These pages record information on some of my ancestors, on my mother's side. Many settled in Hull, England, in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The website was first compiled two years ago, when I was in the initial stage of great excitement at having been able to trace all these family lines, through census returns and indexes available online. These pages then sat around on my computer, while I went off and did other things. This last winter I've gone back to my research again, and followed the lines back a bit further, and tried to tidy up a rather rambling collection of web pages into something I hope might be of some use to anyone whose family lines intersect with those included here.
I also wanted to include some of the old photographs. This photo was taken in a Hull street, in the early years of the 20th century, and includes my grandmother (the girl in the hat standing third from the right) with her sister standing next to her. Behind them are advertisements for Oxo, Rowntree's Cocoa and other products. The group seems to be about to go on an outing somewhere. A larger version of it, and some other group photos, are available on the photos page.
I've concentrated on gathering as much information as I can from the resources available online, and have been particularly interested in the census returns. Online access to so many resources has made my ancestors' lives more accessible. When I started, all I had was a few names and a few copy certificates. Now I've got details from the census returns of where my ancestors lived, who their siblings were, what jobs they did. I've also been able to download a 1928 map of the area of Hull where my mum grew up, showing streets that were demolished long ago.
I'd already guessed that none of my ancestors were wealthy, and that they worked mainly in manual jobs. But the census, and my reading, has filled out the rather sketchy picture I had before. The records tell me that many of my ancestors worked as dock labourers, or they worked in the gas works. Most lived in small rented houses, often overcrowded, judging by the census returns.
I was pleased, more recently, to find earlier ancestors working as bookbinders in Derby, and this has led me on a fascinating search for more information on the book publishing trade in the 19th century.
I've tried very hard to include information on all my sources, in the tables of information accompanying the pages on individuals, and to make the information as clear and accessible as possible. I've also attempted to double-check everything, and make it as accurate as possible, but please check the details again if using the BMD index references etc to order certificates (I wouldn't want you to waste money ordering the wrong certificate).
Lisa
Yorkshire, UK
March 2008