Dave demonstrated the enormous expansion of the capital-from around 200,000 inhabitants in 1600, to 1 million in 1800 and 7 million in 1901- a far greater increase than that of England overall. With old maps on line, including Roque's 1746 one, he showed what this meant on the ground, with so much of even present Central London being pleasantly rural in the eighteenth century. On the other hand, Charles Booth's poverty maps, also on line, showed relative poverty and affluence in Victorian London.
Looking for London ancestors presented particular problems because of the metropolis's sheer size. It had over 200 ancient parishes and 10 different probate courts. Moreover, most Londoners had moved there from other parts of the country. Dave concentrated on discussing sources for London in particular, both on and off line, giving numerous examples. He emphasised problems with some commercial websites, in terms of incomplete coverage and poor indexing and suggested alternatives, including IGI. Useful general guides and sources included 'My ancestors were Londoners', the Gibson's guides, and Boyd's.
Dave ended with a case study, to show how persistence could pay off. He concluded by saying don't give up on those 'lost' ancestors, as more information is being made readily available on line, all the time.
Michael Lucas
Next Meeting
Wednesday 17th May 2018 Branch AGM followed by members' talks'