Discover Your Ancestors

Issue 015

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Welcome to Discover Your Ancestors Periodical.

It would be hard to miss that this month marks the start of the centenary of World War One, given the astonishing range of events, websites and exhibitions to mark this –many of which will continue over the next few years, of course.

We’re not going to bombard you with WW1 content in the Periodical, as I think there are so many other subjects that one should cover too, but we will of course bring you a careful selection of articles on the subject as the months roll by – this month looking at useful data on Great War deaths and the wider statistics of that most awful of conflicts. ‘Reflection’ is something of a theme in this issue, as we have two articles on not-dissimilar subjects: the role of mirrors and of sunglasses in our ancestors’ lives. With a look at Anglo-Indian research, our cover topic of recreational and medicinal drugtaking and more besides, we have the usual diverse mix of subjects!

I’m starting to think about what to put in our next print edition, too – but don’t forget Issue 3 is still alive and well in newsagents around the world, and available direct from us at discoveryourancestors.co.uk.

Andrew Chapman, Editor.

Articles

Tracing the Tiger

Opium has been known since ancient times. It became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries to treat ailments, give pleasure, and satisfy addiction. Thomas De Quincey (1785-1859), author of Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, was actually an opium drinker since he preferred laudanum – typically opium dissolved in alcohol. Chinese immigrants helped spread the custom of smoking opium or ‘chasing the tiger’.

Lest we forget...

This month of course marks the start of the centenary of World War One, and there are hundreds of events around Britain and beyond to mark it. Here we focus on what one key British institution is doing...

Family Reflections

With the double function of allowing one to see (and adorn) oneself, and decorating one’s home, mirrors were a popular and aspirational item of furniture in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, and may be among items you have inherited from your ancestors.

Were they in India?

Do you have ancestors who have mysteriously disappeared? Have you considered that they may be among the estimated 3 million persons of British origin who lived in India?

From Store to War

Popular data website TheGenealogist.co.uk has released more than 650,000 records of 'other ranks’ who died in World War One, taken from War Office publications. The new records further enhance the already significant military collections available at the site, which include Roll of Honour records, unique casualty lists, prisoner of war records (see last month’s issue of the Periodical), regimental records and war memorial lists - making it the perfect place to start researching your ancestors who fought a century ago.

Graphic conflict

Explore World War One as never before in stunningly designed infographics. From the weapons used to the men on the ground, this fascinating new approach offers informative, easy-to-digest facts about WW1 that can be understood and pored over by people of all ages.

Finding the Freemasons

Freemasonry likely has its origins in the 14th century and local fraternities of stonemasons, which existed to regulate the trade. However, modern freemasonry can be traced from the later 1600s.

July 2014's books

Aerial intelligence, pioneered during World War One, was an essential tool of both Allied and Axis powers during World War Two. Most people are well aware of the importance of strategic bombing or the role of the RAF and its adversary, the Luftwaffe. The story of aerial intelligence during WW2 is perhaps less well known, though certainly no less important

Place in Focus - Wiltshire

The county of Wiltshire – named after its former county town of Wilton and in turn the River Wylye – was formed in Saxon times, although the huge number of prehistoric remains (most notably Avebury, Silbury Hill and Stonehenge) are testament to its far older settlement. The Normans’ Domesday Survey mentioned 40 hundreds, almost half of which remain barely altered today.

History in the Details: Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a relatively modern fashion, yet experiments with eye protectors and shaded lenses extend far back in time. The earliest surviving protective eye-shields are primitive walrus ivory 'goggles’ with narrow slits, worn by prehistoric Inuit peoples of the Arctic to reduce exposure of their eyes to sunlight. Later, the Roman Emperor Nero reputedly watched gladiatorial fights through polished emeralds held to his eyes.

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.

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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.