The Amateur Historian Volume 4 Number 7 Spring 1960

By Bond, Maurice

pp 267-274

Description of the different categories of parliamentary records involved in the private bill procedures. The article includes details of: i) the passage and procedure of private bills; ii) classes of private bill records; iii) genealogical material, including naturalisation records, divorce proceedings, and inheritance records; and iv) records of specific interest to local historians, such as local property bills, plans of proposed public works, and the financial records of public works projects (see also 04 06 219-226; 04 08 307-314; 04 08 354-358).

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By Dyos, H.J.

pp 275-281

Important article by one of the first exponents of the study of suburban areas. A review of sources and materials available to researchers who might want to research the development, social history and physical form of 19th century suburbs. The author poses a number of crucial questions which need to be asked when carrying out research into the subject, and recommends the following key sources: published books, periodicals and pamphlets; topographical accounts; 'trade' journals and magazines, and local newspapers; statistical records; government publications; documentary records in local record offices, such as estate papers, local authority and other minute books, diaries, maps and plans; oral evidence (especially for more recent periods); and photographs.

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By Reid, R.H.

pp 282-290

Suggestions for tracing the routes of Roman roads including the use of local sources and Ordnance Survey maps. Reid suggests that once easily identifiable roads have been found, 'missing' sections may be located by identifying characteristic features, such as embankments, cuttings, and terraces; noting signs of 'artificial' lines on maps; investigating obvious links between settlements; noting early references; using local traditions; evidence from fieldwork; place-name evidence (a number of examples are discussed); and aerial photography. He emphasises the role of fieldwork in following-up the clues given by the above. 

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By Teversham, T.V.

pp 292-295

A lengthy list (with interpretations) of agricultural words and phrases which the author, a reader of The Amateur Historian, had gleaned from the Huddleston manuscripts at Sawston Hall, Cambridgeshire. The terms are mainly from medieval and 16th century sources, although inventories of the 17th and 18th centuries have also been used. 

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By Blakeney, T.S.

pp 300-301

Brief popular study of the notorious 'murder', suggesting that, contrary to generally accepted belief, Sir John Howard could have been the perpetrator.