Herefordshire Genealogy

05/09/2025

A musical evening in Leintwardine in July 1846 promised such delights as:
"When thy bosom heaves a sigh"
"The ruined cocksparrow"
"The rat"
"Billy nuts"

It took place at the Lion hotel, Leintwardine and the performance began at 8pm.

This is one of the playbills held at the British Library that can be viewed on microfilm at HARC (X13).

05/09/2025

05/09/2025

I am looking forward to attending this talk, sounds fascinating.

05/09/2025

The latest exhibition in the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library Museum at Hereford Cathedral explores the history of St Ethelbert’s Almshouses. Did you know you can book your tickets in advance on our website? Plan your visit today!

In1805 St Ethelbert’s Almshouses were rebuilt from their “ruinous state”. Many local tradespeople were involved and on 7 September, 15 workmen had a supper at The Catherine Wheel in High Town. The landlady, Susan Gough sent in a bill for 15 dinners, 1 gallon of ale and 30 pints.

www.herefordcathedral.org/Event/an-apostolic-institution

03/09/2025

03/09/2025

Did you know the cathedral’s reading room is open the first Saturday of the month?

The next open day is 6 September, 10 am - 1 pm. Readers can make an appointment to consult historic material, or drop in to browse the lending library. It’s also a great study space for any students looking to get ahead as they get back to school.

Find the entrance to the reading room off Palace Yard, just before the Bishop’s Palace.

www.herefordcathedral.org/reading-room

03/09/2025

The London Gazette is such a great resource especially for Wills/probate, bankruptcy and changes of name by deed poll. And it's free!

First founded in 1665, The London Gazette is Britain's paper of record. Discover how you can search it for free to find out more about your family history:

https://www.whodoyouthinkyouaremagazine.com/tutorials/london-gazette

02/09/2025

Early bird tickets are now available for the RQG Conference via Eventbrite and open to everyone, including non-members https://rqg-conference-2026.eventbrite.co.uk

02/09/2025

I'm disappointed that I didn't get chance today to make myself known to Martin Chambers of The Pretenders who was at HARC Herefordshire

We are second cousins as his grandmother ( Lily Garfirth Chamberlain) and my grandmother (Gwendoline Betty Brookes Chamberlain) were half sisters.

Pictured is their mother Annie Louise Tanser who was apparently quite a character. I have written more about her here: https://herefordshiregenealogy.com/2022/03/04/52-ancestors-annie-louise-tanser/

01/09/2025

Would you like to find out more about how wills and probate records could help your research? They can be a great help when researching your family, your house or indeed your local community.

This hands on practical workshop will take you through:
• Wills pre and post 1858
• Probate inventories
• Administrations
• Prerogative Court Wills

Monday 15th September 11am to 1pm

Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre, Fir Tree Lane, Hereford HR2 6LA
Cost £10.00
Booking essential - contact 01432 260750
or email archives@herefordshire.gov.uk

29/08/2025

I love the idea of dog wearing a lion's skin and commanding the stage!

Looking for a good night out in Leominster in 1844?

Why not visit the theatre and see Zildorhaskan and one of his dogs dressed in a lion skin? Delight in the display of canine sagacity!

This is one the playbills held at the British Library that can be viewed on microfilm at HARC (X13).

25/08/2025

Just putting the final touches to a new talk today: Life in the workhouse

A large number of people in England and Wales spent some time in a workhouse during the 19th and early 20th centuries, but what was life like as an inmate? This talk looks at:

Admission
Diet
Work
Rules and punishments
Religion
Medical care
Casual wards

Email me at herefordshiregen@gmail.com if you are interested!

The other talks I give:

She has an MSc in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic studies from the University of Strathclyde and is a member of the Register of Qualified Genealogists and an associate member of AGRA.