Discover Your Ancestors

Issue 130

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A warm welcome to the February issue of Discover Your Ancestors Periodical, your monthly digital mix of family and social history, in our unique web-friendly format ideal for screens of all sizes.

Perhaps chocolates are on your mind in Valentine's month? But Denise Bates has a warning for us as she explores the late 19th and early 20th century chocolate poisoners! If that hasn't put you off your food, we also have Phil Wood's interesting exploration of diets and dining in the Georgian era. Meanwhile Nick Thorne and Keith Gregson both go on intriguing research missions, and there's more besides!

The first of this year's Family History Shows is this month, on the 10th – that's the online version which anyone can attend. And our first physical show for 2024 is not far off either – in Malvern on 16 March. Do get your tickets now! (And you'll be able to get hold of our next print edition there – more on that next time.)

I hope you enjoy this issue, and good luck with your own family history quests.

Andrew Chapman, Editor.

Articles

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Each issue is packed full of entertaining stories, case studies, social history articles and research advice – great for anyone starting out in family history research, for experienced researchers needing help overcoming stumbling blocks, and for those with a general interest in how our ancestors lived their lives.

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Sharp practices

As long as there has been hair, there has been a barber to see to it, which means the profession is as old as civilisation itself. But there’s a little more to it than just a short back and sides, as history has proved.

Diet and dining in Georgian England

Enhancements in agriculture and the expansion of trade in the 18th century led to a period of substantial culinary change. However, the diets of the population varied enormously and the food an individual consumed, even the time at which they ate, were dependent upon their social class.

Death by chocolate?

If death by chocolate conjures up mouthwatering images of Black Forest gateau, smothered fondant bars or squidgy-centred brownies, be very afraid. There were times when those with a mind to murder made confectionery their weapon of choice.

A window into wartime

An image of a grocery shop and sub-post office from 1914 sparks a fascinating search of maps and family history records to discover more.

Building up a picture

My grandmother’s aunt, Ann, was the youngest in a family of nine. I have spent some 40 years putting together the story of her eight seagoing siblings – all male. It is only fairly recently that I have turned my attention to the boys’ only sister and decided to track the research carried out and resources used in order to share them with fellow family historians.

Pivotal battles: Flodden (1513)

At Flodden, in Northumberland, on 9 September 1513, it would be the turn of the Scottish king, James IV, to die with his men, some 9,000 of them.

News for February 2023

Millions more historical directory records online, plus 1939 Register update

Books for February 2024

Marginalised ancestry, the RNLI at 200 and notable shipwrecks

Additional Information

Other Formats

You can buy a printed version of the annual Discover Your Ancestors bookazine directly from the publishers, please see www.discoveryourancestors.co.uk and click on ‘Order print copies’ at the bottom.

Editorial Office

Discover Your Ancestors Publishing,

PO BOX 163,

Shaftesbury,

SP7 7BA

E: [email protected]

W: www.discoveryourancestors.co.uk

Discover Your Ancestors – The Family History Show

The Family History Show, Online!

Saturday 8th February 2025
10:00 –16:00 (GMT)

Put your research questions to an expert, watch a talk, speak to a local society, archive or genealogical supplier.

Free talks available on demand for 72 hours.
Free Experts on hand to help with your queries.
Visit exhibitors, societies, archives and companies all in our virtual exhibition hall.

Special Offer! Buy tickets for £7.00 (£10.00 on the day)

Find Out More Purchase Tickets

Future Events

Unable to make the next show? We also have shows planned for the following locations:

Discover Your Ancestors Periodical is published by Discover Your Ancestors Publishing, UK. All rights in the material belong to Discover Your Ancestors Publishing and may not be reproduced, whether in whole or in part, without their prior written consent. The publisher makes every effort to ensure the magazine's contents are correct. All articles are copyright© of Discover Your Ancestors Publishing and unauthorised reproduction is forbidden. Please refer to full Terms and Conditions at www.discoveryourancestors.co.uk. The editors and publishers of this publication give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised.