This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: tanyalang Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.england.som.general/12955.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Thanks. It's certainly the most likely candidate. However, there is also a christening in October 1819 and one in 1820. The problem is that there is no mention of when any of these children were born. I think that the 1818 date is the date of her christening, though I or the index might be mistaken (I just looked it up on familysearch.org). Another of my ancestors was born in 1818 but not christened until 1824, so it is possible that Mary was born in, say, 1818, but not christened until several years later. Something to check up on, I guess. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. PRIVACY STATEMENT http://www.thegenerationsnetwork.com/default.aspx?html=pp We do not sell, rent or otherwise distribute the personal information you provide us to third party advertisers. Don't want to receive this email anymore? No problem. It's easy to unsubscribe altogether or change your email preferences. Click here to unsubscribe from all message board alerts: http://www.ancestry.com/unsubscribe/?eml=ENG-SOMERSET-L@rootsweb.com&md5=&mb=1 To change your preferences log in to My Ancestry and go to the 'my alerts' section. http://www.ancestry.com/t9760/e2008070604313100495735380159/rd.ashx You can contact us at: The Generations Network, Inc., 360 West 4800 North, Provo, UT 84604, Attn: Customer Service.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: christinewest54 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.england.som.general/12955.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I have found a Mary Hill born 22.03.1818 in the parish of St James, Bristol. Parents John and Sarah Hill Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. PRIVACY STATEMENT http://www.thegenerationsnetwork.com/default.aspx?html=pp We do not sell, rent or otherwise distribute the personal information you provide us to third party advertisers. Don't want to receive this email anymore? No problem. It's easy to unsubscribe altogether or change your email preferences. Click here to unsubscribe from all message board alerts: http://www.ancestry.com/unsubscribe/?eml=ENG-SOMERSET-L@rootsweb.com&md5=&mb=1 To change your preferences log in to My Ancestry and go to the 'my alerts' section. http://www.ancestry.com/t9760/e2008070604185500495735380159/rd.ashx You can contact us at: The Generations Network, Inc., 360 West 4800 North, Provo, UT 84604, Attn: Customer Service.

Hi there, I am a returning member from Canada having taken a respite for a while from all mailing lists for my ancestral interests. However, since taking that respite I have received a copy of an obituary for one of my great granduncles and have learned that my Brewer ancestors are descended from a long line of Somerset yeoman farmers. There is a monument in Chard Church to one ancestor, William Brewer. The inscription reads in part: 'Here lyeth interred (expecting their Saviour) the bodies of William Brewer, of Chard, phisitian, and Deanes, his wife, who living forty years in happy wedlock, in full age departed this life, shee dying 8th November, 1614, hee 24th July 1816, having issue only six sons and five daughters, all men and women growne and all comforts to them.' Does anyone out there have any info on these Brewers? Vicki

Hello Betty, I've transcribed some of the records for Kingsbury Episcopi, but not for the time period that you are interested in. At the marriage of your William HUMPHRY and Betty FRY, the witnesses are Samuel HUPHRY and Hannh FRY (typed as written) - which could suggest a family link. I was hoping to find that the witnesses for the two marriages on the 05 March 1781 would be significant, they both have James HUMPHRY and Wm GLOVER as witnesses. Samuel HUMPHRY is of the parish of Drayton and all the other people getting married are of Kingsbury Episcopi. I have access to a transcription of the baptisms by Geoff Hallett that may be of use. In the transcription there are no baptisms for the FRY girls. There are baptisms for some HUMPHRY/HUMPHREY boys: Born 13 Oct 1745 Wm HUMPHRY Wm and Sus <there appears be missing records for 1747-1752> 08 Feb 1754 Samuel HUMPHREY Wm and Sus 26 Mar 1773 Thos HUMPHRY James & Elizabeth (too late to be the Thomas below unless baptised as an adult) Two baptisms that could be the children of your William HUMPHREY and Betty FRY: 06 Nov 1776 William HUMPHRY William & Betty 28 Jan 1789 Hannah HUMPHRY William & Betty Yours Sarah Hawkins http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sarahhawkins/ On 6 Jul 2008 at 12:46, Betty Lark wrote: > Hello Listers, I am new to this list, my name is Betty Lark born St.Albans, Hrt. many moons ago, my parents and I emigrated to NZ 1952. My father's family come from Frome & Bath Somerset, also Bristol Gloucester. > > Please is there a HUMPHREY or FRY family researcher that can help with this little problem. > > I have William HUMPHREY bap.c1750- m. 14 Dec 1773 Betty FRY these are my 5XGt.Grandparents > then there is a Thomas HUMPHREY bap c.1759-1829 m.5 Mch 1781 Rebecca FRY. > Also Samuel HUMPHREY bapc.1760 m. 5 Mch 1781 Hannah FRY. > All 3 marriages were at Episcopi Kingsbury, Somerset. > > I know that Samuel & Hannah HUMPHREY (nee FRY) went to USA. > > Question 1. Where these by any chance 3 HUMPHREY brothers? > > 2. Where these also FRY sisters? > > Thanks so much for any help that anyone can give me it is much appreciated. > Regards > Betty Lark > Richmond, Nelson, NZ > > Research names: DARK, FOX, HODDINOTT, HAZARD, HUMPHREY, LEWIS, MANLEY, REES, VENMAN, > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ENG-SOMERSET-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 3244 (20080705) __________ > > The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. > > http://www.eset.com > >

Is anyone else researching this name? If so, I would be pleased to make contact -- Jim - http://www.payman.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk Owner - Somerset Hundreds Groups (Contact Off List for Details) see also: http://www.fromeresearch.org.uk and http://www.opcdorset.com

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: ELLinSpain Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.england.som.general/12954.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hello Are you seeking info or rellies? Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. PRIVACY STATEMENT http://www.thegenerationsnetwork.com/default.aspx?html=pp We do not sell, rent or otherwise distribute the personal information you provide us to third party advertisers. Don't want to receive this email anymore? No problem. It's easy to unsubscribe altogether or change your email preferences. Click here to unsubscribe from all message board alerts: http://www.ancestry.com/unsubscribe/?eml=ENG-SOMERSET-L@rootsweb.com&md5=&mb=1 To change your preferences log in to My Ancestry and go to the 'my alerts' section. http://www.ancestry.com/t9760/e2008070512435300495735380159/rd.ashx You can contact us at: The Generations Network, Inc., 360 West 4800 North, Provo, UT 84604, Attn: Customer Service.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: tanyalang Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.england.som.general/12955/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Mary Hill was born c. 1818, in Bristol. She was sentenced in 1835 in the Bristol Quarter Sessions for receiving stolen goods and was sentenced to seven years transportation to Australia. Later, in Australia, she married twice, the first time to Thomas Bishop and the second to my ancestor George Tickell. I am looking for any information on the family she left behind in England, in particular the name of her parents. Thanks in advance. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. PRIVACY STATEMENT http://www.thegenerationsnetwork.com/default.aspx?html=pp We do not sell, rent or otherwise distribute the personal information you provide us to third party advertisers. Don't want to receive this email anymore? No problem. It's easy to unsubscribe altogether or change your email preferences. Click here to unsubscribe from all message board alerts: http://www.ancestry.com/unsubscribe/?eml=ENG-SOMERSET-L@rootsweb.com&md5=&mb=1 To change your preferences log in to My Ancestry and go to the 'my alerts' section. http://www.ancestry.com/t9760/e2008070506534300495735380159/rd.ashx You can contact us at: The Generations Network, Inc., 360 West 4800 North, Provo, UT 84604, Attn: Customer Service.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: creekmandy Surnames: Chapman Stokes Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.england.som.general/12954/mb.ashx Message Board Post: My G Grandfather was Albert Chapman 1891 who married Sarah Margaret Mizen in 1912 in Neath. My GG Grandfather was Albert Chapman Stokes born c1863 who married Mary Harper in 1882 in Axbridge. My GGG Grandfather was William Chapman Stokes. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. PRIVACY STATEMENT http://www.thegenerationsnetwork.com/default.aspx?html=pp We do not sell, rent or otherwise distribute the personal information you provide us to third party advertisers. Don't want to receive this email anymore? No problem. It's easy to unsubscribe altogether or change your email preferences. Click here to unsubscribe from all message board alerts: http://www.ancestry.com/unsubscribe/?eml=ENG-SOMERSET-L@rootsweb.com&md5=&mb=1 To change your preferences log in to My Ancestry and go to the 'my alerts' section. http://www.ancestry.com/t9760/e2008070414375500495735380159/rd.ashx You can contact us at: The Generations Network, Inc., 360 West 4800 North, Provo, UT 84604, Attn: Customer Service.

Hi Peter, I am guessing that you don't have access to all the Census information at Ancestry.com. The reason I say that is because I found your Jane and Reuben BROOKS from 1841 through to 1871 with more than six children. I also found Jane as a widow from 1881 to 1901. Incidentally, Albertina was not their youngest child. Kate was aged 4 in the 1871 census three years younger than Albertina. Kate married James Aikman in 1889. I also found Jane's and Reuben's marriage on www.freebmd.org and if you purchase the certificate you should be able to find out Jane's father at least. I found quite a few POOLEs in Trent in the censuses. I also found Kate and Albertina who were both in service in 1881. Kate married James Aikman in 1889. I have copied all the census transcriptions below. Let me know if you would like the census images sent off list. >From the census details below it would appear Jane and Reuben had 11 children. Eli born 1840 Daniel 1841 Charles 1844 John 1847 Mary Jane Lydia 1850 William James 1851 Anna M 1853 George 1856 Eliza A 1860 Albertina 1864 Kate 1867 Cheers Dallas Surname First name(s) District Vol Page ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Marriages Dec 1839 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- BROOKS John Sherborne 8 171 BROOKS Maria Sherborne 8 171 BROOKS Reuben Sherborne 8 171 COLLINS Harriet Sherborne 8 171 POOLE Jane Sherborne 8 171 SKEATES George Sherborne 8 171 1841 England Census Name: Jane Brooks Age: 20 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1821 Gender: Female Where born: Somerset, England Civil Parish: Trent Hundred: Horethorne County/Island: Somerset Registration district: Sherborne Sub registration district: Bradford Abbas Neighbors: View others on page Household Members: Name Age Eli Brooks 1 Jane Brooks 20 Reuben Brooks 20 1851 England Census Name: Jane Brooks Age: 33 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1818 Relation: Wife Spouse's Name: Reuben Gender: Female Where born: Trent, Somerset, England Civil Parish: Turnworth County/Island: Dorset Registration district: Blandford Sub registration district: Milton Abbas ED, institution, or vessel: 1 Neighbors: View others on page Household schedule number: 7 Household Members: Name Age Charles Brooks 7 Daniel Brooks 9 Jane Brooks 33 John Brooks 4 Mary Jane Lydia Brooks 1 Reuben Brooks 33 Wm James Brooks 1 Mo 1861 England Census Name: Jane Brooks Age: 42 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1819 Relation: Wife Spouse's Name: Reuben Gender: Female Where born: Trent, Somerset, England Civil Parish: Trent County/Island: Somerset Registration district: Sherborne Sub registration district: Bradford Abbas ED, institution, or vessel: 3 Neighbors: View others on page Household schedule number: 8 Household Members: Name Age Anna M Brooks 8 Daniel Brooks 19 Eliza A Brooks 1 George Brooks 5 Jane Brooks 42 John Brooks 14 Mary J L Brooks 11 Reuben Brooks 42 William J Brooks 10 1871 England Census Name: Jane Brooks Age: 53 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1818 Relation: Wife Spouse's Name: Reuben Gender: Female Where born: Trent, Somerset, England Civil Parish: Trent Ecclesiastical parish: Bath and Wells Town: Trent County/Island: Somerset Country: England Registration district: Sherborne Sub registration district: Bradford Abbas ED, institution, or vessel: 3 Household schedule number: 13 Household Members: Name Age Albertina Brooks 7 George Brooks 15 James Brooks 20 Jane Brooks 53 Kate Brooks 4 Reuben Brooks 53 1881 England Census Name: George Brooks Age: 25 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1856 Relation: Son Parent's Name: John Gender: Male Where born: Trint, Somerset, England Civil Parish: Enfield County/Island: Middlesex Street address: 6 Bawdsey Terc Halifax Rd Occupation: Printers Compositor Registration district: Edmonton Sub registration district: Enfield ED, institution, or vessel: 4 Neighbors: View others on page Household Members: Name Age George Brooks 25 John Brooks 63 (This is really Jane) John Brooks 33 1881 England Census Name: Albertina E. Brooks Age: 17 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1864 Relation: Servant Gender: Female Where born: Trent, Somerset, England Civil Parish: Trent County/Island: Somerset Street address: The Rectory Occupation: Servant Registration district: Sherborne Sub registration district: Bradford Abbas ED, institution, or vessel: 3 Neighbors: View others on page Household Members: Name Age Francis Beaton 19 Albertina E. Brooks 17 Magdalene A. Gandy 27 Charles R. Tate 66 Harry R. Tate 10 Joseph G. Tate 5 Lucy Tate 12 Mary E. Tate 23 Sophia E.R. Tate 47 Sophia H. Tate 14 1881 England Census Name: Kate Brooks Age: 15 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1866 Relation: Servant Gender: Female Where born: Trent, Somerset, England Civil Parish: Enfield County/Island: Middlesex Country: England Street address: Silver St Occupation: Housemaid Serv Registration district: Edmonton Sub registration district: Enfield ED, institution, or vessel: 3 Neighbors: View others on page Household Members: Name Age Kate Brooks 15 Charlotte Collins 38 Lillian Lewis 21 Arthur C. Whitaker 12 Cuthbert Whitaker 7 Edith D. Whitaker 22 Ethel B. Whitaker 17 Jessie Whitaker 32 Joseph Whitaker 60 Winifred Whitaker 9 1891 England Census Name: Jane Brooks Age: 75 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1816 Relation: Head Gender: Female Where born: Trent, Somerset, England Civil Parish: Enfield Ecclesiastical parish: St Andrews Town: Enfield County/Island: Middlesex Registration district: Edmonton Sub registration district: Enfield ED, institution, or vessel: 5 Neighbors: View others on page Household Members: Name Age George Brooks 35 Hannah M Brooks 37 Jane Brooks 75 Surname First name(s) District Vol Page ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Marriages Jun 1889 (>99%) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Aikman James Lambeth 1d 573 BROOKS Kate Lambeth 1d 573 Cooper Frederick Lambeth 1d 573 Hall Mary Ann Lambeth 1d 573 1891 England Census Name: Kate Aikman Age: 25 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1866 Relation: Wife Spouse's Name: James Gender: Female Where born: Trent, Somerset, England Civil Parish: Lambeth Ecclesiastical parish: St Andrew County/Island: London Registration district: Lambeth Sub registration district: Brixton ED, institution, or vessel: 11 Neighbors: View others on page Household Members: Name Age James Aikman 26 Kate Aikman 25 Mary O Aikman 1 Richard Kneeshaw 27 William Moodie 24 1901 England Census Name: Kate Aikman Age: 35 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1866 Relation: Wife Spouse's Name: James Gender: Female Where born: Trent, Somerset, England Civil Parish: Lambeth Ecclesiastical parish: St Andrew Stockwell County/Island: London Registration district: Lambeth Sub registration district: Brixton ED, institution, or vessel: 12 Neighbors: View others on page Household schedule number: 116A Household Members: Name Age Annie K Aikman 4 James Aikman 36 James Aikman 9 Kate Aikman 35 Mary Aikman 11 -----Original Message----- From: Peter Gawn [mailto:pgawn@dccnet.com] Sent: Friday, 4 July 2008 09:38 AM To: Somerset List Subject: [ENG-SOM] POOLE, Trent. Hi Christine, Jane Poole was the great grandmother of my wife Joan MADDOCK (1931-2000). I don't have any information on her parents or siblings. Jane and Reuben BROOKS had, as far as I know, six children. The youngest, Albertina Elizabeth BROOKS, born Trent Sep 24 1863, married Samuel MADDOCK in Enfield, Middlesex Dec 26 1889. He was born in Longbridge Deverill, Wilts, Sep 11 1863. His father worked in Jupe's silk mill in Crockerton, Wilts. Samuel trained as a pupil teacher and was a schoolmaster when he married Albertina; she was in service. Any interest? Peter Gawn Sechelt, B.C., Canada.

Hi Christine, Jane Poole was the great grandmother of my wife Joan MADDOCK (1931-2000). I don't have any information on her parents or siblings. Jane and Reuben BROOKS had, as far as I know, six children. The youngest, Albertina Elizabeth BROOKS, born Trent Sep 24 1863, married Samuel MADDOCK in Enfield, Middlesex Dec 26 1889. He was born in Longbridge Deverill, Wilts, Sep 11 1863. His father worked in Jupe's silk mill in Crockerton, Wilts. Samuel trained as a pupil teacher and was a schoolmaster when he married Albertina; she was in service. Any interest? Peter Gawn Sechelt, B.C., Canada. Does anyone have any connection with the Poole family of Trent? I am > researching Joseph Poole, an agricultural labourer born in Trent circa > 1786, and his daughter Jane, born circa 1818. I have census info on a > Joseph Poole of Trent and his children, but I don't know if this is the > same one. Jane was already married to Reuben Brooks by the time of the > 1841 census and not living with her parents. If it is the same Joseph, > then Jane would probably have been his eldest child. > Hope someone can help! > Thanks, Christine

Hi Looking for information on John CLOTHIER 1808-1875. The information I have is as follows: Born about 1808 in Ditcheat, Somerset, England Married Mary (?last name possibly FLAGG, 1810-1845) Children Joseph (1830), Hannah (or Anna 1832), John (1835) Emma (1836), Jabez (1838) Married after Mary's death - Elizabeth HOCKEY (1817) Children Amy Ann (1849) Mary A (1850) Elizabeth A (1852) Eliza A (1853) Hester Ann (1854) Thomas (1856) Sarah A (1856) I have John in the 1841, 1851, 1861 and 1871 Census record I am looking for confirmation of his birth, marriage to Mary, and info on his parents. Thanks Leesa

Have an old postcard of The Ship... must look it out.... Porlock or Porlock Weir...old being early 1900s I guess.... thanks for reminding me!!! Had my honeymoon in Porlock in 1972... and walked all over Exmoor.... Adele Pentony-Graham(ex LOndoner now a kiwi!) Carterton District Early Settlers Researcher Carterton Cemetery Clareville Taphophile Group

Hello List I have no real problem with the camera charge as long as it really does stay low but I am surprised that the RO is not considering installing an overhead digital camera system for copying all documents ( except fiche and microfilm ) - much less damaging and more flexible than a photocopier, with image viewable on a VDU before it is printed. When we have a copy made by or at the RO they retain the copyright ; but I presume that if we pay to take a photo of part of a document we then hold the copyrighht on our photo. If so that is good news. Can anyone confirm this? Ian L

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: nadineburns1 Surnames: Norman Classification: lookup Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.england.som.general/12951.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Thanks so much - I'll give that a try! Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

Hi Leesa, Henry CLOTHIER married Mary PAINTER on 2 Apr 1804 at Ditcheat. Witnesses James Mogg, William Pippen. Eliza born 22 Jul 1805 baptised 1 Sep 1805 *John born 24 Jun 1807 baptised 2 Aug 1807 Eliza born 4 Oct 1809 baptised 25 Dec 1809 Thomas born 30 Mar 1812 baptised 3 May 1812 buried 28 Jul 1812 aged 4 months Jane baptised 22 Jan 1815 Henry baptised 10 Jun 1824 *John CLOTHIER married Mary FLAGG on 26 Oct 1828 at Ditcheat. Witnesses Wm. Thompson, george Gould. A William CLOTHIER married Jane HIGGINS on 10 jun 1824 at Ditcheat. Witnesses James Pond. Wm Pippen Jnr. A Thomas ClOTHIER aged 20 father Henry, thatcher, married Jane HOBBS on 13 Jan 1842 at Ditcheat. Witnesses Wm. Rimes, Wm. Thompson. A George CLOTHIER aged 21 father Henry, married Elizabeth COX aged 20 father William, on 22 Apr 1841 at Ditcheat. Witnesses Mary Ann Cox, Wm. Thompson. A Mary CLOTHIER was buried at Ditcheat on 7 Feb 1835 aged 54 years. Abode Alhampton. Henry CLOTHIER, widower, married Hannah CHINNOCK, widow, on 26 Dec 1836 at Ditcheat. Witnesses Thomas White, Wm. Thompson. In the 1851 Census Henry CLOTHIER is shown as a lodger aged 72, married born Ditcheat, a thatcher, in the house of Martha CORP, Head, aged 60. Others in the house are James CORP son, aged 32 born East Cranmore, George CORP aged 15 born Ditcheat, John CHINNOCK, relative aged 6 born Ditcheat. Hope this helps you. Peggy

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: kikifrog Surnames: Poole, Brooks Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.england.som.general/12953/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Does anyone have any connection with the Poole family of Trent? I am researching Joseph Poole, an agricultural labourer born in Trent circa 1786, and his daughter Jane, born circa 1818. I have census info on a Joseph Poole of Trent and his children, but I don't know if this is the same one. Jane was already married to Reuben Brooks by the time of the 1841 census and not living with her parents. If it is the same Joseph, then Jane would probably have been his eldest child. Hope someone can help! Thanks, Christine Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: ELLinSpain Surnames: Classification: lookup Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.england.som.general/12951.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hello if you look at http://www.somerset.gov.uk/archives/guides/yosomfam.htm regarding QUARTER SESSIONS RECORDS (court records) if you contact them, explaining your distance, they well be able to give you some info Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

Hi to all of the good people on this list: I am new to this list but I have been on a few other lists . I am a retired pipefitter , I spent most of my life in Philadelphia Pa. Now I live in West Palm Beach Florida with my wife Rose . Rose and I have been married for 58 years, I say because of her good cooking. I would like to hear from anyone searching the name Clifton , I have a very large data base of Clifton family mostly from Devon and Cornwall. -- Cousin Jack Clifton in sunny Florida

> Michael Walsby wrote: >> rbccstrr@aol.co.uk wrote: >>> I think Bob has hit on the central point...free public access... >>> not to the buildings, but to the records themselves. These are >>> public records. The public owns them, the archives conserve them >>> and make them accessible > > -> Charani wrote : >> Actually the public doesn't own them. That is an urban myth, I'm >> afraid. They belong to the diocese who allows access to them and they >> date from a time when Church and State went hand in hand, rather than >> be two very separate entities as they are today. > > But Anglican parish registers & wills are only part of the archives. > What about all > the rest - > e.g. Quarter sessions documents, > Manorial records, > Nonconformist records, > Local Authority records (to which we have a legal democratic right to > access) > Commercial records, > Academic researches, > Material depostied by families because they contain information of wider > interest, > etc. > > And not forgetting material deposited by genealogists to help fellow > genealogists in > the future (to which we all owe a debt). > > So ?2 a day is not excessive, but once a principle is breached, how soon > before it > rises to, say, ?10 a day ? > > Concerning Anglican church records, I can see the argument concerning > access to their > modern records kept at a church, but going back before, say, 1837, our > ancestors had > no choice but to marry in church (unless they were Quakers or Jews) or to > accept the > church's authority over wills, to pay church rates, etc. Any claim that > these are > not effectively "public" records should be strongly resisted. > > Michael Walsby > Even £10 a day is not unreasonable. When it costs me £5 to go to the cinema or closer to this topic, £80.00 in fuel to drive to the archive, £10.00 for a 8 hour day's access is reasonable. Whether the records are public or private they cost money to store and to access and we should not be afraid to recognise that or to pay our dues to our community and hobby. Bob

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: kathybrownlamm Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.england.som.general/12946.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Thank you for the info. I will give her a try. Kathy Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.