Orphanage applications, 1828–1840

This World Mental Health Day (10 October), take a moment to reflect on the experiences of our ancestors who were mentally ill. How were they looked after, and where? Before the mid-18th century, the U

Eccentric, awe-inspiring and a home-from-home for literary giants, the London Library is an institution like no other and anyone can join it. As it celebrates 180 years in St James’s Square, Emma Hughes steps inside

KATHERINE COBB is a member of AGRA based in Somerset REBECCA PROBERT is professor of law at the University of Exeter STEVE THOMAS is a genealogist with over 20 years’ experience PHIL TOMASELLI is a mi

Dear Simon, I have only just got around to reading your June issue with its piece by Cardinal Cox about the relatively modern origins of some supposedly old customs. He refers to Lady Raglan and the G

The summer has seen the publication of a wealth of new architectural books. John Goodall offers a round-up of some recent titles that have caught his eye

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