Percival Boyd
Each month, we’ll be using this space to highlight notable members of the Society of Genealogists. We begin the series with one of the most well-known names among the Society’s shelves.
Sporting Ancestors
This summer has proved bountiful for fans of all kinds of sports. From the Euros to the cricket test matches, Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, Tour de France, and, of course, the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo from 23 July to 8 August, there is plenty to enjoy.
Memorial Cards
This month, we’ve launched the interim database of our Memorial Card Collection, donated by Phillip Jones. You are now able to search the full Memorial Card Collection of 4,500 and 8,500 digital images. Mourners sent the cards after the loss of a loved one to distant family members, friends and neighbours announcing the death and giving details of the funeral. Cards like these can be used to build a family tree.
International Lighthouse Heritage Weekend
International Lighthouse Heritage Weekend is celebrated between 20 and 21 August. The event aims to raise the profile of lighthouses, lightvessels and other navigational aids, and promote maritime heritage. At the Society of Genealogists, we are marking the weekend by exploring our collection of Trinity House Petitions. Our Library holds copies of around 8,000 calendared petitions. If you have an ancestor who worked as a lighthouse keeper, seaman, or river pilot, in the Calendar of Trinity House petitions (1787-1854), you can use these details to order a digital copy.
UKDHM: Researching Disabled Ancestors
UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual event focused on the history of the disabled struggle for equality and human rights. Disability History Month began in 2010 and runs from 22 November to 22 December every year. As genealogists, we can support UKDHM by researching members of our own families who had disabilities and examining how they were represented and when their rights were denied. One resource that can be particularly useful for this research is the census.
How to search for Birth, Marriage and Death certificates 1/2
Discover our in-depth guide to Birth, Marriage and Death certificates.
Anglican Parish Registers and their Finding Aids
Discover Anglican Parish Registers in this in-depth guide.
Nonconformist Records
Who were the non-conformists, and what records detail their lives?
How to use Probate Records
Where there’s a Will there’s a way! Discover in-depth probate record guidance here.
Probate Research: A Quick Guide to Executors
Where there’s a Will there’s a way! Enjoy this quick guide to executors.