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The British merchant service was renamed the Merchant Navy after World War 1 to mark the vital role its sailors played in wartime. That role continued in World War 2 as merchant ships carried troops a

To some of us, post-1945 seems like yesterday – but if you are a younger researcher, this era could encompass several generations of your ancestors. More recent research is an important part of everyo

QMargaret Woodhall (née Smithson), born c1827 Liverpool (according to the 1851 census), was the sister of my great grandfather, James Murray Smithson, born c1835 in Edinburgh. Their father was William

Dear Simon, The history of Pitman shorthand told by Angeline Wilcox in the July edition of Best of British (Write on Time) evoked so many memories. I was amazed to learn that Isaac Pitman actually cre

Before the Oxford City Police force was established in 1869, policing the city had been a joint operation between constables of the University of Oxford at night and constables of the city’s watch dur

It all started with an argument. One day in November 1951, Sir Hugh Beaver enjoyed a shooting session in County Wexford, south-east Ireland. The quarrel arose over a discussion which developed among S