Author Archives: Bruce

Making a change: Lockdown !!  Lockdown !!!  LOCKDOWN !!!! Hopefully we are nearing the end of our third lockdown of this Corona-virus epidemic.   Anyone remember the smallpox and polio vaccinations carried out for the same purpose –  to save your … Continue reading →

Notes on the Will of Rebecca RAYNER (1829-1800) Rebecca was the widow of Joseph RAYNER (1727-1787) and after his death remained on at the farm and did not remarry.   She wrote her Will on the 18 September 1792 and added … Continue reading →

Last Will and Blog write-up of 2020 Here is my third deciphered RAYNER Will of five available from years ago.   I decided that I could only work on what I hold at the moment so it is taking the easier … Continue reading →

Some of you of a certain age group will remember far back into the dark post war period of 1947 when a French couturier came up with a clothes design which was immediately christened ‘the New Look’.  Everyone thought it … Continue reading →

After my last few words on old family history research which referred to Wills made in the days of the quill pen, I have been able to ‘decipher’ a Will of 1743, made by Joseph RAYNER the Elder.  (1667-1747). Now … Continue reading →

In my last little write-up I spoke of the problems you can encounter when you research your family tree.  The worst search result of course is the “dead-end”.   This is when there is no apparent course to follow to get … Continue reading →

For quite a number of years now, getting to investigate your family history has become the fastest growing pastime. But for anyone over 60 years of age, what did you know about your family and close relations as a youngster? … Continue reading →

The first steps in starting your family history begin at home. If you still have parents or older siblings, ask them what they know of the family. Uncles or aunts on either side may be a great source of information … Continue reading →

Hello Reader, After more than twenty years of researching family history and drawing up family trees, perhaps a few words on the side-lines would be of interest on perhaps any subject. I am sure we all find that Family History … Continue reading →