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Matt Elton How do the kinds of records created now and in the recent past differ from those left in previous centuries? Jane Winters Records and sources now come in a whole range of formats. In some c

Many sailors made wills before departing, knowing that accidents and disease meant there was a significant chance they may not return. However, fraud was common (forged wills were used to claim unpaid

This is one in a series of articles; the intention is to provide an overview of useful family and local history records in existence, covering the period 1066-1485. Each article can be enjoyed as a st

From the mid-16th century, anyone running an inn or alehouse needed permission from the justices of the peace. Later, landlords were required to pledge not to allow disorderly conduct in their establi

What responsibilities should we bear in mind when researching and preserving our family history in the current age? It’s a question that many of us will not give a moment’s thought to when getting sta

Recently, at the Western Cape Archives in Cape Town, South Africa, I had to suppress my tears as I finally read the horrifying details about my late mother’s tragically cruel early childhood. Iris Ale