My favorite free genealogy site for British genealogy research isn’t even a site about genealogy, it’s Google Books. Its digital scans of books and periodicals which are old enough to be out of copyright are always popping up in my Google searches. Here are a few of the things that have been a helpful in sorting through my English ancestors in the last year:
Kelly’s 1883 Directory for Bucks, Berks, and Oxfordshire Google’s search field on the left of screen makes quick work of finding keywords in the text of the book. I’ve found some facinating information about my ancestors’ employment, neighborhoods, and other clues about their civic and business lives in early county directories.
The Gentleman’s Magazine, issue from 1807 a source I would never have thought to check, reported on the death of my 6th Great Grandfather, the auctioneer James Cole. This find ultimately led me to his will, which helped break through a longstanding brickwall!
History of Epidemics in Great Britain is an example of the many history books I’ve found at Google Books which have been helpful in understanding the lives of my ancestors.
Free online genealogy tools are like gifts from above. I’m looking forward to all the genealogy links and tips generated by Geneablogger’s 52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy prompt. Keep in mind that sometimes quirky bits of information from sites which have nothing specific to do with genealogical research can provide clues to solving some of our trickiest family history puzzles!
You have highlighted a very useful resource. In one of Amy Coffin’s previous ’52-week’ series I wrote about the genealogical gems I found when I searched for magazines in Google Books.
Thanks Judy, your article reminded me of the value of old magazines such as Life. They place our ancestors in their communities and add color to the dates and bare facts we are so often focused on. I’m so glad Google has taken up this digitizing project!
Thanks for this great tip. I know about Google Books, but usually don’t think about it in regard to Genealogy.
Thanks for the comment Jennifer. When working on a particularly interesting ancestor or family, whose money or occupation enabled them to have some impact on their community, it’s amazing what turns up in a Google search!