Category Archives: Genealogy

(Advent 4) – Distribution of Surnames

Surname distribution maps add a new and different dimension to a One-Name study. A surname may well have it’s origins in one Country, and a map can provide an interesting insight to how migration can influence the geographic spread of … Continue reading

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(Advent 3) – Choosing a Surname

There are always more questions than answers, and always a burning obsession to find out more, even if the odds are against a successful search. Therefore it is no surprise that researchers choose their surnames of interest for a variety … Continue reading

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(Advent 2) – Back up Data….

On the first of every month I do a series of things, all of which keep me organised and undertaking what I call my office housekeeping. Back-up computer files.  Downloads from talks, other genealogists etc, these are moved to my … Continue reading

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(Advent 1) – Aims of a One-Name Study

One of the questions that is asked, of students on the Introduction to One-Name Studies course is about Organisation. The way we keep our study may differ from that of our own family history research. As I responded to a … Continue reading

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July 2025 Round up

Happy July everyone! I have another busy month with tutoring and presenting.  I have three talks with the Society of Genealogists:   5 July 2025 – Genealogical Research on the Isle of Man – Information and book HERE   12 … Continue reading

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H is for History

Our Genealogical pursuits are underpinned with the history relevant to the country where our ancestors hailed from, and also by wider current affairs. Our people, much like us today did not live in isolation. They, as we are, were affected … Continue reading

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G is for Groups and Societies

The range of material that is key to unravelling our family histories is quite astounding. In the modern world with the commercial organisations holding rafts of data it is easy to believe that the material has always been available in … Continue reading

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Researching in the North East of England

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

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Genealogical Research Before 1538

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

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All About Surnames

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

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