Genealogy Chat

Anyone got any tips for easing researchers b*m? and I had to have the woman next to me who faffed around for 2 hours rushing backwards and foreward and seeming to find nothing. See below.

I was, of course looking for Warners in North Petherton. I found lots on parish records but didn't find my Gtx3 Grandmother's birth (Hannah Jennings), I did find my Gtx2 Grandfather's birth. I managed to sort out a few of the Warner siblings and cousins who both have a John and Hannah for a Mother. But I was not able to find which was 'my' John, although I know he was a labourer. Unfortunately I ran out of time and although I saw the folder for non conformist churches I didn't have time to check them - Husband had been wasting 4 hours around Taunton so didn't want to keep him waiting. We had an hour and a half journey home in the rush hour to do. We did call in at North Petherton on the way home, glad we didn't make a special journey, anyone expecting to find rellie's graves in the churchyard there, don't bother, not a grave in sight except for three very old unamed ones. it is all lawn. Still a good day and maybe another visit sometime to fill in the gaps. Ann Glos

I don't have any tips but I am watching this thread as I need to go to Taunton too at some point, I have wondered how much time it takes to actually find the documents you want, I can see for a 'first timer' like me it would take ages and I would be going home before I'd even got started!!!!

Ann, it was only a second time for me. There was a very nice lady there who showed me where to find things. You need to make an appointment before you visit. The parish records are on Fiche and are mostly not too bad to read. which area are you researching. It helps if you know whre and when before you get there so that you can start as soon as you do. Ann Glos

Hi Ann, I spent about four hours at an RO on Tuesday....I had a couple next to me who kept arguing!!!! The husband was like a child and wouldn't let his wife search for the burials they were looking for - He said 'you just want to take the glory if we find it!!' he also said she was stupid!! I could have thumped him!! LOL Maybe I could have found more but I coulnd't help but listen to the two of them!! lol I'm glad to hear you had a good day.. Deb

Hi Ann, thanks for the advice, I didnot realise you had to book an appointment, so that is really useful to know!! I am mainly interested in Frome, and especially Batcombe, which is near Shepton Mallet. I also have the other side of the family from Nailsea Somerset but alot of PR's are on-line , can always think of little bits & pieces that I would like to tie-up though, the list of records I would like to see always gets longer!!!!

Ann they have a good web site which gives you all the info you need to know. Ann Glos