Education, Work and Welfare

You may be able to find evidence of your ancestors at various stages of their lives.

When they started school, their names may have been recorded in an admissions register and if they went to university, or trained for a profession, they could be included in a published list of alumni.

As they progressed on to employment, they may have had their names entered on an apprenticeship indenture or recorded in a wages book or list of directors. If they served in any of the armed forces, you may find details of their medal entitlement or military career. Those that were killed on active service may have had their name inscribed on a roll of honour.

As people moved on to acquire land or property, they may have become liable to be taxed on their hearths or windows. Many records were created to ensure payments were correctly made and may have survived to be searched today.

Those who were less fortunate may have needed support from their parish or from Poor Law institutions set up to improve their welfare. Again, records were generated which may identify people by name.

Click on the buttons on the navigation bar to find out more about these types of records.