Burtonology: how to research family trees and house histories

We’ve put together some of the best and most accessible resources available to help you discover more about your local history.

Genealogies

If you’re already researching your family tree, or you are thinking about getting started, you may be aware of Ancestry. But did you know that Wiltshire Libraries provide free access to Ancestry on the public computers in the library.

Through Wiltshire Libraries, Ancestry also provides a link to the Wiltshire Parish records and wills on Ancestry(opens new window), so you can access Wiltshire records from home. There are over 6.8 million names searchable within the collection, ranging from 1530-1916. To see the full search results, you will need to register for a free Ancestry guest account, providing an email address and password and accepting the terms and conditions of the website. The free at home access works for the Wiltshire collections only and, if you try to search another collection, you will reach a pay wall.

If you aren’t confident or need a little support in using the Ancestry website, free help is available from a volunteer at Corsham Library. Phone ahead to book an appointment.

House Historian

Lucy Whitfield is a locally based professional genealogist and house historian. She provides family histories and researches the history of your house. Lucy is familiar with Burton from having researched the history of the Old Rectory. Lucy runs a drop-in at Chippenham Library once a fortnight. Drop-in consultations are free, further costs depend on your specific requirements. Email Lucy or phone Chippenham Library for details.

Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre

The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre (WSHC) based in Chippenham and Devizes, has services including a local studies library, historic buildings record, archaeology service, and more. Contact for visits, enquires and research requests.

The WSHC hosts the subscription-based Wiltshire Buildings Record. The catalogued material includes photographs, reports, plans, maps and copies of historical documents.

Burton stories: we want to hear from you

If you find information you think would interest the residents of Burton, please share with Chris Bennett and Amanda Read. We love to hear your stories and they may just make it into The Bugle newsletter and on our website.

Rider

Information correct at time of publication.