Local
information is vital in tracking down the correct family line
and whilst the Internet can often provide clues, the ground-work
still has to be done at a local level.
Backtracks
will investigate the local history relevant to your ancestor's
location and provide you with copy maps, photographs and documentation
as appropriate.
The English
countryside has undergone many periods of change in the past
1000 years. Each major development can be traced both through
documentation and physical observation. From the Norman Conquest
through to the 20th century building boom, there exists a wonderful
array of evidence of man's impact on his environment.
The
Service
BACKTRACKS will look at printed and manuscript histories
of ancient buildings and estates, check maps and aerial photographs
for traces of earlier villages and homesteads, examine manorial
and estate archives for records of tenancies and leases.
BACKTRACKS
can also provide an in-depth look at social history over the centuries.
Some
of the many sources that can be used are :
• The Victorian census returns - wonderful
insight into both rural and urban social structure, mobility
and origin of workforces and evidence of early town planning.
• Tithe and Enclosure records - compared
with 20th century surveys, illustrate the changes in land usage
and ownership over the past 150 years.
• Estate records - show the change in
farming methods, labour forces and equipment.
• Newspaper archives - provide valuable
information on local and social history at both a local and
national level.
• Photographic collections - give us
clear evidence for change ranging from architecture through
to clothing.
BACKTRACKS
will also seek out any books, leaflets or pamphlets that might
be available on the particular subject or period and where possible
will arrange for a copy to be sent to you.
Click
Here For Family History Research
