The Amateur Historian Volume 2 Number 8 October November 1955

By Rix, Michael M.

pp 225-229

Pioneering article (1955) introducing what later became one of the main areas of new academic research and writing, and of popular involvement, in the world of local history. Rix notes the importance of Britain's industrial history and gives special attention to Coalbrookdale and its significance in world terms. He refers to many examples of structures, buildings and districts where fine industrial monuments survived and which demanded to be looked at with different eyes - the article notes that these sites often have great beauty as well as intrinsic interest. The article concludes with a short account of societies and other organisations working in the field, and suggests, presciently, that 'there are still many monuments to be scheduled, many books to be written and much field work to be done before industrial archaeology can begin to take its rightful place among the studies of these islands'.

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By Langdon, A.J.

pp 230-231

Basic introduction to a source which in the early 1950s was little-used - the 1873 Return of Owners of Land. The article describes the background to the preparation of the Return and the types of information which it contains, and then notes some contemporary reactions and evidence for errors and exaggerations. Three late Victorian analyses which used the 1873 returns (Bateman 1883, Caird 1878 and Brodrick 1887) are identified as particularly useful. 

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By Wilson, Kenneth

pp 232-234

Masons' marks are a well-known feature of many parish churches and other buildings, although in reality they are often little understood. The article describes the procedures for employing masons and other craftsmen on buildings in the Middle Ages and notes the peripatetic nature of their work, moving from project to project. The identification of their presence by the use of distinctive marks is then considered, and it is suggested (with an example from the Vale of York and Craven area) that if enough evidence is obtained it should be possible to plot on maps the 'routes' or movements of particular masons.

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By Smith, Christopher J.

pp 235-238

Discussion of the heraldic role of supporters, the figures which in a coat of arms stand on either side of the shield as though guarding it. The article notes non-human supporters such as lions but most of it is devoted to consideration of the knights, soldiers and other uniformed or armoured figures which commonly appear. Many examples of specific figures are quoted, including some which have modern (late 19th-mid-20th century) themes on recently-granted coats of arms. 

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By Historicus

pp 238-244

The author suggests that new methodologies for local history using maps and plans can offer benefits over more chronological studies. A topographical study may reflect economic and social factors, as well as changes in population, if taken with a study of geological influences such as water resources and building materials. Village studies must be made in conjunction with an investigation into the factors which affected agricultural development, field shapes, and settlement patterns. Reconstruction of the settlement site can best be achieved by consulting estate plans, which may show field systems; county maps, perhaps showing fields and buildings; pre- and post-enclosure maps; tithe maps, with details of ownership, usage and acreage; and highly-detailed modern maps.

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By Hassall, W.O.

pp 245-246

Short note on quarter sessions records as a useful source for local history, with reference to the availability of published extracts, calenders and lists.

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By Resker, F.J.R.

pp 251

Short note concerning the 1642 Protestation Oaths, giving a background and the text of the oath.