Family History
In the last few years we have seen a steady increase in visitors researching Family History. We deal with requests from not only the UK but from international visitors and as the saying goes, “Wherever in the world there’s a hole in the ground at the bottom of it you’ll find a Cornishman searching for metal”.
Over 100,000 Cornish miners, known as ‘Cousin Jacks’ and ‘Cousin Jennys’, are estimated to have left the county between 1860 and 1900. Many went to Australia & New Zealand but also Mexico and Chile. Two forces were driving this exodus: the demand for Cornish tin fell leaving formerly thriving mines standing idle; and the boom in other types of mining in the New World saw the Cornish miners’ expertise in hot demand. Many never returned to their homeland.
Over the years we have met decedents of some well known Truro / Cornish Families who have come as far as Australia & New Zealand in search of their ancestors. Some of these include Sir William Lemon and also the Lander Brothers. Imagine there surprise when they find Streets and schools named after there family.
Truro is home to the Cornwall Family History Society as well as the counties records office and is an ideal place for discovering your past.
Cornwall Family History Society
The Cornwall Family History Society is a voluntary organisation based just off Victoria Square in Truro. Membership is open to anyone whether you live in the UK or abroad. However you do not need to be a member to use their facilities much of which is free to use but a small charge is made to research from there micro file collection and also for printed documents.
At present the opening times are:
- Monday Closed until further notice
- Tuesday Closed all day
- Wednesday 11.00 - 15.00
- Thursday 11.00 - 15.00 & evenings 18.30 - 21.00
- Friday 11.00 - 15.00
- Saturday 10.00 - 1300 (currently only the first Saturday of the month)
- Sunday Closed all day
- Please note: please telephone in advance for evening sessions) we would suggest you telephone in advance to discuss individual needs to avoid disappointment.
For more information please call 01872 264044 / www.cornwallfhs.com / email: secretary@cornwallfhs.com
Cornwall Records Office
Cornwall Records Office is based at Old County Hall in Truro they can help you explore Family History, Local History, Mining History, Maritime History and much more. Appointments must be made in advance and it’s recommended you pre order the documents you require. Opening times are 9am – 4.30pm Tue – Friday. Morning session run from 9am – 1.00,and afternoon sessions from 1pm – 4.30pm.
For more information please call 01872 323127 / www.cornwall.gov.uk/cro / email: cro@cornwall.gov.uk
Further Information
The Courtney Library, Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro
The library is home to many collections including history of Cornwall, substantial Cornish family collections, historic photos etc. If you wish to use the library it is recommend that you call to discuss your requirements and to make an appointment.
Monday - Wednesday & Friday: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pmSaturday: 10am - 1pmThursday & Sunday: Closed. The library will be closed from 5 December - 8 January 2010 inclusive.
To book use of the library please call the Librarian on: 01872 242786
or E-mail: ric@royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk
Cornwall Centre / Cornish Studies Library, Alma Place, Redruth
Based in the heart of the mining area the Library has a wide ranging collection covering all subjects, from mining to modern art, from poetry to prehistory, and family history to farming. All subjects are confined only by the Cornish connection.
Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm & Sat 10am – 4pm
For more information call 01209 216760 / email cornishstudies.libary@cornwall.gov.uk
Cornwall Council website also has further suggestions on history related information www.cornwall.gov.uk To avoid disappointment we recommend that you make contact directly to arrange appointments to find out more about your Family History.
