Author Archives: Julie Goucher

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About Julie Goucher

Genealogist, Author, Presenter, native Guildfordian, avid note taker and journal writer. Lover of Books, Stationery & History; Surnames, Butcher & Orlando One-Name Studies. Pharos Tutor for all One-Name Studies/surname courses as well as Researching Ancestors from Continental Europe.

C is for Culture

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Julie Goucher

On the face of it culture might not have relevance to genealogy or family history. Frequently and more important in our ever changing world, things that are central to our heritage fade into the past. Replicated by the passing of … Continue reading →

Posted in A-Z Challenge 2025 | 2 Comments

B is for Borders

Posted on April 2, 2025 by Julie Goucher

Borders  are easy to cross and frequently invisible.  They are consistently impacted by a multitude of factors, with those factors being variable, depending on perception or wider implications. In essence, borders is not a topic for which there is black … Continue reading →

Posted in A-Z Challenge | Leave a comment

A is for Alphabet

Posted on April 1, 2025 by Julie Goucher

One of the challenges genealogists encounter is the spelling of names, surnames and places. The challenge rather depends on several things. People write what they think they hear, which is impacted by unfamiliarity of accents, dialects and other languages Challenging the … Continue reading →

Posted in A-Z Challenge 2025 | 2 Comments

Announcing A-Z Challenge 2025 #AZChallenge

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Julie Goucher

I frequently teach and present on surnames and researching in Europe, but rather than be specific on either of those topics or others I present on, this year the A-Z theme is going to be focused on: Research considerations Resources … Continue reading →

Posted in A-Z Challenge 2025 | 1 Comment

Researching in the North East of England

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Julie Goucher

Yesterday I watched a great series of presentations hosted by the Society of Genealogist in collaboration with the Northumberland and Durham Family History Society. The event was free to attend, and the recording is linked. Firstly, we heard Else Churchill, … Continue reading →

Posted in England, UK & Ireland (Eire) Genealogy Series | Leave a comment

Genealogical Research Before 1538

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Julie Goucher

The introduction of Parish Records in England and Wales began on 5 September 1538. The Vicar General, Thomas Cromwell mandated that clergy were to keep a written record of baptisms, marriages and burials that occurred within their parish. The records … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy, History, Medieval Period, Scotland, UK & Ireland (Eire) Genealogy Series | Leave a comment

All About Surnames

Posted on January 15, 2025 by Julie Goucher

A busy surname week for me.    On Wednesday 15 January  I am delighted to be delivering my talk Pursuing Surnames to members of Nottinghamshire Family History Society.     Then next week, the first Pharos one-name study course of … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy, Introduction to One-Name Studies (Pharos course 901), One-Name Studies | Leave a comment

Book Review – Jamaican Genealogy Research by Vilma Ruddock

Posted on January 4, 2025 by Julie Goucher

A day or so ago I ordered my copy of Jamaican Genealogy Research by Vilma Ruddock, which arrived yesterday. I have an individual from my Puttenham One-Place Study who left his wife in England, and with at least one of his … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Books, Genealogy | Leave a comment

Notebooks of 2024

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Julie Goucher

The start of the year means that I need to find some time to run though my notebooks of the last year and check for any outstanding notes that need attention. There has been a few tweaks to my previous … Continue reading →

Posted in Stationery, Filofax, Journals & Notebooks | Leave a comment

2025 – New Year, New Beginnings

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Julie Goucher

There is something rather cathartic about the start of a year. The promise of potential. The ability to set your own goals, hopes, dreams, promises and intentions for the year ahead. Despite popular belief, these do not need to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous | Leave a comment