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July 2, 2024

Research Room Closure – 3rd & 4th July 2024

Please note that the Research Room will be closed on Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th July due to its use as a Polling Station for the General Election. Normal opening times will resume on Wednesday 10th July. Bristol Archives (next door to the Research Room) are also closed on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th July – please check their opening times before travelling.
June 19, 2024

Bath Group AGM – next Monday!

We invite you to join us on Monday 24 June for the Bath Group Annual General Meeting followed by a talk* entitled “Churchill’s Secret Chart Makers”, the story of the Hydrographic department based in Bath and Taunton where charts crucial to the D-Day landings were produced. Presented by Dr Adrian Webb. *It has been necessary to reschedule our advertised talk (Face-to-Face) which will now be given at the November meeting. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause. The AGM and talk are online and begin at 7.30pm and is available to members only (joining details sent by email).
June 11, 2024

Annual General Meeting and Talk

Our next meeting is on Monday 17th June when we will be holding the Society Annual General Meeting followed by a talk entitled “Darkest Hour”. The AGM Agenda and supporting documents are available in the June edition of the Journal and has also been emailed to members. YOUR SOCIETY NEEDS YOU to support the Committee and offer assistance in some roles. Following the AGM our talk for the evening, “Darkest Hour”, is the story of the little ships of Dunkirk presented by Paul Barnett. This event is online via Zoom beginning at 7.30pm and is available to members only with joining details sent by email. This is an especially important meeting for the Society and we look forward to seeing you.
May 15, 2024

Manor Court Rolls & Genealogical Research

Next Monday’s Bath Group meeting is a talk from our President Colin Chapman about “Manor Court Rolls & Genealogical Research”. The manorial system was based on feudal allegiance by which tenants could be sure of certain rights (e.g. a secure tenancy) in return for regular service (e.g. payment of rent, by tilling fields, or serving in a military force). In this illustrated lecture Colin describes how the system was managed, from before 1066 until 1926, through a series of Courts at which tenants’ names and activities were recorded, traditionally on rolls – ideal for genealogical research. Colin Chapman is, of course, President of BAFHS. He is also an international speaker and author of 15 books relating to British local, social and family history and heraldry. This talk (Monday 20 May) is online and begins at 7.30pm and is available to members only (joining details sent by email).

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About BAFHS

Founded in 1975, we are a well established Family History Society focussing our activities on Bath, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (the former county of Avon 1974 to 1996) and its constituent predecessor and successor counties. We are also frequently referred to by our initials - BAFHS. The hub of our activities is our Research Room where enthusiastic volunteers give their time for the benefit of the Society.

What we do:

  • Encourage the public study of family history with reference to the historic county of Avon and its successor counties.
  • Publish a quarterly Members' Magazine (available in digital or paper format).
  • Transcribe and publish source material of interest to family historians.
  • Hold regular in-person and online meetings with a programme of illustrated talks and lectures.
  • Operate a Research Room where advice and resources are freely available.
  • Operate this website which is dedicated to family history.
  • Organise outings to places of interest.

Members:

Members are at the heart of our Society. By becoming a member, you will be joining a like-minded group of people who support our work. There is also the opportunity to become actively involved with a wide range of activities - you'd be surprised what it takes to run a modern family history society. It is quick and convenient to join online.