MANCHESTER FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH HOME PAGE

YOU ARE ENTERING A DIFFERENT ZONE! This is not your ordinary run of the mill family history or genealogy site, this is different. Stop what you are doing and settle down for a good read, you might even want to put the kettle on and make yourself a drink before exploring these pages. If you have an interest in Manchester in particular, and its surrounding area then this is the site for you. Bookmark this page, because you will want to come back and revisit this site. There is too much information to take in at one go, you will need to come back, again and again. The information on these pages, although Manchester based, can apply to many areas of family research. In these pages you can see many examples of my work, so read on, enjoy and let me extend a very warm welcome to my web site..

If you are looking for a site with sophisticated graphics and images, then you may be disappointed. If you are looking for an experienced Researcher or Record Agent, then this is the place for you! I have appeared on Manchester's local TV channel, Channel M and I also have been featured on BBC Radio Manchester where I discussed my work, my travels and my websites. Recently the site was reviewed on the prestigious eogn.com web site which has added many new readers to this site.

My name is Gerard Lodge and I am on the list of known researchers as compiled by the Greater Manchester Archivists' Group. March 2008 saw the publication in three local newspapers, including The Manchester Evening News, of articles concerning my research of The Manchester Prison Records and in particular the discovery of the prison entries for the Manchester Martyrs. I also was interviewed again by BBC Radio Manchester about these findings.

As the title suggest this site deals with the research of the family history and other genealogical matters of Manchester and the surrounding areas. I can also research topics relating to social and economic history or other aspects, such as the history of homes and buildings through the use of Trade Directories and possibly even discretely finding living people. I have also carried out research for legal purposes. As with all research it is impossible to guarantee success, but I can promise that my research will be methodical, thorough and exhaustive. I can also offer a service whereby I can supply electronic images of certain parish records. For any other information or a quotation please use the go to the contact page. Prices are available on application. Would prospective clients please note that I can accept payment via PayPal.

This site takes a slightly different look at how to search the various records other than Census returns. It explains the pitfalls of research and gives a breakdown of the court records, workhouse records and prison registers available at Manchester Central Library. The recently discovered prison register collection is probably one of Manchester Archives and Local Studies' finest collections. I have made some very interesting discoveries of material that had not been listed in the original catalogue. Probably one of the most interesting finds was that of the entries in the New Bailey Prison Felony Register of "The Manchester Martyrs" and the other prisoners who were prosecuted for their attack on the prison van in September 1867 in Hyde Road. You will also discover why so many people were baptised and married at the Collegiate and Parish Church of Manchester (later the Cathedral).

This site is searchable page by page. Click on edit at the top left hand of your own computer screen, then click on Find , type in the word you wish to search for, and scroll down the page until you find the highlighted word.

The site has had a major revamp, new material had been added and pages have been split in order to make it easier and more convenient to navigate.

This site was created in the latter part of February 2007 from the humble beginnings of using pre formed page templates. In June 2007 I was able to covert to my own page designs, and have added constantly to the contents of the site. Unique visitor hits have totalled more than 62,306, with more than 5,550 this month alone, which is the second highest monthly total ever. Thank you all for your interest and support.

I am in the early stages of compiling a book about the felony registers that have survived from the latter New Bailey Prison Register and the early Strangeways Register. I am sure that it will contain details that have not previously been published...prospective publishers please take note.

I am not adverse to plugging other sites or other things that they might be called in this modern world of 'tinternet that I think are at least a worth a casual glance, one such being:

http://manchester-chronicle.blog.co.uk/

I have created a new page to look at the ramifications of the relocation of Manchester Archives and the Greater Manchester County Record Office. That page will be updated on a constant basis. I have had some reaction from the authorities at Manchester Central Library to an email that I have sent them regarding the poor standard of equipment in the Microfilm Unit. The equipment will be replaced, but as yet I am not sure if this will be when Local Studies moves out of its present building, or when it returns in 20012/13

This site is CONSTANTLY being updated. In order to keep track of these updates just click on the Google button BELOW. This will add this page to your Google home page or Google Reader. For a quotation or for any other information please contact me by using the following link:

mail@manchester-family-history-research.co.uk

The very low value of the pound sterling makes my rates even better value than ever for overseas clients.

Latest updates:

What happened to the remains of the prisoner executed at Manchester? (Extra Information added)

Bigamy Prevented

100 years of the Styal Line

Manchester and General Information: Rubber production in Manchester. Unusual PRs

The Relocation of Manchester Archives

Court Records: A View from the Jury Box

Parish of Manchester: The Parish of Manchester Division Act 1850.

1831 Population figures for England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Also included Lancashire and a breakdown of figures for Manchester and Salford

Acts of Parliament relating to Industrial Schools

Manchester Martyrs: Inquiry into the attack on the police van

Workhouse records: Employee Information

Prison Register entries for those folk arrested as a result of the Ashton Riots in 1868. Now with images.

Manchester Coroners' Inquest Index Details

Do Not Reproduce Any Material Without The Prior Permission Of The Author.

Last update: 1st July 2009