Discover Your Ancestors

Issue 007

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Welcome again to Discover Your Ancestors Periodical, your regular package of fascinating social history and useful family history research advice.

In this issue we explore the background to English militia, tied in with an important collection of 18th century militia records which has just gone online. We also voyage aboard the SS Great Britain, a landmark (seamark?) work of engineering by Brunel and a ship which played a key role in the lives of many migrants to both America and Australia – this is the first of a new occasional series showcasing unusual and interesting archives. We also have a guide to women’s fashion in Edwardian times – when it sounds like it took most of the day to get dressed! All that plus our regulars – and a new feature at the back where we list major history-themed events and festivals. If you’re involved in organising any of these, do let us know.

As ever, I hope you enjoy the issue – please tell us if there are specific subjects you’d like to see covered in future.

Andrew Chapman, Editor.

Articles

The Back-up Brigades

The tradition of militias in England, providing a reserve force of non-professional soldiers in times of crisis, dates back to Anglo-Saxon times. By the 16th century, the militia had become an important institution in English life. Now the largest collection of militia records available online has been released at www.thegenealogist.co.uk, and could help you explore your 18th century ancestors.

Petty crimes?

Petty sessions were, until 1971, the lowest level of the criminal justice system in the country. They evolved out of the increased workload of magistrates at Quarter Sessions during the 18th century, which led to extra sessions being held in the magistrates’ local area to deal with minor offences and local administration by way of summary jurisdiction - meaning that cases could be determined by two or more magistrates without a jury.

Grande dame of the seas

Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain is one of the most important historic ships in the world. When she was launched in 1843, she was called “the greatest experiment since the creation"

Ladies with many layers

It is 1910. The first year of a new decade. in a nice mid-terrace house ‘Mrs Average’, a nice middle-aged, middle-class woman, is getting dressed for the day.

Place in Focus - Lancashire

Lancashire - sometimes known as the County of Lancaster - was founded in the 12th century. During the Industrial Revolution it emerged from being a sparsely populated agricultural area as a major commercial and industrial region. The county encompassed several hundred mill towns and collieries.

November 2013s books

Britain’s most well-known house historian investigates the stories behind our most famous streets and squares. An array of medieval lanes, Georgian crescents and Victorian squares make an appearance, together with the people famous, infamous and unfamiliar who designed, built and lived in them.

Break the Brick Walls: Parish Birth Records

Parish registers are vital sources to explore back before civil registration and censuses. Tracking down and interpreting parish baptism entries can, however, prove frustrating.

What's new in November

Archives across the UK and Ireland are holding a range of talks and events, and online and in-house exhibitions during the week of 16-22 November to highlight their collections.

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.