We continue our series on how members of staff have used the recently released 1921 census to further their own research. Anthony hoped to learn of the fate of his great-grandfather’s brothers after the First World War having discovered his great grandfather George Henry Roach using the 1939 Register. Using the 1921 Census, I hoped... The post Butchers, Bakers and Naval Officers first appeared on Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service ..read more

Welcome back to the Broadway Dig Diaries! In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re excited to highlight the life and work of the archaeologist Catherine Nancy Sherwood Smith who led the first works on the area adjacent to our site at Broadway. Though we know a little bit about her work on the site, much... The post Milestone Ground Broadway- Dig Diaries 2 first appeared on Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service ..read more

In our final blog exploring how licensing files can assist research into how entertainment venues in Worcestershire may have undergone changes through time, we investigate the amazing story of Malvern Theatres. We explore the history of the theatre from the 19th century which began life as the ‘Assembly Rooms’ to the present day, using archives... The post Now that’s Entertainment: Licensing files for Worcestershire and beyond – Part Three first appeared on Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service ..read more

Mary Marchioness of Downshire and Baroness Sandys (1764-1836) was the middle child of Colonel Martin Sandys (1729-1768) and Mary Trumbell (1741-1769). Known as ‘the Little Marchioness’, she grew up as part of the extended royal circle – her father being an Equerry to the King’s uncle – yet her childhood was one of tragedy. An... The post Politics, scandal and a friend to Royalty: Who was Mary Marchioness of Downshire and Baroness Sandys? first appeared on Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service ..read more

Welcome to Dig Diaries We’re excited to share the beginning of our excavation with you. In this first post, we’ll take you back to what was known about the site before we began digging in the summer of 2024, as well as our discoveries from the first few months on site. The Story Behind the... The post Milestone Ground, Broadway- Dig Diaries 1 first appeared on Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service ..read more

The 1921 census is now available on Findmypast.co.uk which can be accessed by customers in The Hive for free, and on Ancestry which can be accessed for free within all Worcestershire Libraries. What a great time to take another look at your family history and add the next level of information. Taken in June 1921,... The post 1921 census – a tale of 2 great grandfathers first appeared on Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service ..read more

As we begin #LGBTQ+ month, we look at the records that shed light on a community whose story is not often heard in the narrative of the past. In 2012, Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service were delighted to receive a deposit from Hereford & Worcestershire Lesbian & Gay Switchboard (ref BA15404). This collection of minutes,... The post Hidden Voices – LGBTQ+ records first appeared on Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service ..read more

In part two, we continue to explore how licensing files can assist research into how pubs, theatres and other entertainment venues in Worcestershire may have undergone changes through time. This time we turn our attention to other entertainment venues in Worcester including King Charles House, which has a fascinating history associated with the Battle of... The post Now that’s entertainment: licensing records for Worcestershire and beyond – Part Two first appeared on Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service ..read more

In part two, we continue to explore how licensing files can assist research into how pubs, theatres and other entertainment venues in Worcestershire may have undergone changes through time. This time we turn our attention to other entertainment venues in Worcester including King Charles House, which has a fascinating history associated with the Battle of... The post Now that’s entertainment: licensing records for Worcestershire and beyond – Part Two first appeared on Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service ..read more

Born in 1764, Mary Marchioness of Downshire and Baroness Sandys (1764-1836) was the middle child of Colonel The Honourable Martin Sandys (1729-1768) and Mary Trumbell (1741-1769). Playmate to the Prince of Wales, she knew little of her parents as they died young. An orphan aged six, and with her maternal grandparents also deceased, Mary and... The post Introducing the Sandys Family of Ombersley, Part Two first appeared on Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service ..read more