Title: Your English Ancestry: A Guide for North Americans, Revised Edition
Author: Irvine, Sherry
Publishing Information: Ancestry Publishing, 1998, Revised Edition, 263 pgs
General Statement:
From the preface: ‘In researching English Ancestry what is often missing is “guidance on selecting the most efficient way to get at the records.” The records chosen for discussion in this book date back to the mid-eighteenth century and can be found easily.’
Misc Notes:
Pages 16 and 17 include a diagram of the Counties of England each noted by number with a related listing of their name.
Basic Review:
I am not an English Ancestry researcher so I can not speak to whether or not this book is comprehensive. Amazon.com only has two ratings for an average of 4.6, and there are few detailed reviews on either Goodreads or AbeBooks. Although an older book, because of copyright restrictions you cannot read this book online.
At the end of each chapter, there is a summary of the information within the chapter.
The ‘Working it Out’ chapter has some hints for locating from what area your ancestor might have immigrated from, plus several interesting lists (Roadblocks & Solutions) that might be of help in getting closer to finding your ancestor.
As for my review, if I was just getting started in English Ancestry research this would probably be a book that I would at least review, and perhaps dig more deeply into.
Chapters:
Fundamentals: Includes suggestions for a basic personal reference collection
Civil Registration: As with other books on research in other countries this author suggests utilizing the records held by the Family History Center before embarking on overseas research.
The Census
Lists and Periodicals: Discussion of poll books, electoral rolls, rate books, and directories.
Church Records: A fairly detailed review.
Wills Since 1858: Responsibility for granting probate passed from the Church of
England to a central civil authority in 1858.
Wills before 1858: Jurisdiction for probate was with the ecclesiastic courts.
Earning a Living: The introduction to this chapter states, “Perhaps the most
revealing information about an ancestor is occupation.” Once again, the Family
History Center is listed as your first research stop.
Local Administration and Justice
Early English Research – An Introduction: Before 1730. Mentions that many
records are in Latin, however as the author states “several hours of self-study
should be enough to get you started” ;)
Working it Out: Note five possible avenues to take to locate your ancestor’s
place of origin.
Appendix: The Family History Library Catalog
The International Genealogical Index
Lord Hardwicke’s Act
Addresses
Bibliography: Sorted by topic
Index
MCGS Librarian