General Register Office (GRO) announces new phone number. Archaic Medical Terms. Continuing with The Royal Academy Pictures-a supplement to The Magazine of Art (founded in 1838) 1894 Edition (Part 3)-Constance Mary Beard born 1893, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. Change of Speaker at NWKFHS Dartford Branch Meeting on 7th January, 2012.

General Register Office (GRO) announces new phone number.

The Federation of Family History Societies reports that the GRO has announced that from 5 January 2012 the existing phone number 0845 603 7788 for ordering certificates or making enquiries will stop and a new number 0300 123 1837 will come into use.

The new number also reflects when civil registration started in England and Wales (1837) and the hope is that this new number will be easier to remember. This is not a 'Free' phone number but one of the numbers specially designated for use by public bodies and not-for-profit organisations.

Archaic Medical Terms.

When researching our ancestors an aspect that is sometimes difficult to understand is the cause of death given on a death certificate or in Church records.  Rudy's List of Archaic Medical Terms is a site that is worth checking. It is regularly updated and also contains medical terms for other countries such as Germany.

Old World Diseases at Genealogy Today might also be helpful in looking for the meaning of old medical terms.

Continuing with The Royal Academy Pictures-a supplement to The Magazine of Art (founded in 1838) 1894 Edition (Part 3).

Constance Mary Beard born 1893, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.

Constance Mary Beard was born to Walter and Caroline Susannah, nee MacKinder, Beard in 1893 and registered in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.

Her parents are shown at Gainsborough in 1891:

Walter Beard Head Male 33 abt 1858 Lincoln Lincolnshire
Caroline S Beard Wife Female 29 abt 1862 Gosberton Lincolnshire
Ellen Tindall Servant Female 21 abt 1870 Morton Lincolnshire

Her mother, Caroline Susannah, nee MacKinder, Beard died in 1896 at Gainsborough.

The 1901 census shows her living with her uncle at St Mary le Wigfordre, Lincolnshire:

Charles John Beard Head 48 abt 1853 Male Lincoln Lincolnshire
Margaret Beard Wife 43 abt 1858 Female Friskney Lincolnshire
Karoline Paill Year 19 abt 1882 Female Vienna Austrian Sub
Constance M Beard Niece 7 abt 1894 Female Gainsborough Lincolnshire Jessie Wilson Servant 20 abt 1881 Female Torrington Lincolnshire 

The 1911 census shows she is a pupil at Grove House, Westgate-On-Sea, Garlinge

Margate, Kent:

Beard, Constance, Boarder, Single, F 17, 1894, School, Lincolns Gainsborough.

Change of Speaker at NWKFHS Dartford Branch Meeting on 7th January, 2012.

There has been a change of speaker at the Dartford Branch of the North West Kent Family History Society for the 7th January 2012.   Stephen Humphrey will give a talk on "The Old Industrial Heart of London's Historic Borough - Southwark" in place of Dr Patricia Dark who had been due to give a talk on "Southwark, London's most historic borough".

Christmas and the Victorians. What the Victorians read at Christmas. Christmas Dinner. History of Christmas.

Christmas and the Victorians.

The Victorians were responsible for building upon the original Christmas Traditions and forming our 'modern' idea of Christmas. From the 1840's Christmas Cards, stories (Charles Dickens among others) and the realisation of business about the potential of opportunities to increase sales all combined to create Christmas as we know it now.

The increase of Christmas Cards, due to cheaper production and postage costs, and the production of cheaper books were to encourage the Middle Class to adopt this 'new' version of Christmas.   

Gradually the Victorian idea of Christmas spread to all levels in Society.

What the Victorians read at Christmas.

What the Victorians read at Christmas at the V&A  Website is a good place to start to see how your Victorian Ancestors and family celebrated Christmas.

A Victorian Christmas.

Time-Travel Britain. com also has information with pictures and links to further information at A Victorian Christmas

Christmas Dinner.

Victorian Christmas not only gives you a good idea of what would have been served (for those who could afford it) but also some recipes for such dishes as Plum Pudding, Roast Goose and Mincemeat.

History of Christmas.

The BBC web page at History of Christmas also has interesting information and links to other sites.

I hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.

Lane's Masonic Records-1717-1894. The Ancient Order of Foresters. Continuing with The Royal Academy Pictures-a supplement to The Magazine of Art (founded in 1838) 1893 Edition (Part 2).Harry Frank Griffin. Born 5 December 1890, Lambeth, Surrey.

Lane's Masonic Records.

Many of us had family members who joined the Free Mason. If you are looking for information about the Lodge they may have belonged to or trying to find a Lodge in the area that they lived or worked this site could be the one to help.

Published by the United Grand Lodge of England in 1895 it lists all the lodges established by the English Grand Lodges from the foundation of the first Grand Lodge in 1717 until 1894.

This on line version is a joint venture between the Library and Museum of Freemasonry and the Humanities Research Institute at The University of Sheffield.   Lane's Masonic Records.

The Ancient Order of Foresters.

The Ancient Order of Foresters began in 1834, but it began as an older society called the Royal Foresters formed in the 18th century.

The Society began  purely as a sociable society until the members decided that they had a duty to assist their fellow men who fell into need "as they walked through the forests of life".

When a breadwinner fell ill, could not work and, therefore, received no wages or Illness and death left families destitute. The relief of this need has been the main purpose of the Foresters throughout their long history. Members payed, initially, a few pence a week into a common fund from which sick pay and funeral grants could be drawn.

Many of our ancestors were members of the Foresters. The Foresters Heritage Trust website is full of information that could help you researching this aspect of an ancestors life, It gives details of the archives and museum and how to make research enquiries.

Continuing with The Royal Academy Pictures-a supplement to The Magazine of Art (founded in 1838) 1893 Edition (Part 2).

 

Harry Frank Griffin. Born 5 December 1890, Lambeth, Surrey.

 

Harry Frank Griffin was born on 5th December 1890 in Lambeth, Surrey and baptised
at St John the Evangelist, Lambeth on 29 June 1891. Parents were Henry Griffin, Clerk,

and  Susannah Griffin. Their address was given as 29 Loughborough Park, Brixton.

The 1891 census gives the following details:

29 Loughborough Park Road.

Henry Griffin Head, Merchants Clerk, Male 35 abt 1856 Lambeth Surrey
Susan Griffin Wife Female 35 abt 1856 Lambeth Surrey
Harry Griffin Son Male 11/12 abt 1890 Lambeth Surrey
Elizabeth Bull Niece Female 13 abt 1878 Wandsworth Surrey
Sarah Perridge Cousin Female 29 abt 1862 Soulbury Buckinghamshire

Catherine Pressnell Visitor Female 60 abt 1831 Soulbury Buckinghamshire
Clara Raynor Servant Female 16 abt 1875 Allhallows Kent

Kent Photo Archive. The War & Peace Collection-Almost 4000 WWII and 1950's photo's of Kent. Continuing with The Royal Academy Pictures-a supplement to The Magazine of Art (founded in 1838) 1892 Edition (Part 4)-MASTER SAMUELL. of Ahdi, I8, Lower Fort Street "Sydney. Jan. 15, 1892.

Kent Photo Archive.

The Kent Photo Archive is a site worth looking at for Victorian and Edwardian pictures of Churches and Towns of Kent. There is a Medway Collection, Ashford and Snodland Collections as well as well as other places in Kent. Kent Photo Archive

The War & Peace Collection-Almost 4000 WWII and 1950's photo's of Kent.

Through the same site you can access almost 4000 photographs, the majority taken in Kent during WWII and into the 1950's. "The Rex Cadman Collection of Glass Plate images depicting military personnel and equipment, wartime training and civilian life before, during and after the Second World War".  War and Peace Photographs

Kent Photo Archive archives .is also asking for any help in identification of location and or people for those photographs that they have no information about.

Continuing with The Royal Academy Pictures-a supplement to The Magazine of Art (founded in 1838) 1892 Edition (Part 4).

Master Samuell of  Ahdi, I8, Lower Fort Street "Sydney. Jan. 15, 1892

 

" Ahdi, I8, Lower Fort Street  "Sydney. Jan. 15, 1892.

MR. Mellin,-Dear Sir,--It has been my intention for some months to write and tell you how very much I appreciate your splendid FOOD FOR INFANTS. My eldest boy I gave it continually, and is now two-and-a.half years of age. He is considered to be very strong and a fine boy. I send you a photo herewith, so you will be able to judge for yourself. l\Iy second was a premature birth, and was not expected to survive for months. As soon as he could take food I began giving him Mellins. at first one teaspoonful a day; now he has nine teaspoonfuls, is ten months old, and improving daily. It assimulated with my own nourishment perfectly. I have also taken:it myself-with good results. I cannot speak too highly of your preparation, and would recommend it to all and everyone. You can make whatever use you please of this letter for publication, also photo. if you would like it. Would you kindly forward me the Portrait Album of Children you mention in your advertisement, also a sample of your Biscuits, which I cannot purchase here, and greatly

oblige, " Yours sincerely. D SAMUELL

Kent Underground Research Group-Kent Villages and Mines. UNDERGROUNDKENT-from the Napoleonic Wars through to WWII exploring and documenting underground and military sites in Kent. Continuing with The Royal Academy Pictures-a supplement to The Magazine of Art (founded in 1838) 1892 Edition (Part 4)-Dorothy Evelyn Kennard born 1890, Abergavenny, Wales.

Kent Underground Research Group.

If you are interested in local/family history, this website is worthwhile looking at.  Villages often grew up around mining sites, sites that have now disappeared or stopped working. Chalk Mines, Coal Mines, Deneholes, Domestic Facilities, and various other mines, such as Flint, Fullers Earth, Iron , Limestone, Tunnels & Secret Passages and Wells are all covered by articles and photographs.  Kent Underground

UNDERGROUNDKENT.

This is another site full of information and photographs that provide a lot of background information for family historians, including videos. Especially if your ancestors and family served in the British Army and Navy in Kent. The site covers the period from the Napoleonic Wars through to WWII exploring and documenting underground and military sites in Kent.

It also covers some counties outside of Kent. Underground Kent

Continuing with The Royal Academy Pictures-a supplement to The Magazine of Art (founded in 1838) 1892 Edition (Part 4).

Published in Victorian Times it provided pictures of various artists, some of which illustrated the lives of 'ordinary' people. It also carried advertisements some of which included letters and in some instances photographs of family members. One such advertisement was for Mellin's Emulsion a food for "Delicate Children and Weakly Adults". The advert contained letters from users praising the product. The letters also contained the names and addresses of the writers plus photographs of the children who 'benefited' from the food. These letters and photographs came from all over the country and as far a field as Australia.

Dorothy Evelyn Kennard born 1890, Abergavenny, Wales.

                                          " Llwynda Court, Abergavenny, Aug. 2, 1891.

Mrs. R. W Kennard has much pleasure in sending a photo of her baby girl, aged 7 months, to Messrs. Mellin. Mrs. Kennard has fed the child entirely on Messrs. Mellin's Food since it was nine weeks old, and since then the child has never ailed anything. She has four teeth, which she has cut without the slightest trouble, and she is as big as most children double her age. .Mrs. Kennard may mention that the child was most delicate, so much so that at a fortnight old she was privately baptised. She now is nearly nine months old and weighs 23 Ibs"

1891 census gives the following information for Llwynda Court, Abergavenny, Wales.

Robert William Kennard Head 33 abt 1858 Male Paddington London England
Rose Nicholl Kennard Wife 32 abt 1859 Female Reigate Surrey England
Gwendolen Mary Kennard Daughter 6 abt 1885 Female Reigate Surrey England
Dorothy Evelyn Kennard Daughter 5  months abt 1890 Female Abegavenny Monmouthshire Wales
Edith Charlott Hegan Cousin 42 abt 1849 Female Hann Weald Middlesex England
Charles John Hegan Visitor 46 abt 1845 Male Paris add add
Emillie Louie Richards Visitor 27 abt 1864 Female County Wicklon add Ireland
Louisa Davies Servant 39 abt 1852 Female Bradfield Berkshire England
Annie Mary Mail Servant 29 abt 1862 Female Madley Herefordshire England
Ruth Jerkins Servant 21 abt 1870 Female Blaenavon Monmouthshire Wales
Mary Williams Servant 21 abt 1870 Female Rowlstone Herefordshire England
Mary Ashton Servant 56 abt 1835 Female Ramerethen, Llandilo 
Harry Brydges Servant 16 abt 1875 Male Ledbury Herefordshire England
Bertha Burger Servant 17 abt 1874 Female Switzerland

Robert William Kennard, Gentleman, married Rose Nichols Byass on 2 Aug 1881 at Paddington St John, Westminster. His address at marriage was 20 Hyde Park Terrace and hers was given as Dalesford, Worcestershire. Names of the fathers, Howard John Kennard, Gentleman and Robert Nicholl Byass.

The Peoples Post-new series on BBC Radio 4 from 5-23 December 2011. Bexley Archaeological Group. Continuing with The Royal Academy Pictures-a supplement to The Magazine of Art (founded in 1838) 1892 Edition (Part 4). Ida Violet Pattinson born 1891 Coedpoeth, Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales.

The Peoples Post-new series on BBC Radio 4 from 5-23 December 2011.

On Monday 5 December a new series on BBC Radio 4 stated. The Peoples Post  a 15 part series exploring the history of the postal service through the people that use and work for it. The series begins in the 16th century in the reign of Henry VIII and explores some of the key moments in the nearly 500 years since then. Each weekday there will be a new 15 minute episode touching on a different part of this fascinating and evolving story. The programmes are being broadcast at 1.45pm until 23 December.

Bexley Archaeological Group.

When researching our family history we sooner or later arrive at the stage where we wish to know more about the background of their lives. Where they worked, lived, the surrounding area and people as well as what influenced them, what entertainment was available to them.

Local Archaeological sites can contain a lot of such information and are always worth taking a look at. The Bexley Archaeological Group has some interesting information about the Bexley, Kent area and publications that are available for sale.

Continuing with The Royal Academy Pictures-a supplement to The Magazine of Art (founded in 1838) 1892 Edition (Part 4).

Published in Victorian Times it provided pictures of various artists, some of which illustrated the lives of 'ordinary' people. It also carried advertisements some of which included letters and in some instances photographs of family members. One such advertisement was for Mellin's Emulsion a food for "Delicate Children and Weakly Adults". The advert contained letters from users praising the product. The letters also contained the names and addresses of the writers plus photographs of the children who 'benefited' from the food. These letters and photographs came from all over the country and as far a field as Australia.

Ida Violet Pattinson  born 1891 Coedpoeth, Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales.

                           Beehive House, Coedpoeth, Wrexham, December 26, 1891

'G. Mellin, Esq.

Dear Sir,-I have pleasure in enclosing our baby's photo. She is nine months old, fed entirely on Mellins Food, and never had a day's illness in her life, which speaks volumes for your Food. Have recommended it to several of our friends, who speak of it as ' Excellent.'

You are at liberty to make use of this letter and photo. Kindly acknowledge receipt, and oblige

Yours very truly,

GEO. PATTINSON."

1891 census for Beehive, Coedpoeth, Wrexham :

George Pattinson Head 31, Grocer and Draper, abt 1860 Male Foset? Staffordshire England
Mary E Pattinson Wife 28 abt 1863 Female Broughton Denbighshire Wales
Ida Violet Pattinson Daughter 2/12 abt 1891 Female Coedpoeth Denbighshire Wales
Jane Woodfine Servant 16 abt 1875 Female Mold Flintshire Wales

George Pattinson married Mary Elizabeth Harrop in 1890 at Wrexham.

Marriages Jun 1890 Harrop  Mary Elizabeth     Wrexham  11b 497   
PATTINSON  George     Wrexham  11b 497   

Lost Pubs in Kent. Daisy Margaret D Gentle born 1890, Stratford, Essex.J T Morris Wood's Hotel, Grahamstown, South Africa. 1890.

Lost Pubs Project.

If your ancestors or some of their family worked in a pub and you are looking for background information or photographs, especially if the pub has closed down maybe demolished you could try this site. Lost Pubs website. It has photographs of many Kent pubs that have been closed. Kent Lost Pubs

The Lost Pubs Projects also cover many other counties you can find the index at Lost Pubs Project

Continuing with The Royal Academy Pictures-a supplement to The Magazine of Art (founded in 1838) 1892 Edition (Part 4).

Published in Victorian Times it provided pictures of various artists, some of which illustrated the lives of 'ordinary' people. It also carried advertisements some of which included letters and in some instances photographs of family members. One such advertisement was for Mellin's Emulsion a food for "Delicate Children and Weakly Adults". The advert contained letters from users praising the product. The letters also contained the names and addresses of the writers plus photographs of the children who 'benefited' from the food. These letters and photographs came from all over the country and as far a field as Australia.

Daisy Margaret D Gentle born 1890, Stratford, Essex.

" 48, Louise Road, Water Lane, "Stratford, E. 1st Feb. 

Dear Sir, -I enclose you a photo of our baby girl, Dorothy Gentle, she having been fed on your Food for the last twelve months, being obliged to resort to the feeding bottle. I was recommended your Food by a friend of mine. The photo was taken when she was six months old, and I think you will see by the condition of the child it will speak well for its excellency. I have always persuaded my friends to use it, as am sure it cannot be too highly recommended for infants.
Yours faithfully,
AUGUSTUS GENTLE.
To G. MELLlN, Esq."

Free BMD shows she was registered in the Dec quarter of 1890 as  Daisy Margaret D(orothy)  Gentle ref:  W. Ham  4a 25

The 1891 census shows the family living at 48 Louise Road, Stratford.

Augustus Gentle, Tailor, Head Male 22 abt 1869 Midhurst, Sussex
Louise Po Gentle Wife Female 22 abt 1869 Bow, London
Daisy Margaret Gentle Daughter Female 6 months old abt 1890 Stratford, Essex.

In 1901 the family were living at: All Saints Green, Norwich, Norfolk.

Augustus Gentle, Assistant Tailor, Head 32 abt 1869 Male Midhurst Sussex.

Daisy Gentle Wife 32 abt 1869 Female Bow Middlesex.

Dorothy Gentle Daughter 10 abt 1891 Female Strafford Essex.

In 1911 the family are listed as:

GENTLE, Augustus Head Married M 42 1869 Tailor Cutter Midhurst Sussex   
GENTLE, Louise Sarah Daisy Wife Married F 42 1869  Bow Middlesex
GENTLE, Daisy Dorothy Margaret Daughter Single F 20 1891 Cashier Stratford Essex 
Address: 2 Dunbar Road Forest Gate, Essex

Augustus Gentle married Louisa Sarah D(aisy) Ward in 1888 at Westham, Essex.    

Free BMD ref: Marriages Dec 1888  GENTLE  Augustus     W. Ham  4a 172   

WARD  Louisa Sarah D     W. Ham  4a 172

J T Morris Wood's Hotel, Grahamstown, South Africa. 1890.

"Wood's Hotel, Grahamstown, South Africa, 1st Dec., 1890.

G. MELLlN, Esq.

Dear Sir,-I have much pleasure in sending you the photo of my little son, who I believe would have died but for your Food, which was the only thing he could keep down for a long time, and now he is very strong and hearty. He Iives upon it yet; he is two years old now. We tried him without it a short time back, but it would not do, he had to have it again, and still lives on it.

Yours truly.

J. T. MORRIS."   

British Libraries launch the Newspaper Archive. Marian Emily Crowden born 15 April 1888, Lewisham, Kent. Harold Bradley born 17 September 1888, Hackney. Roy Argyle Galloway born 1889 Brighton.

Victorian Magazines, newspapers and other publication are much in the news with the announcement that the British Libraries are launching  the Newspaper Archive on the Internet. See Search the Archive for Free.

It is not only in Newspapers that genealogical and other family history details can be found. Such information can be found in more obscure places within publications.

The Royal Academy Pictures-a supplement to The Magazine of Art (founded in 1838) published in Victorian Times provided pictures of various artists, some of which illustrated the lives of 'ordinary' people. It also carried advertisements some of which included letters and in some instances photographs of family members. One such advertisement was for Mellin's Emulsion a food for "Delicate Children and Weakly Adults". The advert contained letters from users praising the product. The letters also contained the names and addresses of the writers plus photographs of the children who 'benefited' from the food. These letters and photographs came from all over the country and as far a field as Australia.

The following are some examples from a private collection of the Magazine. Starting off with a girl who was born in Lewisham, Kent.

Royal Academy Pictures Part 4 1892.

Marian Emily Crowden born 1888, Lewisham, Kent. 

"12, Ennersdale Road , Lewisham, S.E.

Sir,-Enclosed please find photo of my baby; she is one year old. 9 months ago she was suffering with eczema, and was in such a weak state-one could count every bone-and was unable to hold up her head. My medical man almost gave her up, and ordered her other foods, but the child became weaker. Three days after giving your Food the child revived like a flower in water, and not a more healthy or stronger child can be found.           "Yours truly, E. CROWDEN."

The 1891 census. show the family at 6, Gurney Terrace, Northampton,  Northamptonshire.

CROWDEN, Chas T Head Married M 32 1859 Manager Of Engineering Works Halesworth Suffolk

CROWDEN, Emily Wife Married F 32 1859 Langley Middlesex Broom

CROWDEN, Nellie Daughter  F 4 1887  Lewisham Kent

CROWDEN, Marian A Daughter  F 3 1888  Lewisham Kent

PARR, Alice S Visitor Single F 29 1862 Lambeth Surrey

Free BMD shows that Marian was registered as Mariam Emily Crowden. Births Mar 1888 CROWDEN  Marian Emily  Lewisham  1d 1166   which is confirmed by Baptism record: Marion Emily Crowden Baptised 15 Apr 1888 Charles Thomas Crowden, Engineer, and Emily Crowden St Mary, Lewisham. Address 56 Ennersdale Road.

The writer of the letter was obviously her mother, Emily Crowden.

Harold Bradley born 2 Feb 1888, Hackney

"259 Dalston Lane Mare Street, Hackney.  Jan. 12, 1891.

Dear Sir, I am proud to hand you a photo of one of my children. This boy was eighteen months old when his photo was taken, and weighed 33lbs. He is very solid and rnuscular and not flabby like most big children. Has been brought up on MELLIN'S FOOD, and has always been the picture of health.-Yours truly, W. E, BRADLY".

The record of Baptism shows Harold Wilfred Bradley was Baptised on the 4 Nov 1888 and his parents were William Bradley, Licensed Victualler, and Lilian Bradley at Dalston St Mark, Hackney.  Address at Baptism 129 Kingsland Road. Date of Birth 17 Sept 1888. 

The 1891 census shows the family at 259, Dalston Lane, Hackney, London.

BRADLY, William Head Married M 28 1863 Licensed Victualler  London  

BRADLY, Lilian Wife Married F 23 1868  London 

BRADLY, Leonard Son  M 3 1888  London

BRADLY, Harold Son  M 2 1889  London  

BRADLY, Hilda Daughter  F 1 1890  London

BRADLY, Lilian Daughter  F 0 (2M) 1891  London

AUGUST, William Servant Single M 20 1871 Barman  London

BUNTING, Alice Servant Single F 24 1867 Barmaid  London

READ, Emily Servant Single F 20 1871 Barmaid  London

BEDWELL, Maria Servant Single F 24 1867 Cook Domestic Servant  London

PIGGOTT, Kate Servant Single F 22 1869 Nursemaid Domestic Servant  London

The writer of the letter was Harold's father, William Bradley.

Roy Argyle Galloway born 1889 Brighton.

 

5, Clifton Place, Brighton.  Feb. 1st, 1891 .

Dear Sir,-I have the pleasure to enclose the photo of our little one-Roy Argyle-at the age of 10 months. He has been brought up entirely on your Food, and is in perfect health, which proves its marvellous efficacy.

Sincerely yours, "ARGYLE GALLOWAY."

In 1891 the family were at 8 Lancaster Villas, Brighton

Thomas A Galloway, Commercial Traveller, Head Male 30 abt 1861 Islington London

Mary E Galloway Wife Female 23 abt 1868 Brighton Sussex

Roy C A Galloway Son Male 1 abt 1890 Brighton Sussex England

The father, Thomas Alfred Galloway, married Mary Edith Welling. Free BMD gives the following:

Marriages Dec 1888 

GALLOWAY  Thomas Alfred    Steyning  2b 571   

WELLING  Mary Edith     Steyning  2b 571   

Births Dec 1889  Galloway  Roy Argyle   Steyning  2b 292

In 1901 the family were at Young Croft, Montifiore Road, Brighton.

Thomas A Galloway Head 39 abt 1862, Wholesale Grocer, Male Islington London

Mary E Galloway Wife 32 abt 1869 Female Brighton Sussex

Roy A Galloway Son 11 abt 1890 Male Brighton Sussex

Alice Faircloth Servant 16 abt 1885 Female Smithfield London

Kent: Defunct Brewery Livery. The History of the Christmas Card-Thursday 1 December 2011. The National Archives have issued this notice - Closure on 30 November 2011.

Kent: Defunct Brewery Livery.

If your ancestors or family worked for a Brewery and you are looking for information about the company or more background information this site might be of interest.

It list many details of Breweries that have been found, plus photographs in many cases of the signs and if survived any remaining buildings. The majority of the information has been compiled by the Brewery History Society and contributors. The Kent data can be found at Defunct Brewery Livery

Most of the rest of the country is also covered and details of other counties can be found at Index By Brewer or at Index  Further details of the Brewery History Society can be found at Home Page

The History of the Christmas Card.

If you happen to be in London or live in the area you might be interested in the Archives for London seminar about the history of the Christmas Card. It will be held on Thursday 1 December 2011, 6:00pm (doors 5:30pm) - 7:30pm at the  London Metropolitan Archives - Huntley Room, 40 Northampton Road, London EC1R 0HB.

Anna Flood of the British Postal Museum and Archive explores the custom of sending Christmas cards. Using images from the BMPA’s collections popular card themes and the way they were produced and some of the reasons for sending them will be looked at.

Further details of the seminar can be found at  AFL History of Christmas Cards Free to AFL Members £2 for non members (payable at the door). Advance booking is essential. You can book a place by e-mailing AFL Seminar

The National Archives have issued this notice -  Closure on 30 November 2011.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has announced national strike action on Wednesday 30 November. As the strike coincides with industrial action by other unions, The National Archives will be closed to the public on this day.

We therefore ask visitors planning to come to The National Archives on 30 November to arrange their visit for an alternative day.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Please continue to check our website for updates. National Archives

Free Articles about prominent families from the Dartford area on the North West Kent Family History Society Website. Guild of One Name Studies Seminar: Army Records Ash Victoria Hall, 121 Ash Hill Road, Ash, Surrey, GU12 5DN 18th February 2012

Free Articles about prominent families from the Dartford area on the North West Kent Family History Society Website.

There are a series of articles available about prominent families from the Dartford area on the NWKFHS website that are free to read. They have been written by NWKFHS member Philip Taylor, who has kindly provided them for the website

'Frederick Alexander Preston Pigou (1838-1905) : Gunpowder maker and controversial landholder in Dartford'. (PDF file)

'Richard Sanham (1815-95): Dartford Builder and Local Politician'. (PDF file)

 'Larking John Seager (1840 – 1905) : Engineer and entrepeneur'. (PDF file)

James Sharp (1808-83) and his Children, a Prominent Family in Victorian Dartford'. (PDF file)
'Thomas Edward Tiffin (1868-1952): Architect of Dartford Library'. (PDF file)

'Samuel Charles Umfreville JP (1820-94) of Ingress Abbey and his Fight with the Cement Makers'. (PDF file)

They can be found on the NWKFHS at On-Line Articles

Guild of One Name Studies Seminar: Army Records Ash Victoria Hall, 121 Ash Hill Road, Ash, Surrey, GU12 5DN Saturday 18th February 2012.

The Guild of One Name Studies is holding a Seminar that should interest all who had ancestors and family who served in the British Army.

"We have secured an excellent team of specialists for this seminar, which will be covering many aspects of the Army records. We lead off with Iain Swinnerton who will be explaining how the British Army was organised up to how it is today. Simon Fowler will then give us some sources for more information in the archives. Then, following an included buffet lunch, Roy Hemington of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission explains their work plus gives us a deeper look at their archives. We complete the seminar with Peter Bailey and his marvellous knowledge of the Army in British India."

Cost for the Seminar is £15 per person. Further details can be found at Event Calendar You can also book by e-mailing Seminar Booking

Remembering the First World War-Heritage Lottery Fund. The Identity & Passport Service has warned: don't pay too much for your replacement birth certificates. New North West Kent Family History Society CD Publications-Bromley, Kent.

Remembering the First World War.

2014 sees the start of a series of centenaries marking the First World War. Such events will commemorate the Battle of the Somme, the Gallipoli campaign, the changing role of women, the Armistice and the dedication of the first war memorials.

The Heritage Lottery Fund is offering to provide funds to help mark these important anniversaries by exploring the history and legacy of the war and helping people understand how it impacted on communities across the UK, especially their own. Working along with Imperial War Museums (IWM), who are leading the UK’s cultural commemorative programme for the centenaries, HLF applicants can access IWM expertise and resources by joining the centenary partnership. The fund is to also help communities mark the event.

The First World War was a major conflict that not only impacted on our ancestors and families life, that is still felt to this day. It was to lead to major changes in Society, Culture and politics.

Details can be found at Heritage Lottery Fund   The HLF also has a downloadable booklet at HLF Booklet which gives further details and how to apply.

The Identity & Passport Service has warned: don't pay too much for your replacement birth certificates.

The above warning comes via the Federation of Family History Societies. This applies equally to other certificates. When using commercial websites to find an index entry for a birth, marriage or death registration it is tempting to click on a placed link on the site to order a certificate.  However, it can be much  costly to do this rather than going to the official website at The General Register Office

New North West Kent Family History Society CD Publications-Bromley, Kent.

The Cd's are from the LB of Bromley Archives holdings. They contain facsimiles of parish registers of Beckenham, Bromley, Bromley Common, Chelsfield, Chislehurst, Farnborough, Keston and Penge. They contain all the material for these Parishes that is in a fit condition to be handled.

Further details can be found at Publication News more details and how to order can be found at Current Society Projects 

The General Register Office has announced it is considering options for digitising and indexing civil registration birth, marriage and death records back to 1837. Music Halls, Graces Alley, London E1 8JB - Wilton's the oldest surving Music Hall.

The General Register Office has announced it is considering options for digitising and indexing civil registration birth, marriage and death records back to 1837. .

In addition the way births and deaths are registered and giving notice to marry is being modernised. Registration Online (RON)  has  been extended to cover birth, death, stillbirth and marriage registration together with the legal preliminaries to marriage and civil partnership.

The registrars general for England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have extended the opportunity for existing customers to obtain death data for England and Wales dating back to January 2007.

GRO is also currently reviewing its options for digitising all birth, death and marriage records dating back to 1837.The digitisation and indexing project to scan and digitise civil registration records for England and Wales from 1837 to present and create a new online index of events has been halted since September 2010.

Some 50% of the birth, death, adoption and marriage records have already been digitised. a decision is to be taken for financial year 2011/12 about the future plans for the digitisation of its remaining records. More details can be found at Modernising Civil Registration 

 

Questions are already being asked that if Digitisation is started again and completed what impact this could have on the indexes on FreeBMD, FindmyPast, Ancestry, The Genealogist and FamilyRelatives.

 

Music Halls, Graces Alley, London E1 8JB  - Wilton's the oldest surviving Music Hall.

 

Music Hall's were a part of many of our ancestors lives. If you are interested in the social life of  your ancestors, or if they worked in Music Halls then this site is worth looking at.  Wilton's is the oldest surviving Grand Music Hall in the world. One of the the first generation public house music halls in London during the 1850s. Now owned by the Wilton's Music Hall Trust and run by a small team of people, it produces imaginative, distinctive work that combines all art forms and spotlights new talent. They are also raising funds to renovate the Music Hall.

 

They run guided tours where you can  "Discover Wilton's unique and colourful history. Hear how a Victorian sailors' pub became a famous music hall, how it was transformed into a Methodist Mission, survived the London Blitz, was forgotten for decades and reopened as the exciting theatre venue it is today. These tours have been devised by Wilton's historian and archivist and last approximately one hour".

 

More information can be found at Wilton's Music Hall  information about the tours can be found at Guided Tours

 

Apprentice Indentures-downloadable free from The National Archives site. National Archives Podcasts.

Apprentice Indentures-down loadable free from The National Archives site.

The register of duties paid for Apprentice Indentures between 1710-1811 can be searched on a pay per view site. The Society of Genealogists also have a database that can be searched by members or on a pay per view site.

What is not widely known is that the same records can be freely accessed at the TNA site. You can download the records at Ledger Duties Paid on Indentures

You will have to search through the records yourself, but they are free. Warning the down loadable file is a PDF about 39.9mb in size.

National Archives Podcasts.

Another invaluable and free resource available on at TNA website are podcasts. They can help you in many ways including how to research the many resources at the Archives.

They range from: English burial and cemetery records online and on film. The untold story of women in the Crimean War.  The Land Tax 1692-1963. Nineteenth century soldiers: getting the most from online resources. Suing and being sued - finding people in legal disputes and many many more.

The podcasts can be found at National Archives Podcasts

National Archives-Family History: Nursing Service Records, First World War-Free search and download. Scadbury House, Chislehurst and Survey House, St Mary Cray. Invitation to a Vestry Meeting a talk by Jean Stirk, at Farningham Kent, 25 November 2011. Bexley Historical Society-60th Anniversary

National Archives-Family History: Nursing Service Records, First World War-Free search and download.

The National Archives is providing a free search and download of 15,000 First World War nursing service records online, a look into the life stories of the women who dedicated their lives to their profession. The records date from 1902 to 1922 and hold an unusually high level of detail, rarely seen in service records. You can search at Nursing Service Records

Archaeological Societies can be a great help in researching your family history, the area they lived in and the events happening around them. They also published information that can assist in putting together different aspects your family's history.

Orpington and District Archaeological Society (ODAS) is an active local archaeology group based in Orpington, Kent with a field headquarters at Scadbury Manor, Chislehurst.

November 2nd a talk by Steve Waters Survey of Ancient Trees at Scadbury .

Scadbury Manor a medieval moated manor house in Chislehurst, Kent currently being excavated by the Orpington and District Archaeological Society (ODAS). It is situated in Scadbury Park Local Nature Reserve in the London Borough of Bromley. Events

There are also details of the excavations of Survey House, a Medieval House in St Mary Cray, Kent which is still standing. The aim of both excavations is not only to excavate and determine the structure of the houses but to also find objects that will an insight to the lives of the people of the area. Scadbury House  and Survey House

The meetings open to the public: no charge is made for admission (space is limited, however, and where necessary priority is given to members).

Invitation to a Vestry Meeting a talk by Jean Stirk, at Farningham Kent, 25 November 2011.

Friday, 25 November 2011 at 19:30 (7:30pm) Invitation to a Vestry Meeting a talk by Jean Stirk, a re-creation of a typical Vestry meeting held by the Farningham  &  Eynsford Local History Society at the Farningham Village Hall.

Bexley Historical Society-60th Anniversary 12 December 2011.

 'History of Playing Cards' a talk by Alan Payne as part of the 60th anniversary of the Society. 8pm on Monday 12 December 2011 at Bexley Historical Society, The Huxtable Hall, St Martins Church, Erith Road. Barnehurst, Kent. DA7 6LE

Playing Cards were popular or very unpopular, depending on the belief or views of our ancestors so this would be a good opportunity to find out about their history.  

Branches of the North West Kent Family History Society regularly hold talks given by experts in their fields. They are open to Members (Free) and to visitors on a donation basis. Details of November meetings. Canadian Censuses and Kent Ancestors- Free1891 census name seach and free download of original images. 1871 and 1881 Canadian Census-free search and images. 1901 and 1911 Canadian Censuses.

Branches of the North West Kent Family History Society regularly hold  talks given by experts in their fields. They are open to Members (Free) and to visitors on a donation basis. Please check the website for further details, especially before travelling to a meeting in case of any changes.  NWKFHS Society Meetings.
The talks for November are:

5 Nov 2011 at the Dartford Branch,  Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane, Dartford, Kent. Gordon Bentley The History of Pub Signs.   Open 9.45am with the meeting proper starting at 10.30am.

10 Nov 2011 at the Sevenoaks Branch,  Sevenoaks Community Centre, Otford Road (at junction with Crampton Rd.), Sevenoaks, at 7.15pm Richard Filmer Kentish Trades, Crafts & Industries.

19 Nov 2011 at the Bromley Branch, Main hall, Bromley Methodist Church, College Road, Bromley BR1 3NS. Audrey Collins Using the National Archives for Family History research.  The hall opens at 9.45am, the meeting proper is due to start at 10.30am.

Canadian Censuses and Kent Ancestors.

Many of our Ancestry and their families had strong connections with Canada, Some moved there permanently or for a period of time. Some pay per view sites have indexed the Canadian censuses but there are other possibilities that might save you money.

1891 Canadian Census.

1891 Canada census can be searched by name at Libraries and Archives Canada 1891 census. This will give you a list of the possible names. Clicking on the name you are looking for will give you the option of downloading the original census page free of charge.

1881 Canadian Census.

 You can also search the Libraries and Archives Canada site for the 1881 census by name and obtain images of the original census free to download. Libraries and Archives Canada 1881 census.

1871 Canadian Census.

The 1871 Canadian census can be searched by name and original images obtained at Libraries and Archives Canada 1871.

The 1901 and 1911 Canadian Censuses.

Though not searchable by family name you can search by location images of the original census. If you know the Province and district they lived in you can, with some patience search the district. 1901 Census and 1911 Census

You can also try 1901 Census of Canada Indexing Project where an index is being created for every name enumerated in the 1901 Census of Canada along with the personal data transcribed, links to images of the original census pages. There are also  links to other records for individuals including: census records from other years, birth, marriage, death, and other records.

It is work in progress, the names have been Indexed and transcribed and are at the stage of being checked. You can check on progress at Proofreading

The Libraries and Archives Canada site is worthwhile looking at to see what other information is available to help in your search for your ancestors and families.

Who's Who of Victorian Cinema. Dictonary of Victorian London. Victorian & Edwardian Photographs. C J Farlies photographers, Woolwich.1800-1845 Costume Fashion History- Regency to Romantic. New Family History TV series.

Who's Who of Victorian Cinema.

Cinema arrived in 1895 by the end of 1896 it had spread worldwide. By 1900 it  firmly established fortunes for some and reputations were made by many. It was also to have a profound impact on our ancestors lives, an impact that continues to this day..

This website is a biographical guide to the world of Victorian film. There are some 300 biographies involved with motion pictures. There are also photographs of early film cameras and projectors. If you are interested in the cinema and how it impacted on our ancestors it is a site worthwhile looking at. Who's Who of Victorian Cinema

Dictionary of Victorian London.

If you have not found this site yet it is one that you should explore.It has information on about every aspect of Victorian life from fashion and clothes, advertising, food, finance, professions, transport, housing, education and weather. It is almost a case of you name it is there.

There are many original adverts of the day and photographs Cartes de Viste, Dageurreotyype  The Victorian Dictionary

Victorian and Edwardian Photographs.

At Victorian & Edwardian Photographs from The Roger Vaughan Collection and Visitors Photographs.  This site can aid you in dating photographs and there is an alphabetical list of photographers throughout the country.

An example of what can be found for the former Kent Boroughs, now in London can be found at The Photographic Studio of C.J.Farlie and his Family which was located at Wellington Street, Woolwich.

If you are interested in what your Regency ancestors may have wore then 1800-1845 Costume Fashion History- Regency to Romantic will give you a lot of information.

New Family History TV series.

Find My Past has launched a new 10-part TV series starting on 20 October 2011 at 9pm on the Yesterday channel: Freeview channel 12, Sky 537, Virgin Media 203. Chris Hollins of BBC Breakfast, Watchdog and winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2009 presents the show.

Each week three members of the public are helped to discover how they are related to someone from a significant historical event. Three of the episodes focus on significant events in WWII: Dunkirk, Battle of Britain and D-Day. An online collection of photos to honour our heroes is being built and you can share photos of your ancestors who were connected in any way to Dunkirk, Battle of Britain and D-Day  This feature will be available very soon on the Find My Past  Facebook page.