The Local Historian Volume 18 Number 1 February 1988

By Shane Beadle

An article giving guidance on using sources for the history of coal-mining. In the absence of detailed records of collieries Beadle recommends the use of Ordnance survey maps, published mining statistics, leases and title deeds, tax records and estate papers. These sources have been used in studies of 18th and 19th century mining in Lancashire and Somerset. Maps may be very helpful, although not always entirely accurate, but later 19th century maps can be used with confidence. County maps are much less reliable, but plans of railways and canals can give much useful information. Colliery listings and statistical sources likewise improve during the 19th century, and rate books give good local material. The most accurate data on early coal production is probably derived from estate records which record royalties paid to landowners. Overall, there is usually very little evidence about labour forces and individuals involved in the undertaking, so a 'business history' approach is more feasible.

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By John Warry

Brief article which contributes to the debate on the origins of rabbits in Britain. Warry argues that variations in the use of the word 'coney' and the confirmed existence of the hare point to the rabbit having been introduced by the Romans. He suggests that although literary evidence is slight, the fact that the Romans are known to have bred rabbits on a substantial scale elsewhere is strong support for the theory.

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By Peter Finch

Brief note examining 17th century manorial documents which give information about agricultural landholdings in the manor of Nutfield, Surrey. By comparing these with other primary sources, and by estimating the valuations of land, Finch attempts to provide a detailed list of numbers of landowners and tenants and the area of land which they farmed. He calculates that up to 80% of the land within the manor was sub-let in 1613.

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By Nell Penny

Short article which uses the unusually extensive early 19th century census and other documentary evidence from Hendon, Middlesex, to investigate household composition and other themes. The returns of 1801-1831 are very comprehensive and include extra information on occupations, the number of people living in a house, children, servants and even dogs.

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By Brett Harrison

Short note on the need to protect school archives, in which it is shown that many such records have been lost through fire, vandalism or deliberate destruction. The author, an archivist, suggests that records should be made available to the appropriate archive authority for examination, conservation and proper storage.

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By David Bromwich

Description of the Somerset Local Studies Library project to provide parish packs for over 500 communities in the county: the packs include copies of 19th century OS maps, extracts from the Domesday Book, press cuttings and other accessible sources, and are intended mainly for school use.