Using Manorial court records to trace family connections
Recording of ZOOM Meeting January 31 - Sarah Pettyfer
Using Manorial court records to trace family connections
Recording of ZOOM Meeting January 31 - Sarah Pettyfer
Tracing family histories in small communities often presents the challenge of
distinguishing between individuals with the same name, particularly in closely-knit or
intermarried families. This talk delves into the rich but underutilized resource of
manorial court records and will demonstrate how these records can clarify familial
connections, resolve ambiguities, and provide deeper insights into the social and
economic lives of ancestors. Attendees will gain practical strategies for using
manorial records to reconstruct family trees, unravel complex relationships, and
appreciate the broader historical context in which these families lived.
Sarah Pettyfer is a professional family, house, and local historian based in Surrey.
She holds both the Higher Certificate and Diploma in Genealogy from the Institute of
Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS) and now serves as a tutor for the Higher
Certificate course. She is a Member of the Association of Genealogists and
Researchers in Archives (AGRA), the Register of Qualified Genealogist (RQG) and
Association of Professional Genealogists (APG). With a background as a family law
solicitor, Sarah has a particular expertise in legal records, including deeds, Manorial
court records, and Chancery court proceedings. Though no longer in practice, she
remains a member of the Law Society. Sarah is also the author of Tracing Your
Surrey Ancestors: A Guide for Family Historians published by Pen & Sword.
Please do not share the Society password or the ZOOM recording passcode with non-members.
Please do not make copies or redistribute this video recording.
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