Our new 'members -only' series, Family History Connect, will feature themed sessions focused on a particular area of genealogy research. 

Sessions are generally facilitated by one of the Society’s wonderful volunteers. These sessions are open to all current members of the Society. 

The Visitation Books: Let’s visit a fabulous genealogy resource for the 16^th and 17^th centuries.

The Visitation Books were compiled by the royal Heralds from the time of Henry VIII through to 1688, and form a unique set of pedigrees of families who were entitled to bear arms during this period. These “censuses” of landowning families were carried out in England, Wales and Ireland. During the early Tudor period, some families had falsely boasted a coat of arms, and the Heralds were charged with the authority to enter homes and churches to check on their validity, recording those which were good, and defacing those which were not. Later the families would meet the Herald at an Inn or meeting place, bringing their pedigrees and proof of the right to bear arms with them.

Join SAG member Patrice Connelly for a fascinating hour to discover the history of heraldry and the Visitation Books, learn the tricks and tips for deciphering their inconsistencies and how to navigate them plus the possibilities they can bring to your family history research. Your family history might not be back to this era or feature arms-bearing families, but these books can still be a great place to visit.

If you are a member of the Society and would like to facilitate a session on your area of interest either in person or online, please get in touch.

This Family History Connect session is being held on Zoom. Please note this session will not be recorded. 

This is a members only event. Bookings are essential for this session.