Array of historical occupations including lacemaking, agriculture, baking and basket weaving

Bringing Home the Bacon (Part 3)

Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more…

Ever had that feeling you’re not in Kansas anymore? Historical language often presents a major barrier to our understanding, and unfamiliar terms can sometimes prevent us from moving forward with our research.

The confusion and displacement which Dorothy Gale voices when she steps out into the land of Oz for the first time in MGM’s iconic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz should resonate with many family historians.… Read the rest

Six themed images: a line of coloured hats; a DNA helix; a journal; the exterior of the Victoria and Albert Museum; book Tunnel 29; and an Ishihashi slide to test for colour blindness

Autumn/Winter 2021 at The Parchment Rustler

Six themed images: a line of coloured hats; a DNA helix; a journal; the exterior of the Victoria and Albert Museum; book Tunnel 29; and an Ishihashi slide to test for colour blindness
Just a little hint of some of the themes I have in the pipeline for you here at The Parchment Rustler over autumn/winter 2021. Image credits: Ishihashi slide c/o Wellcome Collection, CC-BY 4.0; Tunnel 29 photo and Six Hats image (C) Sophie Kay.

You may have noticed that things have been a little quiet of late here at The Parchment Rustler – at least in terms of new articles coming out (believe me, the behind-the-scenes stuff never stops).… Read the rest

1920s wedding photo showing the bride and groom surrounded by immediate family outside a church

Ancestral Hide-and-Seek in the Roaring Twenties

Where were YOUR ancestors on the evening of Sunday 19 June, 1921? It’s not long to go now before you can find out. Excitement is building in the genealogy world as one of the most hotly-anticipated record releases in a long while edges closer to public view, promising to unfold countless family history stories across the nation and beyond.… Read the rest

Bringing Home the Bacon (Part 2)

Dishevelled and worn down by life, the old man trudges through the streets, inspecting the floor for the slightest hint of dog’s mess he can collect for his pail. Once the bucket is full, he will make for the local tannery to sell the contents for the highest price he can obtain.… Read the rest

Bringing Home the Bacon (Part 1)

Oh, the times when it happens. A fresh breakthrough when searching the records leads you to a result for your ancestor. Momentary delight is rapidly displaced by a sinking feeling of puzzlement as the scrawled handwriting reveals an occupational term which is a complete mystery to you. Such frustration.

Strange occupations.
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Christmas Competition: The Historic Occupations Quiz

Sepia photograph of a worker on a horse and cart containing Christmas trees

Our Historic Occupations Christmas Quiz ran throughout December 2020 – thanks to all those who took part! Although the competition has now closed, you can still try your hand at the questions simply for the fun of the challenge. Scroll down to enjoy the quiz as many times as you like.Read the rest