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Blackmore Vale Group

An introduction to the history and ongoing work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Posted on 10th September 2023

An expert from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission will be talking about the work of the CWGC which commemorates the 17 million men and women from the Commonwealth who lost their lives in the two World Wars The cemeteries, memorials, graves, landscapes, and records in their care may be found at 23,000 locations and in more than 150 countries and territories They are both the practical means of a commemoration of the fallen and vehicles for discovery, inspiration, and engagement The CWGC... more

The People, the Places, the Life behind  Doors: The World of the Workhouse

Posted on 3rd September 2023

We are delighted to be able to engage Kirsty Gray to give our opening talk of the autumn season: Kirsty has been involved in genealogy from a very young age and is now a fully-fledged professional genealogist, business owner, heir tracer, TV/radio personality, Genealogy Show Director, and more besides Many of us will have found ancestors who disappeared into the workhouse: what were these institutions  Why were they feared so much What happened behind the closed doors Speaker: Kirsty... more

Sin, Sex & Probate

Posted on

Following Visitations, particularly prior to the mid-nineteenth century, church courts heard cases of, and passed judgement on ecclesiastical sins, defamation and sexual misconduct of parishioners and clergy, issued marriage licences and honorary degrees, and granted probate (wills and letters of administration) In this illustrated lecture Dr Chapman provides many examples of the depositions (statements) of witnesses whilst explaining how these courts operated and where their records may be... more

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