Why BALH?

Nick Barratt Historian and Author

Where did your ancestors live?

It is impossible to trace the history of one’s family without considering where they lived. Local history societies and one-place study groups have researched and published content that will allow you to place the lives of your ancestors in the context of their local communities, villages, towns and cities as well as some of the key socio-economic factors that lay behind their development. They often use the same sources as family historians, and can help provide an alternative interpretation of a document or suggest new resources to help your research.

Nick Barratt, Historian and Author

Meet the team

Tim Lomas Trustee

Tim Lomas

Tim has been deeply involved with BALH since joining its Education Committee before 1990. He has served on Advisory Committees, as Deputy Chair, and as Chair for the maximum six-year term. A former teacher, examiner, inspector, and educational manager, he championed teaching and learning within BALH, playing a key role in the Teacher Fellowship scheme. With a doctorate in medieval social and economic history, his interests also span educational and transport history. Now retired, he remains active as a trustee of the Historical Association and Devon History Society, residing in South Devon for its practical London connections.

Tim Lomas, Trustee