Genealogy Chat

am fairly new to this and have seen Pigots and Kellys books for sale on ebay for areas that my family lived in.Could anyone advise me as to whether these are worth buying or recommend anything different thanks alison

Alison Many Kellys and Pigots (and others) are on line anyway. I suppose it depends what area, what era and how much they are on ebay, only you can decide whether they are worth the money to YOU. Personally, I tend not to buy general research aids, preferring to save my money to spend on specifics, such as cert and wills and other documents. The only thing I would consider buying is a filmed copy of the parish registers I use most - but havent so far been able to find any. OC

They make interesting reading, but in reality you are better searching the copies held on the historical directories website. Unless your rellies had their own business they are unlikely to be listed (the residential lists only appeared in the later versions and not everyone is included anyway). The business listings don't give much detail anyway. As an example one of mine is listed as 'Wardrobe Dealers' Elmers Wardrobe Depot, est 1868, 29 Clasketgate, Lincoln. Prop Geo Elmer The same few words appear in every directory from 1873 to 1930 (but George died in 1901 so who was running the company i have no idea). Glen

thanks for that havent decided whether to buy them yet because i have been ordering certificates as i have gone to back up what i have found. Have been lucky so far cos havent ordered any that dont 'belong ' to me .Might just follow your advice and stay as i am for now expensive enough!!!!!. Again didnt know you could get parish records on film will look for that because the whole of my mums side seemed to be born and stayed in the same place so lots of names to look for. What area are you searching in and if i come across anything will let you know. thanks for replying alison

Alison Pigots, Kellys and other directories have their uses and great they are as you can often plot a business through the years as I have done in both Bath and Plymouth and the adverts and general info given on the areas are great. There is also an index of private residences at the back of these directories but is very hit and miss as few addresses tend to be there. A Tenement or nightwatchman is unlikely to be in these directories unless the tenement was being used for trade purposes! You can do this research on a visit to the area of your interest or possibly online though not all these directories are online. The ones I was interested in for Bath had to be done at Bath Library. If you live near London then a visit to the Guldhall Library will give you the most complete set of Kellys for the whole country. I personally would rather spend money on Parish Registers and County Census which you are constantly using and these can often be bought through Family History Societies. Google for more info on FHS. A subscription to a Family History Society would probably also be money better spent or even a subscription to the Local History Society of your interest. Janet

As said above, certs and census are your best sources, a sub or membership to the Local Family History Society can be priceless but the directories are more of a 'novelty', especially if you can get to the library local to the area you are researching. Glen

thanks for your help think i'll just plod on and...spend tomorrow in Willington co.durham and the cemetry...must get a life!!...(my resolution for this year not going well so far!)....thanks again alison.