I am an experienced genealogist mainly with a Warwickshire interest. I also teach the subject at a local school and give talks to assorted Societies and groups on a variety of topics relating to Local and Family History. I have an interest in Memorial Inscriptions, having transcribed about 25 sites in Warwickshire. My main interest is the Coventry, Nuneaton and Bedworth areas. I have had three books published, mainly on the people of Bedworth. Bedworth A Historical and Genealogical View. Starving In Bedworth. The Ribbon Famine Letters. If I can help anyone, please feel free to contact me.
Bedworth A Historical and Genealogical View.
An unique account of the history of the coal mining town of Bedworth, Warwickshire. Includes many revered names that have added their bit to the town. Unfortunately it is now out of print, but photocopies are available to cover postage and copying.
Starving In Bedworth.
The Ribbon Famine of the mid 1850’s caused much distress in Warwickshire. The Bedworth Weavers were encouraged to emigrate to escape the poverty. This is an account of those that had the courage to sail over seas that they had never seen. Names of families and where they went and what happened to them in Australia, and Tasmania.. They were assisted by Nona Bellairs, the daughter of the legendary Rector Henry Bellairs, and her wealthy friends. The Bellairs name has been extensively researched.
This is of particular interest to Australasia, or if of Bedworth descent.
The Ribbon Famine Letters.
This is a unique collectors item as it is by subscription only. It is a respectable presentation produced from my P.C. as it has a very limited interest. It is a compilation of the letters sent back to Bedworth to Nona Bellairs after they had settled in their new lands. The information is of fascinating interest, but of course only if your ancestors were one of the writers.
All over the County these important pieces of history are disappearing. Each graveyard invariably holds a headstone that makes one furrow one’s brow as to the epitaph to the person lying below. Many interesting headstones have been researched, which is a Talk on it’s own.
Here is the Index to the Churches that have been transcribed, and I would be only too pleased to expand on any individual personal enquiry. Each of the Church M.I.’s are available for purchase on request. They will be updated as and when researched.
Allesley, All Saints Parish Church
Ansty, Nr Coventry St.James Parish Church
Ashow, Parish Church
Astley, St.Mary the Virgin
Attleborough, All Saints
Bedworth, All Saints Parish Church
Binley, St. Bartholomews
Bulkington, St. James Parish Church
Coventry, St Michaels
Exhall, St.Giles Parish Church
Foleshill, St. Lawrence
Foleshill, St. Paul’s
Leek Wootton, All Saints Parish Church
Monks Kirby, St Edith’s Church
Newbold on Avon, St. Botolphs Church
Shilton, Parich Church
Stoneleigh, St.Mary the Virgin
Temple Balsall, Church of St. Mary
Walsgrave, St. Mary’s
Wappenbury, Parish Church of St. John the Baptist
Wolvey, St. John the Baptist Parish Church
Wyken, Coventry, St. Mary Magdelene
Small Pamphlets For-:
Churchover, Holy Trinity
Fillongley, St Mary and All Saints Parish Church
Though I am willing to help anyone, I will not be able to answer all queries. However, I might be able to put you in contact ‘with a man that can.’ Otherwise, locally, there is the Warwickshire Genealogy Society, Coventry Family History Society, or the Nuneaton Family History Group that I can put you in contact with. What have you to lose in talking to me.
