Find Ancestors

Hi All

I may find myself with a spare day in London and wondered if it was a good opportunity to visit the National Archive Centre in Kew?

Does anyone have any advice on what I can find there (I have already looked at their website) and if there are any particular benefits of a visit.

Many Thanks ... Paul

Paul, if you go over to family tree forum a very experienced member is guiding a group round Kew this month and Im sure they would be happy for you to join them. (2o October) Go to family tree forum and then scroll down to Events:

http://www.familytreeforum.com/index.php

or go straight to the thread:

http://www.familytreeforum.com/events/29471-meet-kew-national-archives.html

Paul, make sure you have a look at their web site at least the day before you go, they (and other record offices) do occasionally close on the odd days for some reason or other, also make sure you take some indentity as you need to have a readers card that they will give you there. Not sure what you need but I seem to remember taking my passport and driving licence. Other than that take as much info on your ancestors as possible and enjoy!

Wendy

Paul,
I'm not sure on the differences between whats at the National Archives and whats at the Family Record Centre, so make sure you know what you are looking for, and that it will be there.

friends of mine went to Kew last week and were very disappointed that they couldn't find what they were looking for, and should have gone to the Family Records Centre (or somewhere else!)

Also.. as Wendy said, you will need proof of id.

Hope its a good trip.

Hi Paul,
Just a tip...don't take pens.only pencils without rubbers

.Make sure any extra papers are stapled together.If you have a pad make sure it isn't stuck at the top with glue.

They will give you a plastic bag to put your pencils etc into. You are given a locker to put all other personel things in.

A very interesting place, I enjoyed my visit there, although I didn't find what I wanted............this ancestor of mine is giving me a lot of trouble. :-)


Regards Vera

HI All

Many thanks for the replies.

It sounds like preparation is a must. I have spent a few enjoyable days at the Bucks Record office, so I will approach with the same vigour.

I guess my main question is what is available at the Kew or the Family Record Centre thats not available at another record office.

I am very interested in pushing back my main Grubb line (which is Bucks based) - Am I going to be better off spending another day in Bucks ?

The other area that interests me is the military side. I have my GT Grandfathers medal card, am I going to find any more info there?

Views appreciated....Paul

From my (limited) experience with military records, you may want to find out from the internet what regimental museum exists for your Gt Grandfather's regiment, as that will probably tell you if there are more detailed records available either nationally or locally.

Hi Paul
Yes Kew is the best place if you have your gt.grandfathers medal card, lots of military info there, you may even be able to find his service records have survived! lots of helpful people there to give advice and point you in the right direction.

Happy hunting!
Wendy

HI Paul
Would you have a look for a oversea birth
a baby born in spain in 1811 name Phillippa Curtis
to English parents.
the father was in the peninsular war a major
surname only curtis.
Would you also have a look for the death of
The major and his wife Phillippa both die in 1811.


any help would be great to me.

from cherylann