Blogs

Dramatic architecture
02 March 2010

Alan Crosby pays a visit to Leeds' Grand Theatre, and lifts the curtain on what such buildings can reveal about the cultural lives of our ancestors

Can genealogy make it in mainstream America?
02 March 2010

US genealogist Kimberly Powell wonders if Who Do You Think You Are? will make genealogy as popular a hobby in the US as it is in Britain.

Celebrating the archive pioneers
24 February 2010

Alan Crosby celebrates the work of Edwardian and Victorian librarians in preserving valuable documents in borough record offices around the country

Landscape history
17 February 2010

Alan Crosby sets out on a journey through Britain's historical landscape, exploring the surprising role that moss has played in our rural communities

The National Archives' Chief Executive stands down
10 February 2010

As The National Archives' Chief Executive announces she is to step down, Alan sets out his hopes for the institution's future.

Making connections
03 February 2010

After an eventful night with a local history society, Alan Crosby celebrates some unexpected links to the past

The legacy of persecution
27 January 2010

As the world marks Holocaust Memorial Day, Alan reflects on the impact of persecution and oppression across Britain.

National treasure
20 January 2010

As an appeal is launched to keep the Staffordshire Hoard in local museums, Alan laments the lack of public spending on historical discoveries.

The dark side of winter
05 January 2010

The winter's heavy snow forced one group of Yorkshire revellers to extend their New Year's celebrations to three days. Alan Crosby considers the bitter reality of winters past

The white stuff
22 December 2009

With snow continuing to fall over the country, Alan Crosby takes a look back at the history of Britain's White Christmases

Christmas is coming...
15 December 2009

...and the goose is getting fat. Alan takes a look back at Christmas dinners of the past, and discovers there's very little that's 'traditional' about turkey.

Mapping Ireland's past
03 December 2009

Alan considers the value for family historians of a series of 19th and early 20th century maps, recently made available by Ordnance Survey Ireland 

Archives for the 21st Century: the way forward?
01 December 2009

Alan takes a closer look at The National Archives' vision for the future – and what it will mean for family historians.

The power of nature
12 November 2009

As much of Britain is hit by more autumnal storms, Alan Crosby wonders about the power of nature on our local environment

The human cost of the Great War
11 November 2009

A tattered wartime photograph leads Alan Crosby to reflect on the impact of the Great War on his family tree – and on towns and villages around the country

Back to top
We use cookies to improve your experience of our website. Cookies perform functions like recognising you each time you visit and delivering advertising messages that are relevant to you. Read more here