The Local Historian Volume 8 Number 6 May 1969

By Everitt, Alan

An article which follows on from Everitt's previous discussion of early modern towns (08 04 118-125) and identifies key sources which local historians and others may use to research and analyse urban areas in the 16th-18th centuries. There is a detailed description of the printed and published material available, and then discussion of primary sources such as i) the records of markets and fairs, including exchequer records, toll-books; ii) the evidence for private marketing, buying and selling, such as family papers and farming account books; iii) court and legal records, including those of the Court of Chancery, the Courts of Requests, and the Star Chamber, and the Quarter Sessions records; iv) business records, such as innkeeper's records and the records of retailing; v) travellers' accounts and descriptions; and vi) transport undertakings such as turnpikes and navigation and canal company records.

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By Bryon, J.F.W.

Introduction to the use of the local studies collections and other resources of public libraries, showing how these can provide a range of valuable materials for local history research and investigation. Guidance on the types of material and ways of locating them is given in the article.

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By Neave, David & Heron, Vanessa

An assessment of the potential of headstones as a source of information for the local historian. The authors focus on the changing and evolving styles of the headstones, and on the craftsmanship which was applied, as well as considering the engravers themselves. Some headstones date from the mid-17th century, but the finest examples were seen in the 18th and 19th centuries and their designs are often very localised, as craftsman-engravers were well-known and respected within communities. Materials used vary widely, according to local geology, but in many cases (despite weathering) inscriptions remain clear. The authors refer to a survey of Lincolnshire headstones in which they trace the stylistic development of the 18th century. A number of engravers were also identified. The article gives advice on methods of recording headstone detail, including techniques for stone-rubbing.

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By Micklewright, F.H. Amphlett

A detailed study of late 19th century secularism, a movement of considerable significance involving anti-clerical and anti-establishment forces, with many leading left-wing politicians and freethinkers giving it special prominence. The author argues that the movement was much influenced in its origins by the works of Thomas Paine, and discusses the role and character of the National Secular Society, which was formed in 1866 by Charles Bradlaugh (elected as MP for Northampton in 1885). He considers the 'missionary' activities of the Society in the provinces, and its links to radical politics and former Methodists, and suggests that one effect of the movement was to make the clergy more socially aware and less complacent.