Ancestors on the Margins: tracing misfortunate ancestors in Britain

In this compelling webinar, genealogist Janet Few presents “Ancestors on the Margins: Facing Misfortune Ancestors in Britain.” With both sensitivity and expertise, she delves into the often-overlooked lives of those who faced adversity, stigma, or marginalization in British society. Drawing on extensive case studies, Janet demonstrates how records of asylums, workhouses, courts, and parishes reveal stories that are vital for creating a fuller, more authentic portrait of family history. The session not only equips researchers with practical strategies but also encourages an ethical and empathetic approach to sharing these sometimes painful stories.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar:

• Unearthing Asylum and Hospital Records: Casebooks, admission registers, and even photographs from institutions like Bethlem Hospital provide unique insights into ancestors with mental health struggles. Newspapers and coroner’s inquests can further illuminate hidden histories, while new digitized resources expand accessibility for researchers.

• Understanding Poverty and Social Support Systems: From parish relief to post-1834 workhouses, records of settlement, apprenticeship, and removal orders highlight how society managed the poor. These resources reveal not only the hardships of everyday people but also broader community practices and attitudes toward destitution.

• Tracing Lawbreakers, Illegitimacy, and Prostitution: Court records, prison registers, and bastardy bonds shed light on marginalized individuals caught in the justice system or social stigma. The stories of habitual offenders, children born outside marriage, and women labeled as prostitutes emphasize the importance of contextualizing these experiences within the norms and biases of their time.

By viewing the full webinar, genealogists gain practical knowledge of where and how to find records of marginalized ancestors, along with inspiration for telling these stories respectfully and accurately. Janet Few’s insights highlight the necessity of including every branch of the family tree—whether prosperous or troubled—so that descendants inherit an honest, well-rounded legacy.

For those ready to dig deeper, the syllabus accompanying this webinar is packed with additional links, databases, and research strategies that extend beyond what was covered in the session. Exploring these resources will provide genealogists with powerful tools to uncover the hidden narratives of their families and enrich their research journey.