Genealogy Chat

Went today for the first time and had a great time. Yes whoever said it takes longer than expected it's true. We got there around 10.30 and left when they threw us out at 5pm!!! Even so I was still trying to order documents at 4.20 but it was too late so have got to go back!!!!!!! Also didn't get to go into the book shop either so must fit in another trip. As I've said previously I was looking for 3 soldiers in the same regiment - ok who's bright idea was it to have 2 with the same name, one changed his regimental number and seemingly spending half his service time labouring in Crieff!!! Anyway many many thanks to Glen who emailed me just before I left with some document numbers for discharge papers. I found one of the soldier's service details I was after but also took copies of 2 others who could well be connected too. There's a section on misfiled records which I found very late on but was just too late trying to order them. All in all a very enjoyable experience which I will certainly repeat - unfortunately can't join you in July.

Julie No, it's not too early. Just let them know when you want them and if you find the website difficult, phone up. They are very helpful. nell

Thank you all for your advice. When should we register and order the files - is today too early? I did go to the Kew site awhile ago and searched and found the regiments muster books but wondered if there were any other files that might prove useful whilst we were there. The Quartermaster's records look interesting if they ever got promotion. The Regiment said that a lot of their files at their Museum were destroyed in a fire a few years back but did send a booklet of where the main Regiment was stationed during that time. Most of the death toll was down to illness and not action though.

Julie To save time, you should get on the National Archives site and pre-register, which will save a bit of time when you get there. If you pre-register you still need to take identification with you, but it means you can pre-order up to 3 documents in advance. As soon as you have been processed and got your reader's ticket, you can collect your first 3 items and order the next 3. This way you save time hanging around waiting for documents (time between ordering and getting can be 10-20 minutes or longer if they are v. busy). You can use your reader's ticket to check on the status of your documents at computer terminals all around the building, including in the restaurant. I think you AND your husband will both have to register as without your reader's ticket you can't go to the search rooms. Have a lovely time. I am desperate to return and check on my remaining Met Police uncles! nell

Julie, Before going to Kew, it's a good idea to have a look at their online catalogue and picking up some reference numbers of likely files. It can be an awesome and distracting place - I find it hard to get things done there if I go without a 'shopping list'! A good place for to start is Soldiers Discharge Papers - provided your man was discharged to pension, there's a chance his entire record might be there. You start by looking up the regiment and 'drilling' down until you find the year spread you're looking for or a set of names i.e. 1840-45 A-E. The files come to you in boxes - strongly recommend you take some of those cute little white gloves (Boots plc) because the muck on the old papers is horrendous ... also, it means that you don't damage them further. The Muster Rolls are hard work - they're like a six-monthly roll call for each regiment. Useful if you're not sure about who served and when - or if you're tracking someone's movements over the years. There are other 'Returns' as well - not sure what these are called, but they can sometimes show when promotions were given. Think it might be 'Quartermasters Returns' or something like that - only seen 'em once. Hope you have a wonderful time! Regs Jane

Julie, if you go up to th efirst floor to the 'self serve' reading room (where all the bmd and stuff you dont have to request is) as you go through the door theres are lots of columns with leaflets on them. I'm positive several of these are military and will help you know where to start. I have them at home somewhere so can double check tonite if you like. Zoe

Hi Julie, Thanks for your kind offer. I have a John Wright, Bricklayer in Hackney Union Workhouse Hospital on the 1881 census. I wondered if there might be any info for him at Kew. If it's not too difficult a task I would appreciate any help. Thanks, Pat.

Unfortunately couldn't come to Kew the other Saturday nor in July either so hubby and I are going next Friday. As virtually all his rellies are scottish don't think there will be too much for us to look at Kew except for Army Muster Lists. In his tree he has 2 brothers & a brother in law in the 71st Regiment of Foot in 1840/50's. The brother in law died serving in the Army but no idea when or where. The two brothers survived and were pensioners of the 71st. Have their marriage and death certificates. Am trying to find their place and dob's as their births weren't registered and any other info on them. I believe this sort of info should be in the Muster Books for the Regiment? Is there anywhere else I can look for info on them at Kew? Any suggestions most appreciated.