NIFHS launches Ballycarry DNA Project

The North of Ireland Family History Society (www.nifhs.org) has launched a new Ballycarry DNA Project.

From the site:

Ballycarry is an historic County Antrim village with strong Scottish connections and has a number of families that have lived in the district for many generations. We wish to explore the connections between people who are the descendants of whose who lived in Ballycarry in the past to identify if the families living side-by-side were indeed related to each other. This will allow individuals living today to identify that they are related to each other (and others who have taken tests) and to build up a picture of relationships in the past that will explain their connections. In many instances these connections go back beyond paper records and effectively ‘recreate’ a family tree where one no longer exists.

In order to carry out this project we intend to DNA test individuals who can establish their connections to people who lived in the Ballycarry (Parish of Templecorran) in the 1800s. Doing this will help us to explore links between the testers and other people who have already taken a DNA test. By testing people from a specific area it is anticipated that many connections will be identified and confirmed as the tests can give meaningful information back to each person’s 5x great grandparents (usually at least to the mid 1700s).

For further details of the project, and the launch event on Tuesday 8th October 2019, please visit https://www.nifhs.org/dna/ballycarry-dna-project/.

COMMENT: Whilst I have no identified connections to Ballycarry as yet, I am tripping over lines from nearby Islandmagee, so I am intending to join the main NIFHS DNA project - full details at https://www.nifhs.org/dna/.

(With thanks to Rosemary Sibbett)

Chris

Order Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-Family-History-on-the-Internet-Paperback/p/16483. My next Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs course starts 4 November 2019 - see https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Men and Arms back in stock at the Ulster Historical Foundation

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com), news of a useful resource for those with Plantations based ancestry in Ulster:

Men and Arms: The Ulster Settlers, c.1630 is back in print

Men and Arms: The Ulster Settlers, c.1630, the bestselling volume in the critically important R.J. Hunter Collection is now back in print and available to purchase on Booksireland for £19.99.

Men and Arms is essentially the first ‘census’ of English and Scottish settlers in the nine counties of Ulster in the early seventeenth century. The edition includes extensive additional information on the settlers drawn from a variety of contemporary sources.

For more information visit http://www.booksireland.org.uk/store/all-departments/men-arms-ulster-settlers-c-1630

Chris

My next Scottish Research Online course starts March 11th 2019 - see www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Details of my genealogical research service are available at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. For my Scottish and Irish themed books, visit https://britishgenes.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Review: Plantations in Ulster, 1600-41 – A Collection of Documents

Plantations in Ulster, 1600-41 – A Collection of Documents, edited by R. J. Hunter

This guide, originally published by R. J. Hunter, but now expanded and updated with additional material by Ian Montgomery of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland and Dr. William Roulston of the Ulster Historical Foundation, is quite simply a breathtakingly beautiful book - not just because it is a visual treat, with its many wonderfully captured full colour images of documents from the Plantation period and easy to access transcriptions, and not just because it only costs a penny! But because, as with any good resource book, it unlocks an entire new world of potential in terms of documentary sources to pursue, and research approaches to take.

Almost twenty years ago I wondered if I would ever be able to connect back to the resources of Griffith's Valuation in the mid-19th century; now I am at the stage where I am beginning to touch the Plantations of Ulster era on many of my Northern Irish lines. What this book does is to completely bring that era to life, telling the story of the Plantations, the frustrations of the Plantations, the failure of parts of the Plantations scheme, and also some of the successes of the Plantations, by providing an insight into the Plantations as a project and scheme which was actually carried out. This was not just a chapter heading in a book, this actually happened as an event, and had many real experiences at its heart – for good and for bad – which are to this day still vilified as controversial by some, and commemorated as an achievement by others.

The Plantations scheme as envisaged in London is described through a series of contemporary documents marking progress along the way, including its inception, its revisions and its impact. There are examples of surveys of the lands in Ulster to be planted with Protestant settlers from Britain, reports on the native Irish experience in Armagh from 1624, examples of port books, the Charter of Belfast, a photograph of the memorial stone to Arthur Chichester in my home town of Carrickfergus, petitions, maps, and the list goes on.

A third of the documents featured are new additions extending the late Bob Hunter's original work, with the new version of the book produced in association with the R. J. Hunter Committee. Some of these previously unpublished documents were actually worked on by Bob Hunter himself, whilst Ian Montgomery and William Roulston completed the additions.

The book costs just a penny, but you will need to pay for postage and packing – details on how to do so are available at http://www.booksireland.org.uk/store/all-departments/plantations-in-ulster-documents.

This may well become one of my all time favourite Irish genealogy books, because I now believe that whilst I may have made a lot of progress on my Irish research in twenty years, it's just reminded me I am still a novice with a hell of long way to go!

(With thanks to PRONI and the Ulster Historical Foundation)

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 Londonderry Plantation talk in Belfast

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

Lunchtime lecture with Professor James Stevens Curl

Thursday, 18 January, 12:15-14:00 GMT

Join us for a lunchtime lecture given by historian and author Professor James Stevens Curl on the historical background and unique story behind the financing of the early Londonderry plantation.

This event is designed for Guild members (though non-members are welcome) to help celebrate the achievements of ‘one of our own’. Prof. James Stevens Curl is a life member of the Guild and was awarded the prestigious President’s Medal by the British Academy in 2017. Everyone is welcome to attend the event, though pre-registration is advised.
How to register for the event

Guild member registration

This event is free of charge to members of the Foundation’s Ulster Genealogical and Historical Guild (the Guild).

To register visit https://www.ancestryireland.com/special-lecture-prof-james-stevens-curl/

Non-member registration

Non-members can attend this lecture for just £5.00. Registrations made via Eventbrite will attract an additional charge of £1.84 comprising an administrative fee and VAT, giving a total amount of £6.84.

If you are not a Guild member and wish to register please go to Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/londons-derrie-the-background-to-the-building-and-financing-of-the-early-londonderry-plantation-tickets-41518647392

Alternatively you can contact the Foundation on 028 9066 1988 to arrange payment.

(With thanks to the Foundation)

UPDATE: The Foundation is hoping to live stream this lecture for those who cannot attend on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/UlsterHistoricalFoundation. The recorded talk will also be made available on YouTube later in the week.

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.

Archive conservation work

There are two good articles online today discussing the work of conservators in preserving and repairing archive based material.

First, the National Records of Scotland blog has a post at https://blog.nrscotland.gov.uk/2017/10/20/conservation-for-the-nation/, written by NRS conservator Gloria Conti, detailing the work of the facility's Conservation Services Branch in Edinburgh.

Elsewhere, the National Archives in England has a blog post online at http://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/blog/banishing-bulk-conserving-17th-century-volume/ detailing the specific conservation work applied to a 17th century binding of a documents collection from the weirdly and wonderfully named Office of First Fruits and Tenths and the Court of Augmentations, within the Exchequer records held at the facility.

For a great story on a further successful conservation effort, don't forget to visit the website of the Great Parchment Book project at www.greatparchmentbook.org, including the wonderful video on its homepage showing how this important work concerning the Ulster Plantations was rescued after severe fire damage.

Chris

My next 5 week long Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs course commences Nov 6th 2017 - details at https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302. 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.

Tracing your Irish and Scots-Irish Ancestors conference 2018

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

Tracing your Irish and Scots-Irish Ancestors: A Family History Conference
05-12 September 2018

Celebrate 300 years and more of migration, and mark the tercentenary of the 1718 migration with visits to sites and places synonymous with the migration of Ulster and Irish families to the New Worlds (North America, Australasia, South Africa etc).

During our 7 day conference you will be able to shape your own experiences by choosing to either research in the different archives in Belfast and Dublin or join our staff on daily excursions through Ireland's beautiful landscape to some of its most historic sites.

Trips during our 2018 programme will see you embark on a guided through the Bann Valley, the area in Ulster most directly associated with the 1718 migration; walk on the walls and explore the historic port city of Derry/Londonderry, one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe; uncover the stories of some of the earliest people to travel from Ulster to Australia at the Down Museum; visit the Ulster American Folk Park which is dedicated to the story of emigration from Ulster to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries; as well as delving deeper into the past with visits to the Hill of the O’Neill in Dungannon to learn about the 'Flight of the Earls' in 1607, when two of Ulster's leading lords left the island for Continental Europe, never to return and Barons Court, the magnificent seat of the Duke of Abercorn whose ancestors migrated from Scotland over 400 years ago.

These tours are also enlivened with visits to other renowned historical sites of interest across the island of Ireland as you will journey into pre-history to marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage site at Newgrange and look out onto the North Atlantic Ocean from the stones of the Giant’s Causeway.

You will also be able to visit Kilmainham Gaol, one of Dublin city’s most important monuments and visitor attractions and view the beautifully illustrated Book of Kells at Trinity College. All this and much much more!

To see what else is new in our 2018 programme go to: www.ancestryireland.com/family-history-conference/autumn/new-for-2018/

Early Bird Offer

Avail now of our early bird registration offer of only £899.99 (GBP) ($1187 approx.), giving a saving of £50 on the full price of £949.99 (GBP).

Places can fill up fast so reserve your place now, with a deposit of only £299.99 (GBP) per person!

Given the current low value of sterling (GBP) against other currencies now is a particularly good time for overseas visitors to purchase. The present exchange rate values will ensure overseas delegates can make a very tidy saving on the cost.

For more information go to www.ancestryireland.com/family-history-conference/autumn

Or if you have any queries, email: enquiry@uhf.org.uk

Need Help with your Family History Research?

For those of you who are thinking about attending our Tracing your Irish Ancestors conference we would highly recommend the following publications to help you prepare for your time with us.

Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors: The Essential Genealogical Guide to Early Modern Ulster, 1600-1800 by Dr William Roulston – This book is invaluable if you are researching ancestors prior to 1800 from the nine counties of the province of Ulster.

Tracing Your Irish Ancestors by John Grenham – This is the essential guide to researching your Irish roots.

Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet: A Guide for Family Historians by Chris Paton – This book gives excellent practical guidance on how to exploit online resources.

Chris

My next 5 week long Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs course commences Nov 6th 2017 - details at https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302. 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.

Men and Arms: The Ulster Settlers, c.1630 back in print

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

Men and Arms: The Ulster Settlers, c.1630, the bestselling volume in the critically R.J. Hunter Collection is now back in print and available to purchase on Booksireland at £19.99.

Men and Arms is essentially the first ‘census’ of English and Scottish settlers in the nine counties of Ulster in the early seventeenth century. The edition includes extensive additional information on the settlers drawn from a variety of contemporary sources.

For more information go to: www.booksireland.org.uk/store/all-departments/men-arms-ulster-settlers-c-1630

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.

Scotch-Irish title added to Ancestry

Ancestry (www.ancestry.co.uk) has added a new title to its collections, a book first printed in 1902 looking at the history of the Scots and their diaspora in Ireland and the US:

The Scot in North Britain, North Ireland, and North America
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=61072

The full title of the book is actually The Scotch-Irish, or The Scot in North Britain, North Ireland, and North America, with the term 'Scotch-Irish' an American term for what would be known as the 'Ulster Scots' here, whilst 'North Britain' is an antiquated term (which didn't last for long) for Scotland after the Union.

The collection is presented in two volumes, which can be browsed only. The following is the blurb about the title from the site itself:

This large and informative overview of the history of the Scots-Irish outlines the most noteworthy events of Scottish history. Use this database to acquaint yourself with this group as they appear in North Britain, North Ireland, and North America. The record mentions many prominent Scots-Irish individuals in the revolutionary war and other parts of American history, as well as lengthy discussions of the Great Plantation of Ulster.

Readers in South Britain may also find the book of interest... :)

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.

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.