Researching in Gloucestershire

The England County Research Series continued with a detailed session led by professional genealogist Mia Bennett, focusing on the county of Gloucestershire. This webinar offered genealogists a comprehensive roadmap to exploring family roots in this historically rich region of England. Bennett combined historical background with practical guidance, illustrating how archives, societies, and unique local resources can be used to uncover valuable genealogical information. Her presentation emphasized both the depth of Gloucestershire’s history—from Roman times through the Industrial Revolution—and the breadth of record sets available to researchers today.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar:

• Historical and Administrative Context: Understanding Gloucestershire’s shifting county boundaries, ecclesiastical jurisdictions, and administrative entities is essential for locating records. Researchers must be aware that parishes may fall under neighboring counties’ archives, such as Bristol, Worcestershire, or Warwickshire, depending on historical changes

• Archives and Societies as Gateways: The Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, Bristol Archives, and specialized family history societies (Gloucestershire, Bristol & Avon, and Forest of Dean) provide invaluable catalogs, indexes, and projects. These institutions not only safeguard parish registers, wills, and civil records but also collaborate on transcription and digital initiatives that expand researcher access

• Rich Record Collections: Beyond parish registers, genealogists can explore bishop’s transcripts, non-conformist registers, memorial inscriptions, probate inventories, prison registers, and even projects like We Are Gathered Here, which brings local history to life through creative interpretation. Bennett also highlighted practical tips for navigating databases, using advanced catalog searches, and cross-referencing resources across multiple repositories

This presentation demonstrated how mastering both the local history and the archival landscape can open new doors in family history research.

To gain the full benefit of Mia Bennett’s expertise, genealogists are encouraged to watch the complete webinar. The step-by-step explanations, search strategies, and examples provide actionable guidance for tackling Gloucestershire research challenges. Additionally, the detailed syllabus includes curated resources, links, and reference materials—perfect tools for deepening your knowledge and making meaningful progress in your genealogical journey.