Finding Your Ancestors
Plan your visit to us carefully.
We have a range of information that will prove helpful if your ancestors lived in the New Forest. Some of it is unlike anything found elsewhere in family history research so may require some thought. We have the usual census material for 1841-1901 covering south-west Hampshire as well as parish registers on micro-film or fiche and some trade directories.
Compile as much basic information about your ancestors as you can beforehand and bring it with you. Birth or christening dates, marriages, death or burial, occupations and links with other people, family and outsiders, as well as any known places of residence will narrow your search and save you time.
Over the centuries a number of government inquiries into the New Forest took place. These have produced lists of people involved in various activities, often with a place of residence and sometimes an occupation. Forest rent lists have been published covering 1765, 1768 and 1770. See Trust Publications.
We hold a comprehensive list of both published and unpublished information on many Forest villages. These often contain notes on individuals and will certainly help provide background information as to their way of life. The Library also has specialist sections on education and churches together with commoning, forestry and other local industries. This all helps to produce a rounded view of life in former times.
Apart from the book collection, maps, postcards and photographs may help establish an understanding of life in previous days.
It may help to download our Catalogues - these are updated from time to time but please contact the Librarian for the latest information.
We offer a research service at £25 per hour - please contact the Librarians for more information.
