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January 24, 2022

New book on Shirehampton now available

The Society has added a new book to the webshop, “Shirehampton sketches: people, places, buildings, times” by Richard Coates. Shirehampton is a place of great and varied interest, both historical and modern, including Avonmouth, one of the most important middle-sized ports and specialised industrial zones in England, The book deals with the many different aspects of life and history in the Shire area, some well known, many tantalizingly hidden in plain sight, with much on historic local people, buildings and other features that you can see today when you visit the area. Richard Coates has lived in Shirehampton since 2006, working as a researcher and teacher in language, place-names and surnames at the University of the West of England.      His other book, which we also stock, is about the local history of another part of our area “Places, Names and History in North-West Bristol” – both books are highly recommended.
January 10, 2022

Research Room – update

The Research Room is now fully reopened after the Christmas break. For full details and opening times, please visit the Research Room page.
January 4, 2022

Trip to National Archives on 9th February

If any members have booked into the National Archives at Kew on Wednesday 9th February, please can you let Patricia Holmes know if you require a coach seat by Wednesday 12th January at the latest. The cost is £25. More details are in the December edition of the Journal.
December 1, 2021

New: Bristol Administration Bonds 1661-1780 Index and Transcripts

By identifying the relationship between the deceased and those nominated to administer their estate, Administration Bonds can provide a valuable resource for the family historian. We have now compiled the essential information extracted from a total of 7,359 Bonds held at Bristol Archives covering the period 1661 to 1780, thanks to our Society volunteers. The index and transcripts are available as a CD or download from our Web Shop, at the Research Room and at Bristol members’ meetings. Find out more about joining our group of transcribers.

Family history for Bath, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

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.