"Genealogically and historically, Kent is an important maritime county which has played a prime defensive role in English history. It is large and diverse and replete with great houses, castles and other family homes, many with their own archives. It is also a fascinating area of research for family and local historians, and David Wright's handbook is the perfect guide to it. |
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Heritage Family History - March 2016
Notable scholar Dr David Wright is among the most experienced of Kent genealogists and his previously published guides on Kent records are already core sources of reference for research in Kent, together with his valuable online probate indexes. His latest book Tracing Your Kent Ancestors is a one of a growing collection of genealogy books focusing on individual counties published by Pen & Sword.
A fascinating 14 page history provides the researcher with a concise yet comprehensive history of the county and acts as useful background material. A chapter entitled ‘Preliminaries’ provides general tips for searching, advice on the evolution of surnames and place names and a range of general research tips, nicely illustrated with examples from his own family history. Dr Wright then describes the principal basic sources, such as census returns and probate records before proceeding to introduce the researcher to a comprehensive range of other record sources which will aid him at every stage of his research. This includes records held at Kent record offices and at The National Archives and will provide even the more experienced researcher with food for thought.
Greater detail about certain online sources, including the pros and cons of using Findmypast’s Kent collections would perhaps have been beneficial and the real benefit of this book will be for anyone preparing for archival research. Here Dr Wright’s intimate knowledge of local archives is a real boon. We learn about many precious local indexes and about survival rates for records in different parts of the county. He also provides many useful local listings, such as that pinpointing the locations and dates of Kent’s nonconformist chapels, as well as a fascinating section on local trades and industries. A useful aid is the map and corresponding gazetteer listing all Kentish parishes and workhouse unions, noting too where original parish material for each is held. Overall this book provides the reader with a goldmine of information and finds a very welcome space on my bookshelf.
A fascinating 14 page history provides the researcher with a concise yet comprehensive history of the county and acts as useful background material. A chapter entitled ‘Preliminaries’ provides general tips for searching, advice on the evolution of surnames and place names and a range of general research tips, nicely illustrated with examples from his own family history. Dr Wright then describes the principal basic sources, such as census returns and probate records before proceeding to introduce the researcher to a comprehensive range of other record sources which will aid him at every stage of his research. This includes records held at Kent record offices and at The National Archives and will provide even the more experienced researcher with food for thought.
Greater detail about certain online sources, including the pros and cons of using Findmypast’s Kent collections would perhaps have been beneficial and the real benefit of this book will be for anyone preparing for archival research. Here Dr Wright’s intimate knowledge of local archives is a real boon. We learn about many precious local indexes and about survival rates for records in different parts of the county. He also provides many useful local listings, such as that pinpointing the locations and dates of Kent’s nonconformist chapels, as well as a fascinating section on local trades and industries. A useful aid is the map and corresponding gazetteer listing all Kentish parishes and workhouse unions, noting too where original parish material for each is held. Overall this book provides the reader with a goldmine of information and finds a very welcome space on my bookshelf.
Celia Heritage
