Dave Annal Lifelines Research
@davelifelines.bsky.social
Family historian, lecturer, author. Former Principal Family History Specialist at The National Archives. Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. 41 years in the business. Loves a good map. #Genealogy #FamilyHistory
https://lifelinesresearch.co.uk/
https://lifelinesresearch.co.uk/
I'm getting ready to do my final talk of 2025. I'm live online at 18.30 with a family history webinar for Family Tree Magazine.
I'll be talking about the importance of getting to know the legislation behind the records that we use...
@familytreeplus.bsky.social
I'll be talking about the importance of getting to know the legislation behind the records that we use...
@familytreeplus.bsky.social
December 4, 2025 at 5:04 PM
I'm getting ready to do my final talk of 2025. I'm live online at 18.30 with a family history webinar for Family Tree Magazine.
I'll be talking about the importance of getting to know the legislation behind the records that we use...
@familytreeplus.bsky.social
I'll be talking about the importance of getting to know the legislation behind the records that we use...
@familytreeplus.bsky.social
One of this week's tasks is to transcribe this Chancery document - all 121 lines!
So far, it hasn't been as bad as I was fearing and it's all been made that much more manageable by this spelling of the word 'receipt'.
I mean, why shouldn't you spell it 'receight'?
So far, it hasn't been as bad as I was fearing and it's all been made that much more manageable by this spelling of the word 'receipt'.
I mean, why shouldn't you spell it 'receight'?
December 2, 2025 at 9:57 AM
One of this week's tasks is to transcribe this Chancery document - all 121 lines!
So far, it hasn't been as bad as I was fearing and it's all been made that much more manageable by this spelling of the word 'receipt'.
I mean, why shouldn't you spell it 'receight'?
So far, it hasn't been as bad as I was fearing and it's all been made that much more manageable by this spelling of the word 'receipt'.
I mean, why shouldn't you spell it 'receight'?
In many respects, my assistant isn’t actually helping me that much…
December 1, 2025 at 4:02 PM
In many respects, my assistant isn’t actually helping me that much…
An early start today. I'm off to Hoddesdon to do my last in-person talk of the year. I'm speaking to the Lea Valley U3A Family History Group at 10am and I'll be giving them my most popular talk - you know, the one about our lying ancestors...
#MyAncestorWasALiar #Genealogy #FamilyHistory #U3A
#MyAncestorWasALiar #Genealogy #FamilyHistory #U3A
December 1, 2025 at 8:38 AM
An early start today. I'm off to Hoddesdon to do my last in-person talk of the year. I'm speaking to the Lea Valley U3A Family History Group at 10am and I'll be giving them my most popular talk - you know, the one about our lying ancestors...
#MyAncestorWasALiar #Genealogy #FamilyHistory #U3A
#MyAncestorWasALiar #Genealogy #FamilyHistory #U3A
It's one year and six days since I released Episode #26 of #SettingTheRecordStraight
I think it's time for Episode #27. Don't you...?
#ComingSoon #WatchThisSpace #Enparishification
I think it's time for Episode #27. Don't you...?
#ComingSoon #WatchThisSpace #Enparishification
November 27, 2025 at 10:38 AM
It's one year and six days since I released Episode #26 of #SettingTheRecordStraight
I think it's time for Episode #27. Don't you...?
#ComingSoon #WatchThisSpace #Enparishification
I think it's time for Episode #27. Don't you...?
#ComingSoon #WatchThisSpace #Enparishification
Is it too late to get our money back on this cat? I think I’ve still got the receipt somewhere?
November 26, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Is it too late to get our money back on this cat? I think I’ve still got the receipt somewhere?
I've often come across references to Whitefield's Chapel or Tabernacle in Tottenham Court Road in the course of my professional research but I'd never been aware before that there was a family connection. My 4xGt Uncle & Aunt, Joseph & Elizabeth TRUMAN were buried there in 1798 & 1789 respectively.
November 25, 2025 at 2:19 PM
I've often come across references to Whitefield's Chapel or Tabernacle in Tottenham Court Road in the course of my professional research but I'd never been aware before that there was a family connection. My 4xGt Uncle & Aunt, Joseph & Elizabeth TRUMAN were buried there in 1798 & 1789 respectively.
A new discovery from the weekend. My 4xGt Uncle, Joseph Truman, moved to London from Lacock in Wiltshire around 1770. He eventually settled in Marylebone where he died in 1798. I now know exactly where he lived - at 10 Ogle Court, highlighted on this detail from Horwood's 1792-99 map. #MapMonday
November 24, 2025 at 2:37 PM
A new discovery from the weekend. My 4xGt Uncle, Joseph Truman, moved to London from Lacock in Wiltshire around 1770. He eventually settled in Marylebone where he died in 1798. I now know exactly where he lived - at 10 Ogle Court, highlighted on this detail from Horwood's 1792-99 map. #MapMonday
Today, I'm going to do a bit of research on a part of my own family. John Joseph Lawson (my 2nd cousin 4x removed) is one of my most fascinating relatives. He and his father, James, were successively the Printers of The Times and in 1839, he was imprisoned for publishing libellous material. 1/2
November 23, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Today, I'm going to do a bit of research on a part of my own family. John Joseph Lawson (my 2nd cousin 4x removed) is one of my most fascinating relatives. He and his father, James, were successively the Printers of The Times and in 1839, he was imprisoned for publishing libellous material. 1/2
Not a bad way to spend a cold and blustery winter afternoon.
I'm live on Zoom at 14.30 speaking to the Hertfordshire Family History Society - which is less than an hour away. So, I suppose I should stir my stumps...
I'm live on Zoom at 14.30 speaking to the Hertfordshire Family History Society - which is less than an hour away. So, I suppose I should stir my stumps...
November 22, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Not a bad way to spend a cold and blustery winter afternoon.
I'm live on Zoom at 14.30 speaking to the Hertfordshire Family History Society - which is less than an hour away. So, I suppose I should stir my stumps...
I'm live on Zoom at 14.30 speaking to the Hertfordshire Family History Society - which is less than an hour away. So, I suppose I should stir my stumps...
One of the people I'm researching for a client at the moment served in the Royal Navy between 1803 and 1814 and one of the ships he served on was HMS Canopus. I already knew that Jane Austen's brother, Francis, was the Captain of the ship but it was nice to find his signature on the muster rolls!
November 20, 2025 at 11:36 AM
One of the people I'm researching for a client at the moment served in the Royal Navy between 1803 and 1814 and one of the ships he served on was HMS Canopus. I already knew that Jane Austen's brother, Francis, was the Captain of the ship but it was nice to find his signature on the muster rolls!
I would thoroughly recommend The Wager by @davidgrann.bsky.social
A stunning retelling of a little-known piece of 18th century British naval history, featuring shipwrecks, mutiny, murder and a fair amount of mayhem!
Truth is sometimes far stranger than fiction…
A stunning retelling of a little-known piece of 18th century British naval history, featuring shipwrecks, mutiny, murder and a fair amount of mayhem!
Truth is sometimes far stranger than fiction…
November 20, 2025 at 7:32 AM
I would thoroughly recommend The Wager by @davidgrann.bsky.social
A stunning retelling of a little-known piece of 18th century British naval history, featuring shipwrecks, mutiny, murder and a fair amount of mayhem!
Truth is sometimes far stranger than fiction…
A stunning retelling of a little-known piece of 18th century British naval history, featuring shipwrecks, mutiny, murder and a fair amount of mayhem!
Truth is sometimes far stranger than fiction…
I've spent the morning sorting through 681 document images from yesterday's trip to @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy
I think I need a break...
I think I need a break...
November 19, 2025 at 1:06 PM
I've spent the morning sorting through 681 document images from yesterday's trip to @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy
I think I need a break...
I think I need a break...
Good morning to my fellow Scots.
How you are all feeling this fine morning...? 🏴⚽🏴⚽🏴🥳
How you are all feeling this fine morning...? 🏴⚽🏴⚽🏴🥳
November 19, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Good morning to my fellow Scots.
How you are all feeling this fine morning...? 🏴⚽🏴⚽🏴🥳
How you are all feeling this fine morning...? 🏴⚽🏴⚽🏴🥳
I’ve read some wonderful books this year but this might just about be the best!
Anna Keay’s fascinating guide to the English Republic (1649-1660) as seen through the eyes of those who experienced it.
Anna Keay’s fascinating guide to the English Republic (1649-1660) as seen through the eyes of those who experienced it.
November 17, 2025 at 9:40 AM
I’ve read some wonderful books this year but this might just about be the best!
Anna Keay’s fascinating guide to the English Republic (1649-1660) as seen through the eyes of those who experienced it.
Anna Keay’s fascinating guide to the English Republic (1649-1660) as seen through the eyes of those who experienced it.
I’m back down south after an emotional few days up in Edinburgh. My 92-year old dad is moving into a care home today and it all feels like the end of an era…
November 14, 2025 at 8:39 AM
I’m back down south after an emotional few days up in Edinburgh. My 92-year old dad is moving into a care home today and it all feels like the end of an era…
Here's a handy guide (Ancestry take note):
1660-1822 The original church on Pancras Road = St Pancras parish church
1822-today The new church on Euston Road = St Pancras parish church
1848-today The original church restored and named Old St Pancras church (no marriages solemnised there until 1859).
1660-1822 The original church on Pancras Road = St Pancras parish church
1822-today The new church on Euston Road = St Pancras parish church
1848-today The original church restored and named Old St Pancras church (no marriages solemnised there until 1859).
November 12, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Here's a handy guide (Ancestry take note):
1660-1822 The original church on Pancras Road = St Pancras parish church
1822-today The new church on Euston Road = St Pancras parish church
1848-today The original church restored and named Old St Pancras church (no marriages solemnised there until 1859).
1660-1822 The original church on Pancras Road = St Pancras parish church
1822-today The new church on Euston Road = St Pancras parish church
1848-today The original church restored and named Old St Pancras church (no marriages solemnised there until 1859).
I am so fortunate to come from a family of hoarders - both my dad's side of the family and my mum's were reluctant to throw anything away. Which is why I was able to find this in a box of my dad's. It's a letter from a garage acknowledging my dad's order for his first car, a brand new Ford Popular!
November 12, 2025 at 2:47 PM
I am so fortunate to come from a family of hoarders - both my dad's side of the family and my mum's were reluctant to throw anything away. Which is why I was able to find this in a box of my dad's. It's a letter from a garage acknowledging my dad's order for his first car, a brand new Ford Popular!
In 1939, when my mum was 11 years old, she won the 'Dux Medal' at her school, the 'Normal Practising Primary School' or 'Orwell Normal'. Her achivement was reported in the Edinburgh Evening News on 13 July 1939. And while sorting out a few things at my dad's house today, guess what I came across...?
November 11, 2025 at 5:17 PM
In 1939, when my mum was 11 years old, she won the 'Dux Medal' at her school, the 'Normal Practising Primary School' or 'Orwell Normal'. Her achivement was reported in the Edinburgh Evening News on 13 July 1939. And while sorting out a few things at my dad's house today, guess what I came across...?
10,000 words and counting...! 🥳
I think that's as good a place as any to stop for the day...
#AmWriting
I think that's as good a place as any to stop for the day...
#AmWriting
November 5, 2025 at 6:12 PM
10,000 words and counting...! 🥳
I think that's as good a place as any to stop for the day...
#AmWriting
I think that's as good a place as any to stop for the day...
#AmWriting
My view right now…
November 5, 2025 at 11:23 AM
My view right now…
It's taken me a while to arrive at this conclusion, but I now firmly believe that the only way to finish this book is to get on with it.
So that's what I'm doing today...
#AmWriting
So that's what I'm doing today...
#AmWriting
November 5, 2025 at 10:17 AM
It's taken me a while to arrive at this conclusion, but I now firmly believe that the only way to finish this book is to get on with it.
So that's what I'm doing today...
#AmWriting
So that's what I'm doing today...
#AmWriting
I'll be heading up the A41 in a couple of hours' time to speak to the good folk of the Aston Clinton U3A.
I'm giving them my talk on using newspapers to bring our ancestors to life.
It all starts at 2pm...
I'm giving them my talk on using newspapers to bring our ancestors to life.
It all starts at 2pm...
November 4, 2025 at 10:50 AM
I'll be heading up the A41 in a couple of hours' time to speak to the good folk of the Aston Clinton U3A.
I'm giving them my talk on using newspapers to bring our ancestors to life.
It all starts at 2pm...
I'm giving them my talk on using newspapers to bring our ancestors to life.
It all starts at 2pm...
Just to clear everything up, the person I'm researching was born in Holwell, which was in Bedfordshire but was transferred to Hertfordshire in 1897.
As a young man he moved to St Thomas Chapel which was in the Bedfordshire parish of Meppershall but was administratively part of Hertfordshire...
1/2
As a young man he moved to St Thomas Chapel which was in the Bedfordshire parish of Meppershall but was administratively part of Hertfordshire...
1/2
November 3, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Just to clear everything up, the person I'm researching was born in Holwell, which was in Bedfordshire but was transferred to Hertfordshire in 1897.
As a young man he moved to St Thomas Chapel which was in the Bedfordshire parish of Meppershall but was administratively part of Hertfordshire...
1/2
As a young man he moved to St Thomas Chapel which was in the Bedfordshire parish of Meppershall but was administratively part of Hertfordshire...
1/2
County boundaries weren't always as neat as we'd like them to be. The area around Meppershall in Bedfordshire was particularly complicated giving rise to this cartographical equivalent of a shrug of the shoulders:
HARTFORD SHIRE intermixed with BEDFORD SHIRE
The Limits uncertain
#MappyMonday
HARTFORD SHIRE intermixed with BEDFORD SHIRE
The Limits uncertain
#MappyMonday
November 3, 2025 at 9:48 AM
County boundaries weren't always as neat as we'd like them to be. The area around Meppershall in Bedfordshire was particularly complicated giving rise to this cartographical equivalent of a shrug of the shoulders:
HARTFORD SHIRE intermixed with BEDFORD SHIRE
The Limits uncertain
#MappyMonday
HARTFORD SHIRE intermixed with BEDFORD SHIRE
The Limits uncertain
#MappyMonday