The Local Historian Volume 12 Numbers 3 & 4 November 1976

By Robin Chaplin

Review and bibliography of recent work in the field of social history, concentrating on work which highlights the lives of 'ordinary' people. Chaplin refers to the work of oral historians, and to the resources of oral history collections, and affirms the value of this type of investigation as a source - he urges local historians to make greater use of oral history. He also warns of the problems which might result from attaching too many political labels to such collections including what he identifies as a tendency to give them a socialist dimension. Finally, he offers some comments on methodology in the use of oral history.

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By Sue Farrant

Discussion of the administrative procedures used in the 17th century to manage poverty relief under the 1598 and 1601 Poor Law, focussing on the documentary evidence which the system generated. The article considers the problems inherent in the system, especially those relating to determining responsibility for relief and the requirement to move people from parish to parish. The legislative background is summarised and the system of settlement certificates and removal orders is then described. These remain a very valuable source for the local historian and help in the investigation not only of the problem of poverty but also of subjects such as population mobility. There is reference to a case-study of Ripple, Worcestershire, in the period 1691-1700, using the certificates and removal orders. It is noted that settlement examinations may survive and can give a great deal of detail about family backgrounds, present and past circumstances, and economic activity. The role of the justices of the peace in supervising the whole system is also considered.

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By Stuart Macdonald

The fifth in the series 'Sources for Agricultural History'. Northumberland in the mid-19th century experienced widespread changes in its agricultural patterns and activities, including the introduction of new breeds of livestock, a growth in mechanisation, and the use of new crops. This article looks at the evidence provided by a diary written by an anonymous apprentice in the Glendale district of North Northumberland. Farmers in this area were often widely travelled, observing and adopting new techniques, and several nationally-known experts had visited the district. The diarist writes about Howey Farm at Lilburn Grange in some detail, describing the types of crops grown, the size of the farm, employment patterns, the role of women in farming (the men were paid for the work which their womenfolk had done), the low wages and the long hours. Education of boys and their relatively high level of literacy are noted, and there are detailed records of cattle feed and feeding regimes. Drainage projects and seed experiments are described, and there is extensive recording of the machinery used on the farm. The diary gives a rare insight into the day-to-day practice of mid-19th century innovative agriculture.

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By Eija Kennerley

Short review of the present state of local history in Finland, looking particularly at the activities of the Home District Federation, which exists to promote cultural studies, to preserve and protect the local heritage, to encourage educational schemes, and to support aspects of the Finnish folk tradition at local level.

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By Peter Wilde

The use of directories as a source for industrial history is discussed, using a case-study of three towns - Leek in Staffordshire, and Macclesfield and Congleton in Cheshire - each of which was a centre for the silk industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. Wilde introduces the problems of terminology and suggests that in order to understand directory evidence it is necessary to be aware of the evolution of the local economy or the specific industry being researched. He notes, for example, that terms varied in meaning between the three towns even though they were geographically proximate. The directory evidence 1784-1846 is then used to chart the growth in the number of enterprises connected with the industry, and changing elements within its overall structure (such as the decline of ribbon-making). He considers that although the directories are useful for the industry in general, they have a special value in giving information about minor trades and ancillary trades. In conclusion, it is noted that directories may be very revealing about many aspects of the economic life and organisation of a town, but that cross-referencing with other sources for corroboration is essential.

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By Stuart Raymond

Brief article on histories of libraries, suggesting that the Library Association is only just taking note of the relevance of the subject and that there is much scope for local research; includes a very short bibliography.

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By Susan Beckley

Comment on the social background of those who engage in local history activities. Beckley suggests that local history should: i) promote social contact and encourage links between those new to the subject; ii) promote contacts and links between people of different backgrounds; and iii) help to preserve local tradition. Among factors which are identified as encouraging the growth of local history are the increase in leisure time, social change within communities, higher levels of education and literacy, the growth of other forms of community activity and organisations, and the growth of international institutions which have reduced the emphasis on national history.

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By Pamela Horn

Examination of the role, background and achievements of elementary school teachers in the decades following the educational reforms of 1846 which encouraged the formal training and qualification of teachers. The article suggests that there is a wide range of potentially useful sources, including census returns, central government education records, and the archives of schools themselves. It is argued that during the 19th century teachers were mainly women under 25 years of age, that teachers in general were in short supply as the education system expanded, and that promotion could be rapid, especially for those with qualifications. Training colleges sought to raise standards and to improve the moral outlook of the teaching profession as well as its educational competence. Training followed rigorous procedures. The social background of most trained teachers was humble (often lower middle class or better-off working class) but they achieved a position of some status. The article notes the often isolated position of teachers in rural communities.

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By Brian Turner

Brief introduction to the FULS, established in Coleraine in 1975 with the aim of promoting study and recording of the history, antiquities and folk-life of Ulster; encouraging the provision of the services necessary for the furtherance of such studies; and developing cooperation between and among local history organisations and other relevant bodies. The article notes the troubled background to Ulster's history and expresses the hope that such activities may help to have a civilising influence. Crucially, the Federation covers the nine historic counties of Ulster, three of which are in the Irish Republic.