Berwick 900 'Our Families' project was a huge success, and has created a lasting legacy of information to be enjoyed by many generations of family historians for years to come. The project which was funded by the Heritage Lottery, may have officially drawn to a close, but information continues to flow both in and out of the Berwick Record Office across the globe. The blog that accompanied the project remains live and it will never be too late to get in touch and share your memories. The links appear below.
http://www.berwick900.org.uk/index.html http://berwick900.blogspot.co.uk/
You can now also purchase a very special book, written by Berwick Archivist, Linda Bankier and her team of volunteers which marks the end of the commemorations. It is competitively priced at £8.99 + post and packing.
​A 'taster' of what to expect is outlined below.
tracing_your_family_history_-_order_form.pdf
Tracing Your Family History
Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal
By Linda Bankier and the 'Our Families' Project
For those of you with ancestors in Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal, I would say this particular publication is essential reading, for others, for it's no nonsense tour of the records it comes highly recommended.
'Tracing Your Family History in Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal' has been written by Berwick Archivist, Linda Bankier as part of a community project funded by the 'Heritage Lottery'. Some of you will be familiar with the 'Our Families' project which formed part of the programme of events celebrating 900 years of Berwick's history. This book offers an opportunity not just to benefit from Linda's in depth knowledge of the archives in her care, but from her knowledge as a highly respected postgraduate tutor in 'English Skills and Sources' with Dundee University.
In Linda's own words:
​'The guide itself covers a variety of sources, both basic and advanced which could be used for research. Some of these are kept in the Berwick Record Office whilst others can be consulted further afield or online'…these sources can help 'put flesh on bones' and build a picture of your ancestors, their lives and the area in which they lived'.
​To this end the book does not disappoint! From the outset the reader is taken by the hand and led every step of the way. It begins as you would expect with the Basic sources – Civil Registration and Births Marriages and Deaths or 'BMD's'. Why they were written, by whom, and the errors as well as the information you are likely to encounter. You have purchased a certificate, but have you picked up all the clues it contains?
​As the book progresses more complex sources are introduced. Historically, systems of administration were very different from today, and underwent frequent and often radical periods of change. Yes, historically the Church did have a far more prominent role in society, but there are many other institutions and organisations that played their part too. These records may also provide happy hunting grounds for family historians. Think about your ancestors occupations – how did they come to be a tailor, a tanner, a cooper etc? Did they learn their trade through an apprenticeship, or were they Master tradesmen? Many cities and towns had Guilds, similar to modern day trade unions, which controlled and supported their members. Berwick as a 'Royal Burgh' has a long and complex history, and the 'Guild of Freemen' as well as controlling trade, was responsible for the governance of the town.
Another group of administrative records that are often overlooked, but which are full of historical detail are those of the manor courts. Often referred to as 'Manorial Records' they are the forbears of the modern system of property ownership and tenure. Some manorial courts also dealt with petty crime such as debt, affray, and nuisance. Different tenures came with differing responsibilities and rights, too lengthy to explain here, but again are clearly laid out in the book.
In addition to the above are the records of the Assizes or Quarter Session courts which could pass a sentence of death, and for lesser offences the Petty Sessions which dealt with petty theft, drunkenness, licensing and after 1844 bastardy.
​Other records that may pass under the radar of many are Coroners Records, Poor Law, Police, Port Authority, and Freemasons. Sources such as these and many others are clearly laid out and explained in the book. Each section contains a case study undertaken by the project volunteers, together with an interpretation of the information discovered. These are then followed by a comprehensive list of 'finding aids' detailing which records and the dates covered that can be found in the Berwick Archives, and those that can be found further afield, or online.
Many of the older documents are written in what is known as a 'secretary hand' which will be unfamiliar and difficult for the modern reader to understand. Here, Linda has included helpful hints to look out for, which point to sections of the document that may contain the information you seek.
All in all, a thoroughly comprehensive guide and companion to the records typically held by English archive offices containing clues for the family historian. Although the book has only just been released it is proving extremely popular. Should you wish to purchase a copy here is an order form you can download and post with your payment to Berwick Record Office.