Genealogical Tips - Wiltshire OPC Project

Updated 19th November 2024

Here you can find tips that our users have found useful during their own research

Please feel free to submit anything you would like to share to either the Administrator Teresa Lewis who may be contacted via the Contact Us Menu on the Home Page

Archives, Libraries, Repositories and Research Centres

When visiting archives and libraries always make sure you have a pencil (not a pen) and a note book. You don’t want to get pen marks over valuable documents and of course you always need to be prepared to note down what you find.
Laptops and tablets are now permitted in most repositories. Please check with the facility if you may use a hand held portable scanner.
Be prepared to pay a photographic fee if you wish to photograph documents using a camera or mobile phone. This is a usually a daily fee and can vary depending on the repository you are visiting.
Plan in advance if possible – staff at archives are often busy and it may take a while to produce the required documents asked for. If you can have reference numbers available on arrival it will be easier and quicker to be served. Remember there will be a limit on the number of items you can view at any one time. If you are in a group I suggest you all order a different item on arrival, so you have a flow of documents available to make the most of your time.
Some repositories have items from stock for sale – take a look there may be some hidden gems amongst them.

Census

If you are looking at Census, check the page before and after as well. You may find other family members at the same address or a few houses down.
Remember census returns may have been filled in by the enumerator and errors in names and occupations may occur – the enumerator may not be filly literate and would record what they heard. This is often an issue where an enumerator is not from the area and does not understand a local dialect.
Also it might be useful that if you can’t find a particular family in a census record you could try searching for a neighbour from an earlier census. It may be that the surname has be recorded incorrectly or mis transcribed.
Remember also people may have blatantly lied or bent the truth on the census to save face. An illegitimate grandchild for example could be returned as a child of the head, or a couple living together and not legally married may return the “wife” as married and not record her under her legal name. Ages are also often lied about or in some cases a person may not know their actual age and guesswork comes in to play.
Be aware also that in earlier census returns adult ages are often rounded up or down to the nearest 5 year figure eg. a 21 year old may be recorded as 20 or an 84 year old as 85 etc.
Remember too that the information from census to census varies. This is dependent on what information the Government of the day deemed to be useful for the future planning of facilities, such as health, education, employment and social services. At present in the UK the Census Returns available generally are from the 1841 return up to and including the 1921 return. There will be no 1931 census available for England & Wales as this was destroyed during World War II, the Scottish 1931 census survived as it was archived elsewhere. The 1941 census was not taken due to World War II. The next census that could be made available will be that of 1951 – not likely to be made available until the spring of 2052.
The 1939 Register is the closest resource available to the 1941 census. This was again a survey to enable the Government to plan ahead and for the issue of National Identity Cards. It gives dates of birth and since it was updated up to the 1980s may be a guide as to marriages of single women at the time the survey was taken. Anyone that may still be living have their entry locked but if death is proven then the entry can be unlocked. Also men serving in the armed forces away from home at the time of the survey are not included in the return.
Be aware that census transcripts often contain errors mainly those of spelling interpretation and age misreads. Remember these transcripts have often been outsourced to non family history enthusiasts and the transcriber has little or no knowledge of the area that the transcript covers. Consult the original census page whenever you can. One example is the surname Henly, I have found it as Kenly, Hendy, Henky, even as Manly so be open-minded. Also don’t forget that often the original census is not completed by the head of the household in their own handwriting as we do today. The enumerator would fill in the details and often would record what they heard or thought they heard so the census can be distorted by regional accents and lack of local knowledge by the enumerator themselves.
If all else fails try searching the census using a first name and year of birth or try using wild cards – sometimes little is more!!!!!
Also check the repositories and diocesan offices for information on existence church censuses. These were taken by the various parish churches at various times – but mainly record the names of the parishioners only, not often are family relationships recorded.

Church Records, Church Buildings and Burial Grounds & Clergy

If you see a member of the clergy with the name of a town/city in place of a surname, this could well be a Bishop. An example is a marriage performed in Salisbury by George Sarum. This is actually George Moberly, Bishop of Salisbury.
Wikipedia is a quick and easy resource to find names of higher ranking clergy. If you type into the search function “Bishop of (town)”, it will bring up a list of all Bishop’s and dates of office for that town.
If visiting a church or churchyard – make sure you read any notices – for example some churches may be closed due to bat and wildlife conservation at times. Also check with a churchwarden or keyholder – especially if you need to clear a grave or need access to an area cordoned off for some reason. If you locate a grave of a family member have a look at other graves in the vicinity as more often than not families are buried very near to each other, especially for older burials. Often a church has a notice pinned near the porch or just inside the door showing locations of graves and headstones. So check the church first may save you a lot of wandering without finding what you are looking for.
If visiting a church – make a point of reading/photographing wall plaques. These can be an amazing source of information. Sometimes there are framed items that contain a family tree, or churchyard headstones/grave locations information as mentioned above, and histories of the church and village hanging on walls or propped up on tables around the building. Another item that can provide information and is often overlooked are the kneelers or prayer cushions, sometimes these can be dedicated to a specific person, or may depict a snippet of church or parish history. Also check if there are leaflets and guides available on tables near the entrance. Sometimes these are free to take away but we always recommend a small donation be left in appreciation.

Filing, Recording and Storing Your Research

Type up and store your notes immediately – you don’t want precious time and valuable information lost.
When visiting older relatives, turn on your voice recorder on your mobile phone. That way you wont miss any reminiscence if you don’t have pen and paper handy.
When sharing your family tree in a gedcom file or other format – remember to make private any information of those tree members still alive – you can normally select an option within the programme you are using to store your information to achieve this.
When typing up items for the two world wars use WWI and WWII using the Roman Numeral System. WW1 and WW2 are also acceptable however it looks more professional to use the Roman Numerals. A big no no is using WW11 for WW2 – thank heavens we haven’t been faced with a world war three yet let alone a world war eleven.
When recording information always cite what the information source is and when it was found and by whom found
Back up your research on a regular basis preferably on an external device such as a plug and play hard drive.
Always have someone you trust to have access to your research just in case the worst happens and you can no longer access it – your hard work needs to be continued in the event of anything untoward happening to you.
Share your genealogy with family – they may not be interested now but may have a change of heart later in life
Always be honest in recording your research, put paid to family myths and legends but be discreet and sensitive.

Military

If you have a relative that served in the armed forces, try and obtain a copy of their service record. Not only does it include names of parents or next of kin, date of birth and addresses, service records also include physical descriptions and sometimes photo’s of the recruit. In most cases a will has to be prepared too and may be found with service records.

One Name Studies and Family Surnames

Many Surnames are derived from the trade carried out or from the place they originated. Your ancestor’s surname could be Cooper because he was a cooper by trade. Some regions have different naming customs. The Welsh take their father’s first name as a surname. An example would be David, son of Llewellyn. He becomes David ap Llewellyn; or Esther, daughter of Llewellyn. She becomes Esther verch Llewellyn. The term ap for son can also be spelt ab, and verch for daughter can also be spelt ferch. Anyone with a middle eastern link will know that it often also changes for the father, e.g. he could grow up being the son of …., then when his first son is born, he becomes the father of ….. . (Thanks to Ruth Wood, Ruth Appleby and Teresa Lewis for this information)
Maiden Names – are often quite hard to find. The following are good resources to start with:- Marriage records; Cemetery and Burial registers; Census returns; Land records; Church registers and churchwardens accounts; Probate records and Wills; Newspaper articles such as Family Notices; Death registrations; Military service papers; and by looking at the naming patterns of children. It is not uncommon for a maiden name to be used as a middle given name for children.
Be aware that many women died in childbirth and that a widower may remarry to a woman of the same given name.
Do not automatically assume that everyone in an area with the same surname must be related however uncommon that surname may be. Also be aware that the rich and famous often change their name.
Never assume your ancestors knew how to spell or that the people signing and compiling legal documents could either. When searching on line use wild card, soundex and extended searches to list alternate spellings.
Be aware that no matter what you publish online someone somewhere will use and copy it. It is courteous and correct to acknowledge any material you use for your research to those who originally published and owned it. Copyright is a very grey and extensive area.
The clan system in Scotland is determined by the maternal line for the reason that paternity is not always guaranteed.
Sometimes in parish registers you may find and entry with the word Als or Alias recorded with another surname. e.g. John Smith als Jones. One explanation for this has been suggested that this is because John Jones was the servant of Mr. Smith, servants especially in big houses were known by the surname of their masters and would be recorded as such in official records perhaps. Just something that might be worth following up.

Online Research

Don’t believe everything you see on the internet. There is a lot of incorrect information out there with far too many incorrect family trees. If you are unsure of your research but believe it to be correct then record it but make sure you note it as speculative.
Always ensure accuracy of your research by obtaining documents, newspapers, copies of periodicals, etc. Never assume that information is correct unless you have the proof and have checked it against other sources. If contradicting information is found in official documents record both and record the source of the information for each.
Never take family trees published online as gospel. Check their source information and recheck their research.
Don’t believe you can find everything about your family history from online resources. It really is not as simple as the ads may lead you to believe. Many many items are available in local depositories that have not been digitised that may relate to your research. A trip to the archives is always a good learning curve.
If researching online and you find something of interest make sure you bookmark the site and page you are looking at. Internet and websites change constantly and you may not find what you found again that easily. Return to sites you have visited often – they may have added new information.

Clubs, Factories, Offices, Public Houses, Public Buildings, Town and Village Halls

Another tip when visiting a pub for a lunch or evening meal or even for just a drink look at the artwork and framed items that may be around the building for decoration. Wetherspoon pub restaurant chain for example always try to incorporate the history of the building into its decor and name their pubs with historical interest in most cases. Many clubs such as political affiliated organisations such as Labour, Liberal and Conservative Clubs, British Legion, Womens Institute, Sports Clubs (big and small) often have boards hung with names of members. Town Halls often have portraits hanging of Mayors and Council Officials alongside boards with their names on. Police, Fire and Ambulance Stations sometimes have lists of officers and members of the profession who may have died on service etc.

Research & Fact Finding Trips

Cemetery Trek – (a) Take a poster size piece of white card or paper. You can use it to reflect light onto a darkened headstone. (b) Take a spray bottle of water. By spraying water onto the headstone, the inscription stands out more. (c) It helps to have a plastic bag to clean away weeds and other rubbish. Also have garden shears or secateurs on standby in the car. You may need to cut away a small plant or branch from the headstone. However it may be worth reading this article about Churchyard Conservation before hacking your way through overgrown areas. Also if photographing headstones where an inscription is faded take one image of the whole of the headstone, another close up of the inscription and finally another with the inscription sprayed with water which may enhance the detail. DON’T SPRAY IT FIRST this spoils the image for posting in galleries or scrapbooks.
For field trip essentials tips see item below
Always sign guest books at venues you may visit – leave a name, interest, reason for visit and an e-mail address – someone may see it and get in contact with the same interests.
If planning a visit to a building – ascertain the name of a key holder or opening and closing times – most churches will now be locked outside of church service times. If visiting a churchyard it may be useful to contact the church warden – some are often founts of knowledge and only too willing to wander around with you and impart what they know. A vicar although busy often takes a real interest in his church history and its churchyard if you are lucky enough to be able to meet with the vicar by pre-arrangement all well and good.
If visiting a churchyard for family headstones and you find that of the relative you are looking for – its always worth checking the nearby headstones as often other family members are buried nearby almost as if in family plots.
Do not search for your ancestors with a narrow net – be open to a multitude of possibilities
Remember whatever might fit your pre-researched criteria – check it again especially when researching common surnames. Remember too that many families in an area will be related and name their children with the same given names.
If you are taking a dog with you when visiting some places please remember to carry poop bags and the means to clear up after they have done their business. Remember that in the UK in some areas you can be fined for not clearing up after your pet. Check to see if your pet is welcome some places will now allow pets entry to some areas. Always keep your dog on a leash in public places unless it is a designated pet friendly area. Many pubs and restaurants now have areas where your pet is welcome inside and out, some even have pet menus so your dog can eat with you. Do not leave your pet alone in your car especially in hot weather. Just remember to keep your pet under control at all times and never allow a dog to run off leash near farmland, if a farmer believes an animal is a threat to its livestock then they will call in the police and a heavy fine can be imposed.

General Thoughts and Myths

Do not ever think you will never find someone – There really is no such thing as a brick wall – somewhere out there are the answers you just need to keep looking especially as more and more documents for research become available
Don’t think that DNA is a waste of money – Its a personal choice – but there are good cases where lineage has been sorted – whether confirmed or not.
Be aware that no matter what you publish online someone somewhere will use and copy it. It is courteous and correct to acknowledge any material you use for your research to those who originally published and owned it. Copyright is a very grey and extensive area.
Unless you require a document for legal purposes it may be worth considering the pdf version which is normally cheaper and it can be delivered to your device in most cases within a few minutes of payment..

Schools and Colleges

Most schools especially those housed in older buildings have plaques and boards in public places or along corridors. These often have the names of former pupils such as head boy/girl or prefects, some may list sporting achievements or famous former pupils. Head teachers and other staff members may be named in lists etc. Many will also have a list of pupils who served their country and died in conflict.

Family History Essentials Kit

Better to Be Prepared for Anything and Everything. If travelling by car why not create an essential pack to keep in the boot and take the required items with you when you park up.

A good supply of note paper – you don’t want to find loads of information and have nothing to record it on or record on a lap top, tablet or mobile phone if you have the apps to do so.
If using a laptop for recording your findings ensure you have your device fully charged. Make sure you have your charging pack with you in case your battery runs down whilst out and about.
Make sure you have an internet connection via WI-FI or a Hot Spot
Take a pen stick or external hard drive for extra recording space if necessary
A supply of pens and pencils – pencils are essential for the archives and libraries
A plain white piece of stiff card – to reflect light onto difficult to read items such as headstones etc.
A pair of sturdy boots or wellingtons – for trekking through muddy and wet areas to access places such as churchyards and farm buildings
A camera with a supply of batteries and if needed an extra memory card – for taking photographs of buildings and people and for use at record offices where permitted (normally a fee is payable)
A pair of secateurs or scissors – for cutting back ivy and small areas of vegetation from headstones and road markers etc. Please be aware that lichens and other plant life in churchyards etc are often left for conservation purposes and small animal habitats – please use common sense and read any notices at churchyard gates or church porches if you need to move a branch to read a headstone try to do so gently without damaging it. On no occasion should bats be disturbed when carrying out any kind of research so at times churches are closed to the public.
A set of garden shears or branch loppers – For the larger obstacles (permission may be needed to cut back tree branches etc.)
A spray bottle – For spraying water onto headstones to highlight the inscription making it easier to photograph or record
A packed lunch and drink – People tend to forget to eat and drink once they get started
A good map of the area you intend to visit – saves valuable time
A soft tooth brush, small nail brush and a soft dustpan brush – to gently clear away debris from a headstone such as moss and bird droppings etc. (some churchyards frown upon moss and ivy being removed entirely)
A supply of business cards with your name and an e-mail address and the reason for your interest in a subject. If laminated, cards can be left in a flower pot or other place – who knows someone else may visit with the same interests.
A carrier bag to bin any debris or rubbish found whilst on a family history day out.
An address book or diary – make sure you have opening and closing times available and if a church the name of a key holder
A mobile phone for emergencies (fully charged). It might also be an idea to leave an itinerary at home or with a friend or neighbour in case of emergencies that way at least someone knows where you were heading. If diverted from the intended plan – text someone to let them know especially if you are venturing out alone. Also remember to carry any medication you may need and enough to cover any unforeseeable delays, If diabetic make sure you have a supply of sugary sweets like jelly babies or sugar lumps, or a fizzy can of non diet juice.
Carry a bottle of hand sanitiser, tissues or kitchen towel, and a first aid kit. If removing bird droppings you may wish to use face mask and disposable gloves
Be aware that in the warmer weather SNAKES may be active in undergrowth or even sunning themselves on gravestones in churchyards. Just be aware of the dangers for example in the UK some are common grass snakes and are harmless – others may be venomous such as the adder. Other countries have their own venomous snakes so all be on guard and refer to local wildlife information

Grass Snake

Adder

Signatures, Marks and Literacy

Have you ever taken a closer look at official documents such as marriage certificates and wills and found that your ancestor has signed them with a cross (X). Do you always assume that the person signing with a cross was illiterate?

Well if you do, then perhaps you may wish to rethink. It can be assumed (but maybe not in all cases) that marks (X) made by ag labs and servants are probably because the person is indeed illiterate. However when you look at other occupations or status such as Gentleman, Annuitant or those with an occupation of some social standing and they have signed with a mark (X) then it would be wise to seek out if this person attended a school or college.

It was quite common during the 16th to 19th centuries that official documents were often signed with a mark (X) whether literate or illiterate. This was often to show social standing rather than illiteracy – so the laws of Genealogy stand good – always check, check and cross reference – it may prove quite enlightening.