Discover Your Ancestors

Issue 072

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A warm welcome to the April issue of Discover Your Ancestors Periodical, your monthly digital family and social history magazine.

There’s a busy year ahead: this year the summer months see three Discover Your Ancestors shows in different parts of England. Do turn to our news page on p26 to see details of the fantastic expert speakers now lined up. Also on that page, you’ll see the exciting news from our friends at TheGenealogist about their Map Explorer, which offers a unique and really interesting way to delve into your family history, or indeed conduct other research.

And of course Issue 8 of our bumper 196-page print edition is out now in WHSmith and available direct from us via discoveryourancestors.co.uk. Now I’ve run out of space to tell you about this really interesting issue of the Periodical! Do have a look below, and enjoy it.

Andrew Chapman, Editor

Articles

Changing landscapes

History is replete with examples of humans moving to uninhabited lands in order to pursue new opportunities. It was the case with the opening of North America to European settlers in the 1600s, the migration of leagues of people into continental Europe during the Migration Period beginning in the first century AD, and the movement of people across Europe thousands of years ago at the beginning of this latest interglacial warm period. All of these events were impacted by natural phenomena.

The Tale of a Family Tree

There can’t be many people in Britain who do not know the children’s books of Beatrix Potter and the characters that she created, such as Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and Squirrel Nutkin.

The business of crime at sea

Broadly speaking, a smuggler is a criminal who evades duty imposed upon legitimately imported goods or traffics in materials prohibited from either import or export.

Why we like crime

In 1928, an opinion piece in The Sketch newspaper debated what people liked to read in the press. The author noted:

We love to go a-wandering

The country rambles that millions of us enjoy today are only possible because earlier generations appreciated the unspoilt countryside, asserting their ‘right to roam’. Over time walking has developed from a niche, often challenging pastime into a popular leisure pursuit.

News for April 2019

TheGenealogist’s latest innovation helps you find an ancestor’s property and watch the landscape change over time. The team has georeferenced its Lloyd George Maps for Greater London which are available at launch, with further exciting developments planned for the coming months.

History in the details: Laces, Ribbons & Garters

Last month we considered how belts, girdles and braces have secured and improved the fit of clothes. Over time various types of fastening developed, and before buttons, elastic and modern zips were invented, many dress items utilised bands, garters, laces and ribbon ties.

Place in focus: Bath

Although Bath has signs of pre-Roman origin, the settlement primarily developed in Roman times as Aquae Sulis. A temple was constructed in 60–70 AD, and a bathing complex was built up over the next 300 years. After Roman times, the baths fell into disrepair.

Books for April 2019

This book introduces readers to the wealth of information available to those wishing to trace their North Staffordshire roots. Michael Sharpe gives a fascinating insight into the history of this part of the Midlands which was for so long dominated by the pottery industry. The six pottery towns Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Fenton and Longton are at the heart of the story. His handbook is an essential guide for anyone researching the life of an individual or family connected with the area, bringing together all the relevant local and national archives for the first time.

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.