Most family historians will agree that the Georgian period takes them out of their comfort zone. However, as John Wintrip reassures us, there are plenty of sources providing useful information in the period before civil registration. He is no stranger to the subject for he is a professional genealogist and author of the companion volume entitled Tracing Your Pre-Victorian Ancestors (Wintrip, 2017) (RR 2018/029) which examines research methodology.
A thoughtful introduction sets the scene and discusses likely problems that family historians may encounter, such as the change to the Gregorian calendar in 1752. This requires vigilance in dating sources. For instance, Quaker records often refer to months numerically so that the first month becomes January after 1752 instead of April. This is just one example of the importance of understanding how the Georgian period differed. A particular strength of this book is the care taken in explaining the background to organizations and how they worked and the way in which information was collected and presented.
The work is divided into chapters covering broad topics: government; parishes; higher ecclesiastical jurisdictions; religious dissent; education and employment; war and peace; social status and prosperity; poverty; land and property; law and order and migration. Within each topic, helpful guidance is given both on what exists and how it may be exploited. By placing the discussion in its historical context we gain a vivid portrait of life in Georgian England. This is enhanced by liberal use of illustrations from actual examples. Any cherished illusions one may have about having aristocratic ancestry will be dispelled by the author’s realistic view that one is much more likely to have some ancestors who worked for them.
The eighteenth century saw the rise of the English provincial press and although they contained limited local information, the advertisements in local newspapers can yield useful information. With the availability of the British Newspaper Archive family historians will find them revealing and it is a pity that more was not made of their importance.
For those unfamiliar with Georgian chronology a helpful timeline is appended along with a glossary which covers terms no longer in use such as tail male for inheritance restricted to male heirs. One of the strengths of the work is its substantial and up to date bibliography. Within the text there are frequent references to further reading to expand and illustrate the topic. The work is commendably well indexed and easy to use.
A wealth of useful information is contained in this handy volume. Clear descriptions accompany sources, indicating their potential value and problems that researchers are likely to encounter. Its clarity, readability and comprehensive coverage makes it a valuable addition to the subject. Novices and experienced family historians will find plenty of helpful advice and clear expositions.
