In early 17th-century England, millers along the River Loddon played a crucial yet complex role in rural communities. Responsible for transforming grain into flour, they navigated economic challenges and maintained trust with local farmers, while their mills shaped both landscapes and social dynamic

This week’s exploration of heraldry ignited a newfound passion. I delved into the connection between English and Scottish coats of arms, revealing key differences in their systems of descent and entitlement. Scottish heraldry demands formal documentation, contrasting with the more flexible English a

Wills serve as vital resources for family historians, revealing intricate relationships and social structures across generations. They detail familial connections, property inheritance, and can even highlight wider community links. While some wills offer limited information, a combined examination o

This week, we embraced the sunny weather during the Easter holidays, prioritising family time over work. Our adventures included exploring Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Mary Rose Museum, as well as experiencing the Gatwick Aviation Museum. With no agenda, we cherished the moments spent togeth

The article explores whether children's understanding of Easter's meaning is overshadowed by their excitement for chocolate eggs. It traces the origin of the egg as a symbol of renewal, linking it to spring festivals and Christianity. The modern chocolate egg emerged in the 19th century, blending an

This week, I explored parish chest records for an ancestry project, uncovering valuable documents like settlement certificates and examinations. These records detail individuals’ movements, family groups, and personal histories. They reveal insights into daily life and relationships, making them ess

Tracing Family Connections in the Early Modern Period (1500–1600) Researching family history in the early modern period (c.1500–1600) can be challenging. Parish registers of baptisms, marriages, and burials—often the foundation of genealogical research—frequently do not survive from this period.…

In 1859, nineteen-year-old Mary Jones of Hambledon, Surrey, was convicted of the murder of her newborn child and sentenced to death. But her case was clearly one of seduction with the trial judge sought mercy. This is a story of a young woman facing the gallows and finding a path back to society.

This content explores the lives of 19th-century female lodging house keepers in London, focusing on Mary Wheatley, a widow who navigated economic hardship and social stigma while demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

This week’s research focused on three distinct projects involving family genealogy and local history. The challenges ranged from tracing an elusive ancestor with ambiguous marital status to investigating a historical coaching inn's origins. Each project highlighted the importance of diverse methodol

A week of Wildlife, History & Adventure With half term this week, little work has been done but the children and I packed our days with adventure, learning, fresh air, and just a little bit of time travel! Animals galore Our adventure began at Marwell Zoo, where excitement levels were high from…

One parchment at a time This week, I have been engaged in writing about manorial records, exploring their depth regarding landholding and community life from medieval England to the twentieth century. The process includes transcription, translation, and interpretation, revealing the historical…

Battling with Census Returns If you’ve ever traced a family through census records, you may have hit a confusing moment: the same household, the same street, but a different house number? Or the same house number and neighbours, but a completely different street name? Did the family move? Did the…

Brick Walls and Master Mariners The author grapples with genealogy challenges uncovering details about their great-grandfathers. The search involves overcoming 'brick walls' such as mismatched records and common surnames. Significant discoveries include familial connections and tragic histories,…

Putney House History: A Converted Victorian Stable and Its Market Garden Past A Former Stable Hidden Among Victorian Houses in Putney This week, a house history project took me to a charming little converted Victorian stable in Putney, built in the late 1800s. Nestled among larger semi-detached…

Deeds and Criminals! This week offered a unique mix of ongoing research, from exploring Victorian female criminals in Surrey for an upcoming talk to delving into 17th-century deeds for Harmondsworth. Additionally, projects continue on a medieval cottage in Cranleigh, believed to be the first…

I'll be attending this on Saturday on behalf of @agragenealogy.bsky.social. Bring your queries.

Unearthing the Past This blog discusses the interconnectedness of family, house, and historical research, emphasizing the importance of genealogy in understanding ancestry. It provides practical tips for researching family histories, examining house histories through public records and historical…

A new year, a new blog! This blog is, in part, a New Year’s resolution. I’ve tried to start a blog more times than I care to admit. Each attempt began with enthusiasm, a few ideas sketched out...

Hello 2026

Loving the review of my book in December's @wdytyamagazine ❤

Do you have ancestors from Surrey? Are you struggling to find records for them? My new book is for you! Tracing Your Surrey Ancestors published by @the_penandsword is out now from all good stockists

Thank you @sarahogenie.bsky.social

So this happened today. Seemed very strange signing copies of my first book 🤣🤩😍 @agragenealogy.bsky.social @regqualgenes.bsky.social @Surrey History Centre

Look what arrived today 🥳🥳🍾 @agragenealogy.bsky.social @regqualgenes.bsky.social @ihgs.bsky.social

Might interest some @agragenealogy.bsky.social and @regqualgenes.bsky.social members www.eventbrite.com/e/tudor-stua...

Available now for pre-order 🍾😍😁 www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-your... @agragenealogy.bsky.social @regqualgenes.bsky.social @ihgs.bsky.social

Great work Sarah. Excellent to share the usefulness of these excellent records.

A fantastic article it is too Sarah!

Great to see my article about manorial records in the spring edition or the historian association magazine @agragenealogy.bsky.social @regqualgenes.bsky.social

I know I don't post much nowadays but thought this was enthusiastic posting...publication date fir first book confirmed as 31st July 🍾😍🥳 @agragenealogy.bsky.social @regqualgenes.bsky.social @surreyheritage

Great to announce my two interviews are now live #journeysintogenealogy @agragenealogy.bsky.social

I have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the fiest half of SOG's Legal Records series. Looking forward to sitting back and listening to the rest 😍

❤ national trust second hand bookshops. Today's purchase. It's like a dictionary of history😍🤣

Delighted to announce this grant at The National Archives in conjunction with the National Library of Wales and Leeds Museums & Galleries, and CAHG, which I am leading along with colleagues: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/news/t...

Wow, for anyone like me who loves legal records and courts this is a fantastic resource @agragenealogy.bsky.social @sogorg.bsky.social

The second in this series will be next Tuesday, 11th February when I have a whole 2 hours talking about the wonderful world of manorial records 😍 @agragenealogy.bsky.social

4 new talks (almost) written this month 😊 just need a trip to the archives to find examples of records for one of them to complete it 😍 @agragenealogy.bsky.social @sogorg.bsky.social

That'll include me then ... 2 talks in February one on manorial court records, the other about how the Chancery Court survived and changed over 6 centuries of existence right up to current times.

AGRA will be attending the East Surrey family history society online fair this coming Saturday. Join online and pop into our area to ask our experts @agragenealogy.bsky.social

Ilkley Manor House, Ilkley, originated in the 14th century & stands on the remains of a Roman Fort. It is one of the oldest domestic buildings in West Yorks & is a rare example of a medieval domestic dwelling built from stone rather than timber due to the available source of dressed Roman Stone. /1

🎉 Join Our Exciting Jan Events at SoG! 🎉 Start 2025 with an incredible range of talks & courses featuring brilliant speakers @sarahspfh.bsky.social, @elsesoggenealogist.bsky.social, @thekirstygray.bsky.social, @dunedingenie.bsky.social & many more! 📅 Check out our events: members.sog.org.uk/e...

Have a ROARSOME 2025 everyone 🦁🥳🥂🍾

Great to be joining this community of speakers in 2025 familytreewebinars.com/webinar/rese...

Merry Christmas everyone 🎅🎄

My postponed civil and criminal courts talk 😍

Another great resource opened up 😍

I have officially closed for Xmas today. Kids break up next Friday so I'm taking a week to myself to prepare for the madness that is Xmas 🤣🎅🤶🎄

Last big client report of 2024 done! Now to with through that to do list! @agragenealogy.bsky.social

Im delighted to be able to announce I am joining this fantastic team of tutors @agragenealogy.bsky.social 😍