Discover Your Ancestors

Issue 136

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A warm, sunny welcome to the August 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 you're off to a wedding this summer? In this issue, Robbie Gorr vividly conjures up the scene of a rural wedding in the 19th century, inspired by a short newspaper account of his ancestors' nuptials – join the bystanders and experience a slice of life that many of our ancestors would have recognised.

Also in this issue, we explore the history of one of the leading education unions, visit the nation's 'other' seaside tower that used to dwarf the one at Blackpool, find out more details from gravestones, and more besides.

And you can still get your copy of the 11th printed edition of Discover Your Ancestors via our website!

I hope you enjoy this issue.

Andrew Chapman, Editor.

Articles

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Gleanings from gravestones (Part 2)

People want to feel like they belong – it is human nature, whether that is through a team, sport, group or a place. But how do we know where our ancestors found a sense of belonging or the place from which they originally came? In some cases, the census records can help us as there is space for birthplace. However, as with any document that is dictated and then transcribed, there can be discrepancies by the enumerators on the original document and then transcription errors. This is where gravestones can help.

The towering New Brighton resort

Blackpool has been a tourist Mecca since the 19th century and boasts Britain’s only extant tower inspired by Paris’s Eiffel Tower. But only a few generations ago visitors to New Brighton on the Wirral Peninsula would have seen an even taller tower and bigger ballroom than those of its Lancashire rival.

The all-round champion

With Wimbledon behind us and as the Summer Paris Olympics captures our attention, we often celebrate the icons of sport – Dame Kelly Holmes, Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Andy Murray. Yet a name that deserves a spotlight for her trailblazing achievements is Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Dod. Lottie was a remarkably versatile sportswoman, excelling in multiple disciplines and earning her place as one of the most accomplished athletes in history.

Come to a Victorian country wedding

Just two years after the young Queen Victoria had married her dashing cousin Prince Albert, a London newspaper chronicled the nuptial celebrations of a country wedding from a small village in Surrey. It was a charming description of the happy event and it conveyed the enjoyment of family and guests in just a few well-chosen phrases that encompassed the customs and traditions of a typical English country wedding at the beginning of the Victorian age

The National Education Union rules OK

The founding of the National Education Union (NEU) goes back to the days following the passing of the Education Act 1870, a statute seen as a major landmark in English social history.

A fine sample of research

This year the Woking Area U3A genealogy group chose to research the back story to an embroidered sampler bought at auction.

News for August 2024

More than 3.5m individuals added to trade directory collection

Books for August 2024

Yorkshire roots on t'internet, Tudor London and Cornish culture

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, London!

Saturday 5th October 2024
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 all day, held in a large lecture hall.
Free Experts on hand to help with your queries.
Many family history societies, archives and companies will be attending from all over the country.

Special Offer! Buy tickets for £8.00 (£12.00 on the day)

Buy your tickets early and get two for £12!

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.