Talks by Chris Watts

If you are interested in having Chris speak to your group then contact him
to discuss availability, topic and fees.

Lecture Titles

Because of his vast experience in English genealogy, Chris and can offer talks to Family History Societies on a wide variety of topics. The list below contains some suggestions, but other ideas can often be accommodated. The talks always recognise, where appropriate, the problems associated with working remotely from the repositories holding the key material.

Topic Description
Tracing a (British) Merchant Seaman Describes the records available for tracing a British merchant seaman, concentrating on the period from 1835 to 1858 as well as describing the recently released material from the time of World War 1 up to 1972
Records of other ranks in the British Army The majority of researchers are interested in soldiers who were other ranks (i.e. not officers) and who served in the regular Army. Hence this talk concentrates on the problems, and sources available to trace such individuals.
Sources for researching Family History at the Public Record Office Covers a wide variety of material related particularly to occupations and land holding.
Some under-used sources for English Genealogy Surveys a variety of sources that are often overlooked by genealogists seeking material having exhausted the standard material. Includes items such as Records of the Poor Law, Manor Rolls, Tithe Maps, Estate Duty Office Records.
Occupational Records A sample of the vast range of material available on the occupations carried out by our ancestors. This includes material on Apprentices, Army, Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, Guilds, Freedom of the City.
Research from afar What to do before you come to Britain, and what to look at whilst you are there.
General sources for researching in Britain An introductory talk, looking at the basic sources for tracing British genealogy.
Royal Navy and Merchant Navy records Gives a wide-ranging survey of the material available for tracing seafaring ancestors whether they served in the Royal Navy or the British merchant service.
British Army and Militia records Gives a wide-ranging survey of the material available for tracing both officers and other ranks in the British Army, concentrating on the period from the civil war to the first world war - i.e. 1660 - 1913.
Land Records in England A survey of the material available on our ancestors land occupancy and/or ownership. Includes Feet of Fine, Manor Rolls, Title Deeds, Enclosure Awards, Tithe Maps etc.
In the High Court of Justice... Traces a case in the High Court of Justice (Chancery Division) over a disputed will, starting in 1881 and lasting 49 years (Note: none of this is available outside the PRO in London). The talk could be expanded to cover the earlier Chancery Court records, which may be of greater interest, and more readily accessible (through printed material) remotely from London.