Local History Research: a series of ‘how to . . .’ workshops

For the last two winters VCH researchers past and present have run a series of workshops at Gloucestershire Heritage Hub in Gloucester (the County Archives) for archive and VCH volunteers, and anyone else, beginner or expert, who wished to learn more. They were a great success, attracting 30 to 40 attendees to each session. We have been asked to run the course through this winter at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Chippenham, and as most of us work in, or are connected with, both counties we readily agreed.

The workshops will be held on alternate Monday mornings, from 09.30 to 13.00, beginning on 6 October, and will run through to 10 March next year. There will be a 30-minute refreshment break halfway through, and as a rule two of our researchers will take on the teaching – which is very informal and friendly – at each workshop. Over the course we aim to provide an introduction to most aspects of studying local history with practical sessions, on reading old handwriting, for instance, interpreting maps and understanding manorial courts, exploiting probate records and exploring online resources – and a whole lot more.

A leaflet about the course, with dates and details of the syllabus, will circulate widely during August and September. There will be a £10 charge to attend each workshop, and attendees are welcome to be selective if they do not wish to come to them all. Details of the individual sessions are outlined below. Further details from archives@wiltshire.gov.uk

John Chandler.