The Local Historian Volume 17 Number 7 August 1987

By J. Douglas Porteous

Porteous had previously suggested a methodology for tracing surnames, including the use of telephone directories, questionnaires, civil registration data and the Mormon IGI. On a local level, for detailed studies, follow-up techniques are proposed including searches in parish registers, the use of printed and manuscript indexes, and research on other original primary sources. The article illustrates the process by explaining how steps were taken to identify the origins of the surname Mell in the region of the Humber. The author was eventually able to trace the name back to the 13th century.

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By John Field

Comprehensive bibliography and review of publications which deal with the important and often hazardous subject of place-name studies.

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By E. Alwyn Benjamin

Description of the Welsh practice of surnaming a man by his father's Christian name, between the 15th and 19th centuries. 'English-style' surnames became popular in the 19th century among landowners and the more affluent, possibly indicating that people were concerned about the need for accurate identification in the legal processes of land ownership.

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By Dorian Gerhold

Review of the records of the courts of equity, which are, the author suggests, an underused source because of difficulties in locating records at parish level, as well as in accessing the material at the Public Record Office. The author uses evidence from 17th century Putney to show the potential richness of the source, discussing the courts of Chancery, Exchequer, Star Chamber and Requests and noting that they give information on: i) agriculture and land, including crops, improvements, and yields; ii) manorial customs and rights; iii) buildings, including dates of construction and inventories; iv) industry; and v) inns. Document types are described in detail, with the explanations of the court procedures (see also 17 08 475-482).

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By Stuart T. Miller

Study of the plan or 'bird's eye' tableau of Sunderland and Bishopwearmouth, produced by John Rain in 1785. This stylised representation of the area shows remarkable and attractive detail of river trade, local industry, social activities and the buildings and streets of the town.