Unearth the Past: A family history & genealogy podcast

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Get ready to step into the time machine with me, Michala, and our esteemed guest, Peter Higginbotham, also known as "Mr Workhouse". We're geared up to take you on a fascinating exploration of the history and evolution of workhouses in the UK. Join us as we unravel how this historical shift led to the Poor Relief Act of 1601, the Workhouse Test Act of 1720, and the boom of parish workhouses in the 1700s.

We'll then take a deep breath and plunge into the 19th-century workhouse system. Together, we will examine the stark realities of segregation, stringent routines, and the meals that awaited the unfortunate inhabitants. We'll also take a peek at the workhouse cookbook to get a sense of the culinary experiences within. Our conversation will also bring to light the admission process, the religious practices, and the medical care offered to these inmates. This isn't your regular history lesson - we're going beyond the facts to grasp the human experience inside these walls.

But hold on; our journey doesn't end there! We will discuss the concept of scattered homes that emerged in the 1890s, and the differences between them and cottage homes. We'll try to understand how children within the workhouse system fared compared to those outside of it, and how Peter Higginbottom's fascination with workhouses led him to create his detailed database. This is more than just retracing history; it's about understanding how the past has left an indelible imprint on the present. So, strap in and prepare for a history lesson you won't forget!

To contact Michala, visit www.michalahulme.com
Peter's workhouse website is www.workhouses.org.uk
To watch the Oswestry Workhouse edition of Channel 4's The Great British Dig, visit https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-great-british-dig-history-in-your-garden/on-demand/72396-008
 

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Get ready for an enlightening journey into the world of genealogy, as Michala and Paul McNeil uncover the critical role of the UK census in tracing family history. They will give you a behind-the-scenes peek at how these in-depth records, dating from as early as 1801, have reshaped our understanding of the past. The watershed moment, of course, was the 1841 census which became a key reference point, providing never-before-seen insights like address and occupation all in one record. Also, don't miss out on the exciting details of The Great British Dig on More4 that Michala is a part of.

Hang tight as they dig deeper into the census data from 1861 to 1911 and learn how these records have opened up a unique viewpoint into social mobility, diversity, and family life. You'll be fascinated to discover how these records, especially the digitised 1881 census and the unique handwritten 1911 census, offer unprecedented insights into the past. The pair also reminisce on the 1861 census, the transformative impact of the 1870 Education Act on the 1871 census, and the unique elements that make the 1911 census so special.

Finally, focusing on the 1921 UK census, they will explore the social and economic conditions of the working class, unearthing the role of teenage children in household economics. The pair also delve into the reflection of societal changes in the census data, like the recognition of divorce and the key role the 1921 Census played in providing accurate employment information. And the icing on the cake? The 1939 Register is a treasure trove of information providing clues about family movements during the Second World War. So whether you're a history buff, a genealogy enthusiast, or just plain curious, join Paul and Michala as they journey through the past, one census at a time!

Click here to read Michala's article on the 1921 Census https://theconversation.com/from-divorcees-to-fuller-classrooms-the-1921-census-of-england-and-wales-depicts-an-era-of-great-change-174993

To contact Michala, you can do via her website www.michalahulme.com

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Are you ready for a journey into the past? Don't just expect to find dates and names, as your family tree can unravel captivating tales and intriguing mysteries. This week, Michala had the pleasure of chatting with Ancestry's Crista Cowan, also known as the Barefoot Genealogist. The pair guide you through the process of building your family tree on Ancestry and show you how to unlock the stories that make your family uniquely yours. You'll learn how a simple birth certificate can spark a journey of discovery into your ancestral past.

Genealogical research is like detective work, and newspapers can provide essential clues. Crista and Michala delve into an engaging discussion about the unexpected insights that can be gleaned from Canadian census data from 1931, and even from such mundane details as whether a family owned a radio. They also delve into the stark contrast between British and American birth, marriage, and death records, and Michala shares her experience of discovering an ancestor in a newspaper. So, don't underestimate the power of the printed word in your journey into the past!

But the rabbit hole of genealogy goes deeper. The pair also explore military, immigration, and pension files that provide a unique window into the past. Crista and Michala discuss how these records shed light on societal norms and the bureaucracy of the era. They also share our own experiences and strategies for breaking through the 'brick walls' in our genealogical research. If you have hit a roadblock in your research, Crista's story about her ancestor will inspire you to look at things from a different angle. So, buckle up for an exciting ride into the world of genealogy and family history!

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Have you ever hit a brick wall in your family history research, only to discover a treasure trove of new information just waiting to be uncovered? Join Dr Michala Hulme in this fascinating episode as she chats with Mary McKee, Head of Digitisation and Content Publishing at Find My Past, who shares her insights on the user-friendly interface, getting accurate search results, and the constantly growing genealogy records available on their platform. Learn about the project with the Greater Manchester record offices and archives, which has resulted in the release of nearly five million rate book records from the area, and the upcoming addition of millions of electoral registers later this year.

In their conversation, Mary explores the features of the 1921 census, such as the addition of employment information that provides insight into the social history of our ancestors. They also discuss the benefits of Find My Past's partnership with Reach PLC, enabling access to an extensive range of photographic records. Plus, discover the timeline and steps involved in digitising a record collection to ensure quality – a crucial factor for accurately piecing together your family's story.

As genealogy enthusiasts, we know all too well the excitement of uncovering a long-lost newspaper article that provides a glimpse into our ancestors' lives. In this episode, Mary explains how Find My Past's team in Boston Spa is continuously digitising pages and improving their search engine to help you find those hidden gems. So don't miss out on this informative episode, and learn how to enhance your genealogy research with Find My Past's extensive resources. Happy ancestor hunting!

As mentioned in the podcast - 15 top tips for searching British & Irish newspapers on Findmypast https://www.findmypast.co.uk/blog/help/newspaper-search-tips

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Have you ever wanted to dig deeper into your family history and uncover hidden stories? Join Dr Michala Hulme and genealogy expert Paul McNeill, as they share their favourite lesser-known websites to help you uncover your ancestors' fascinating tales and the places they called home. The pair discuss gems like British History Online to create a sense of place and the National Library of Scotland maps to chart how an area changed over time, giving insight into our ancestors' mobility and choices.

In this episode, they also reveal the power of local record offices, where you may find records not available online. Hear about Michala's recent visit, where she encountered a new microfilm reader and had to use a pencil to rewind a reel! They explore the wonders of Newspapers.com for tracing ancestors who travelled to places like Australia, North America, and Canada, and how local libraries can offer free access to historic newspapers. Plus, the pair delve into image archives and eBay for postcards of the past, National Archives Discovery for unique records, and burial websites to uncover relatives in your family tree.

Finally, they share a wealth of resources and tips to make the most of your genealogy research. Discover the importance of the London Gazette for understanding government legislation changes, Leicester University's website for trade directories, and local family history societies and war graves to find where your ancestors are buried. Don't miss this episode, packed with invaluable insights and resources to help you explore your family history like never before. And stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring expert guests from major genealogy companies like Ancestry and Findmypast, ready to answer all your questions!

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Struggling to trace your Irish roots? Join us as we chat with Dr. Jennifer Doyle and Eamon Healy, experts in Irish genealogy, who share invaluable insights into researching your family tree. Starting with the importance of having a county of origin, they guide us through 19th and 20th-century civil records, the limitations of Irish census records, and how pension search forms can help trace individual ancestors.

Discover how DNA testing has revolutionized genealogical research, as Jennifer and Aemon recount their personal experiences with DNA cousin matching and how it verifies documentary findings. They also discuss the intricacies of using DNA in Irish ancestry research, the importance of interpreting results correctly, and the role of Y-DNA testing in uncovering your family's origins. 

Delve into the complexities of tracing Irish ancestors, the mobility of the Irish people, and the historical context of Irish immigration in this informative episode. Learn how immigration records and naturalization documents can shed light on your family's past. Don't miss this fascinating journey into your Irish heritage, filled with expert tips and guidance from Jennifer and Eamon.

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This week, Ancestry's Pro Genealogy DNA expert Laura House (@HouseGenealogy) explains how DNA can be used in our family history research, why we should pay particular attention to cousin matches and why we might need to sniff a lemon. Yes, SNIFF A LEMON!!

To contact Michala, or if you have any questions for our experts, please email [email protected] or visit www.michalahulme.com
To support the making of this podcast, please visit https://patreon.com/DrMichalaHulme

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This week Michala is joined by DNA Journey's Paul McNeil and Family Tree Magazine's Paul Chiddicks. This is an episode not to be missed! McNeil makes a shocking DNA discovery at the age of 64, and Chiddicks reveals the surprising distance his family has travelled since the mid-eighteenth century. 

For more information about Paul Chiddicks and his family history, check out his website, www.chiddicksfamilytree.com 

To learn more about Paul McNeil's work, check out his website www.timedectives.blog

To contact Michala, you can do so via her website www.michalahulme.com

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In this episode, Michala chats to John Henry Phillips, author of The Search and presenter on Channel 4's, The Great British Dig. In 2016, John Henry volunteered with a military charity that took veterans to Normandy. A mix-up over the accommodation led to an unlikely friendship with 92-year-old WWII veteran Patrick Thomas, who was only one of 10 survivors onboard landing craft L.C.H. 185 when it struck a mine off the coast of France. John Henry gave Patrick his word that he would build a memorial to those who were killed and find the shipwreck, which was somewhere in the English Channel - at this point, he couldn't even dive! John Henry's journey to make this promise a reality is captured in a brilliant documentary, No Flowers on a Sailor's Grave, available on PBS. Michala and John Henry discuss this remarkable mission and also delve into John Henry's Romany Gipsy family history. 

To purchase The Search, click here
To find out more information about the Romany & Traveller Family History Society, click here 
To support the making of this podcast, click here 

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This week Michala chats with her fellow ITV DNA Journey experts, Brad Argent and Paul McNeil.  They should be talking about how much it costs to build a family tree; however, it turns into a chat about many topics, including what Brad says to get through customs, and Paul reminisces about his lock-picking days

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