Vanessa Morgan – författare

Family history is one of the most popular hobbies of recent years, with many looking into their roots and finding out about their past. In this book you will learn how to find dates and events in your ancestors’ lives, and it will help put flesh on the skeletons too, giving clear instructions of how to start researching your family history in Birmingham. You will then begin to learn the full story of how Birmingham grew and how our ‘Brummie’ ancestors lived, played and worked.This book is not just a ‘how to’ book, but also tells the story of how Birmingham expanded during the nineteenth century, as our ancestors moved here to find work in the new industries. Some lived in the cramped conditions of back-to-back housing, whilst others prospered and joined the ranks of the more well-to-do. Not just the wealthy, but the poor, too, all played their part in the development of this now-sprawling city.

Many of us have a curiosity about our family history, and may even have dabbled in research online or through our own family network. But for those of us who want to know what our ancestors were really like, how they lived and what their daily struggles and experiences were, the key often lies in our own county.In Worcestershire: A Family History Guidebook, professional local genealogist Vanessa Morgan takes us on a fascinating and easy-to-follow journey from deciding to research your Worcestershire ancestors right through to discovering more about how they lived and worked. What influence did industry have in their lives? Who were their employers? What historical events would have affected them? Family history isn’t just about names and dates; this book will help you to put the flesh on bones.

Worcester’s history goes back to a Roman settlement beside the River Severn later occupied by the Anglo-Saxons and murders and other serious crimes have been committed in the city since its beginnings although the types and methods of these crimes varied through time, from highway robbery to poisoning. Punishment of these crimes was very different in past centuries and even in the last two hundred years police procedures and legal sentences have changed markedly. Reporting of the crimes over this rapid growth of population and overcrowding in the Industrial Revolution evolved too and through delving into archives, parish registers and censuses the author is able to tell the story of the victims’ and criminals’ lives involved in often shocking criminal events.This collection of true-life crime stories gives a vivid insight into life in Worcester in the past. This book will fascinate anyone with an interest in the history of crime as well as those who want to know more about the history of Worcester.

Here in the pages of this compact little book are thousands of years history about a county which has many stories to tell, all laid out in an informative but easy-to-read way. From Roman times when three roads traversed its landscape, to its involvement in the Civil War, Worcestershire has seen it all.The county’s people, who were employed in the coal mines and iron foundries of the north, in the salt works of Droitwich, who made nails in Bromsgrove, needles in Redditch and carpets in Kidderminster, all have tales to share. Some played a part in historic events: two brothers travelled to a new life on the Mayflower and three brothers were involved in the Gunpowder Plot. Worcestershire is also home to well-known politicians, musicians and poets. They all contributed to the story of Worcestershire and can be found in the pages of this ‘little history’.

From its origins as a small Saxon hamlet, to the large sprawling city of the present day, Birmingham has quite the tale to tell – and within the pages of this handy and compact book is where you'll find it.Stories of how Birmingham developed and of the people who helped develop it. Stories of its industries, how they prospered and made Birmingham famous around the world. Stories of politicians, industrialists and celebrities who were born or lived in Birmingham, and the not-so-famous people who worked tirelessly in its factories and workplaces, who helped make Birmingham the city it is today.Set out chronologically from prehistoric times to the present day, The Little History of Birmingham is a handy guide to the city through the ages that can be picked up and enjoyed whenever and wherever you want.

Carol has spent her life with spirit, listening to them and talking to them. But it hasn't always been an easy life. Her family found it very difficult to accept her abilities until she met Steve, her husband and soul mate. He has accompanied her to many places where spirit have made themselves known and witnessed many of the physic investigations told in this book. Carol's home lies on the crossings of three lay-lines and it is this which she feels makes spirit find it easy to connect with her. So since the mid-1980's she has sat in her kitchen giving one-to-one readings to numerous people, many who come back time after time, year after year. Some have also contributed to this book. But her favourite place is Ruthin Castle in North Wales. There have been so many experiences here that she feels it is her home from home. And when she arrives the staff all greet her with the same comment - "The castle knew you were coming. The atmosphere has changed so much."