Celia started her talk by questioning why a special talk was needed when researching ancestors in this era? But, answering her own question, she advised that really an hour was not long enough for this subject. Therefore, she had focused on sources that we might be less aware about, had not used recently and might like a refresher on.
As usual Celia provided a useful handout on her website to go with this talk. It is well-worth reading even if you missed this talk. It lists many sources you may have dismissed as unlikely to contain anything about your family especially when looking into the background of your poorer ancestors. A good example being Heralds’ Visitations taken down orally by the herald they record the descent for armigerous families. However, due to Primogenitor (first son inherits) the descendants of younger sons might, over several generations, steadily dilute wealth and rank ending up as labourers with no knowledge of their ancestors’ status in society.
Pre 1837 there are fewer obvious sources, and registers are likely to need palaeography skills and even Latin. Plus, if a Surname is localised there may not be enough detail in registers to say which person with the same name is your missing relative. The Commonwealth period (1649-1660) falls in this era and many registers contain major gaps or have been lost.
Unfortunately, as few 16th and 17th century documents are online it will necessitate a visit to an archive. But you will need to do some work before leaving home in order to utilise your time especially as many documents from this period have not been indexed and you may be presented with a box of items to sort through. You will also need to experiment with search techniques. Surname ‘fishing trips’ may not be the answer as although your ancestor may be mentioned in a document if they were not the main subjects they may not be named in the title or description in the archive catalogue. Celia said there is a great variation in details listed between archives in their catalogues due to a variety of reasons often involving time and money.
TNA’s discovery website is helpful for finding documents as it will guide you to which archive you need to visit if they are not part of their collection. But it is always advised that you check with the archive that they still hold the documents you need before leaving home.
It also helps to have a good understanding of the place you are researching. There will undoubtedly have been changes to parish and county boundaries since the 16th and 17th centuries. Googling for the area today and comparing with an old map is helpful. There are also some websites offering layered maps. Or if you can lay your hands on a Phillimore’s, you will find it is most helpful for pre 1974 boundaries.
Other records often overlooked are Manorial, Hearth tax, Chancery, Depositions (witness statements, Quarter Sessions, Heraldry, Apprentice records and Guilds.
As well as Phillimore’s Atlas and Index for parish boundaries, Celia recommended a book by Susan Moore to help with courts, ‘Tracing your ancestors through the equity courts’ . Also, for manor courts,‘Court of Manors of Bandon and Beddington 1498-1552’ transcribed and translated by Hedley Marne Gowans; edited by Michael Wilks & Jennifer Bray. Although it deals with a specific manor, it can be helpful for Latin terms which will be similar for other manors.
After this most interesting and helpful talk Celia answered several questions.
Report by Tricia Baxter