Given by Eugene Edge III.

This book is an essential handbook for those researching their ancestry in the counties of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset and the city of Bristol. It begins with an introduction to the identity of The West Country, its geography and history over the centuries. It then guides family historians through the wealth of historical records available both online and in archives and libraries in order to add the flesh to the bones of the names of ancestors on their family trees.West Country expert Kirsty Gray highlights fascinating details that can be uncovered about the places where our ancestors lived, their occupations and the distinctive features, identity and character of the West Country itself. She provides case studies of some notable individuals from the counties as well as records of those individuals who never hit the headlines.This practical and informative guide is a must have for readers wishing to find out more about all aspects of life in this area of England.

This accessible, well-organized, easy-to-use beginners guide to the world of family history is essential reading for anyone who wants to find their way into this fascinating subject. In a series of short, practical chapters Simon Fowler takes readers through all the first steps that will reveal the lives of their ancestors and the world they lived in. He looks at every aspect of research, from finding family papers and interviewing relatives, through exploring websites, archives, newspapers and directories, to all the other sources that can throw a light into the past. In a clear, straightforward way he explains how vital records of births, marriages and deaths can be used as the starting point in a sequence of eye-opening family detective work. Simon Fowlers introduction, which is founded on a career of genealogical research and writing, is an indispensable basic book for anyone entering in the field.

"Sue Wilkes’s accessible and informative handbook outlines Lancashire’s history and describes the origins of its major industries - cotton, coal, transport, engineering, shipbuilding and others. She looks at the stories of important Lancashire families such as the Stanleys, Molyneuxs and Egertons, and famous entrepreneurs such as Richard Arkwright, in order to illustrate aspects of Lancashire life and to show how the many sources available for family and local history research can be used. Relevant documents, specialist archives and libraries, background reading and other sources are recommended throughout this practical book. Also included is a directory of Lancashire archives, libraries and academic repositories, as well as databases of family history societies, useful genealogy websites, and places to visit which bring Lancashire’s past to life"--Book jacket.

The Georgian period 1714 to 1837 was a key stage in our modern history so some understanding of it is essential for family historians who want to push their research back into the eighteenth century and beyond, and John Wintrip's handbook is an invaluable introduction to it. In a sequence of concise, insightful chapters he focuses on those aspects of the period that are particularly relevant to genealogical research and he presents a detailed guide to the variety of sources that readers can consult as they pursue their research.While fewer sources are available than for more recent history, obstacles in the way of further research can often be overcome through knowledge of a wide range of sources and a greater understanding the historical context, together with the use of sound research techniques. So the author provides not only a historical overview of relevant topics but he also describes the records of the period in detail.This expert guide to researching the Georgians will open up the field for experienced researchers and for newcomers alike.

An exciting new addition to any family historian's library, Family History: Digging Deeper will take your research to the next level. Joined by a team of expert genealogists, Simon Fowler covers a range of topics and provides clear advice for the intermediate genealogist. Helping you push back the barriers, this book details how to utilise the internet in your research and suggests some unusual archives and records which might just transform your research. It will teach you about genealogical traditions, variants of family history around the world and even the abuse of genealogy by the Nazis. It will help you understand current developments in DNA testing, new resources and digitised online material. Problem-solving sections are also included to help tackle common difficulties and provide answers to the brick walls often reached when researching one's ancestors. If you want to dig deeper into your family tree and the huge array of records available, then this book is for you.

Discover your roots! Everything you need to start your Irish ancestry is in this book. You'll learn how to investigate the various generation of your family, the events that shaped their lives, the details about how they lived, and the story of their emigration.Inside you'll find: • Guidelines for determining an Irish ancestor's place of origin • Advice for accessing Irish cemetery, land, church, estate, census, and military records • Civil registration of births, marriages and deaths as well as emigration lists • Sources and strategies for researching Irish ancestors that settled in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Wales, and the Caribbean Plus answers to common questions: How far back in time can you expect to trace your family; and how does Protestant Irish research differ from Catholic Irish research?