represented in the archives and displaying some of the original documents from the collections.

We have two guest speakers who are experts in their fields.

Rebekah Higgitt, is Curator & historian of science at Royal Observatory Greenwich & National Maritime Museum and blogger for The H Word, the Guardian Science Blog. She will be talking about “Finding women in the history of science.”

Heather Couper is a broadcaster and writer on astronomy, space and science. She has written and produced numerous books, TV and radio programmes. Along with her work, she is Professor of Astronomy at Gresham College in perpetuity, was awarded the CBE for 'Services to Science', and the International Astronomical Union has named asteroid number 3922 "Heather". Her talk will be “The Sky's the Limit.”

This event on Friday 8 March from 10 am to 4 pm at London Metropolitan Archives is £10. Please book in advance on 020 7332 3851.

(With thanks to LMA www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visiting-the-city/archives-and-city-history/london-metropolitan-archives/visitor-information/Pages/default.aspx)

Chris

Pre-order my new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, through Pen and Sword (30 April 2013), or purchase early at Who Do You Think You Are Live 2013 in London. For my other genealogy books, please visit  http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html; whilst for my online Scottish based genealogy courses please visit the Pharos Teaching and Tutoring Ltd site.

Christ’s Hospital and St Paul’s Cathedral move to LMA

More from LMA in London (www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visiting-the-city/archives-and-city-history/london-metropolitan-archives/visitor-information/Pages/default.aspx):

The records of Christ’s Hospital and St Paul’s Cathedral are being transferred from storage at Guildhall Library to London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) in Clerkenwell in the week beginning Monday 25 February 2013. In future all consultation of these archives will take place at LMA.

We aim to keep disruption to a minimum, but readers are strongly advised to avoid using these collections during that week.

For further information please contact LMA by email or telephone on 020 7332 3820.

(With thanks to the LMA)

Chris

Pre-order my new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, through Pen and Sword (30 April 2013), or purchase early at Who Do You Think You Are Live 2013 in London. For my other genealogy books, please visit  http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html; whilst for my online Scottish based genealogy courses please visit the Pharos Teaching and Tutoring Ltd site.

London Metropolitan Archives events

Some forthcoming events at the London Metropolitan Archives:

Use LMA: Getting Started
Come along and tour the Information Area to find out how to get the best out of the research facilities.

This event held on Wednesday 6 February from 11 am to 12 noon is FREE. Booking essential – call 020 7332 3851.


LGBT History Club
The staff at Islington Local History Centre have kindly offered a Joe Orton special for us, showing the infamous book covers, which were stolen from local libraries, altered and returned. There will also be a talk and some readings of Orton’s work.

This event will be held at Islington Local History Centre on Thursday 7 February from 6 - 7.30pm. Note the change of date and location. FREE - drop in.


Focus on Family History at LMA
Starting your family history? Come along to this workshop and learn how to get the most out of digitised family history sources, including our records on Ancestry.co.uk. This workshop is aimed at beginners.

This event held on Wednesday 13 and Wednesday 27 February from 2 to 3 pm is FREE. Booking essential – call 020 7332 3851.


Behind the Scenes Tour at LMA
Tour the archives and meet with LMA professionals to find out about the essential work which preserves our archived work for generations.

This tour held on Thursday 14 February from 2 to 3 pm is FREE. Booking essential – call 020 7332 3851.


LMA Film Club
Screenings of archive films from LMA and other organisations, occasional guest speakers and lots of discussion.

This event held on Wednesday 20 February from 6 to 7.30 pm is FREE – drop in.


Write Your Family History (Part 2)

If you are interested in writing your family history for a website, a film or even an audio piece, this session will help you get started.

This event held at London Metropolitan Archives on Monday 18 February from 2 to 4.30 pm is £8. Booking essential – call 020 7332 3851 (book the remaining Monday sessions for £25, see website for details).

Visitor information for all events at LMA is available at www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visiting-the-city/archives-and-city-history/london-metropolitan-archives/visitor-information/Pages/default.aspx.

(With thanks to the LMA Newsletter)

Chris

Pre-order my new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, through Pen and Sword (30 April 2013), or purchase early at Who Do You Think You Are Live 2013 in London. For my other genealogy books, please visit  http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html; whilst for my online Scottish based genealogy courses please visit the Pharos Teaching and Tutoring Ltd site.