Elusive Ancestors: Migration within the British Isles (315)

As family historians, we all encounter elusive family members. They appear as if from nowhere or they disappear without trace, leaving no death or burial record. Then there are those who vanish from view for decades, only to re-emerge later. Often the problem is created because an individual has changed their location. This course suggests strategies that you can use to try to track down ancestors who moved within the British Isles. 

We will start by investigating the reasons why people of the past changed their location, touching on some of the theories of migration, and look at many of the occupations which often led to a move. In the second part of the course students will consider the benefits of studying the extended family and others in the neighbourhood when trying to track down an elusive ancestor. In addition, each lesson will have a focus on tracking down a different type of record.

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to investigate their own elusive ancestors, drawing up a timeline and research plan.

By the end of the course students will be able to:

• understand why people of the past changed their location.
• use strategies to investigate an elusive ancestor.
• use alternative sources when ancestors are missing from the standard vital records.
• know about the significance of occupation when trying to locate an elusive ancestor.
• understand the importance of exploring the geographical context, the extended family and the neighbours when trying to locate elusive ancestors.
• draw up and follow a research plan.

Reading List:

Students often ask us for recommended reading for their courses, that they can look at before the course starts. Here is a suggested book list for this course.