Sunshine on the Mersey

I had a very interesting visit to Merseyside Maritime Museum and Archives yesterday to research some articles and my latest book, Tracing Your Lancashire Ancestors. It was blazingly hot and sunny, considering it is still only April. On my way back to the station I noticed St George’s Hall was open, so I popped inside for a quick look. The concert hall is very impressive, although unfortunately I wasn’t lucky enough to see its famous Minton floor tiles. I shall have to pop back for another visit sometime.

Photos: A ship on the Mersey. St George’s Hall interior. © Sue Wilkes.

Tracing Your Lancashire Ancestors

I'm very pleased to announce that I have a new book contract! I'm very excited about my new project for Pen & Sword books, Tracing Your Lancashire Ancestors, as Lancashire is the county where I was born. The book will look at the story of Lancashire as well as giving tips and hints for tracking down your ancestors from the county.

Balmy Bala

Just got back from a lovely short break in Bala, north Wales. The weather was scorchingly hot on Sunday – hope that wasn’t the only summer we’re going to get this year! We also explored the coastal town of Barmouth, where there was a nineteenth century lock-up for malefactors. The building, built c.1834, had one cell for men and another for women.

The town lock-up or ‘bridewell’ was used to contain drunk and disorderly citizens or those waiting to go before the magistrates. Several Cheshire towns such as Nantwich, Stockport and Farndon had them, too.
I hope to have some exciting news soon – watch this space!
Photo: Nineteenth century lock-up, Barmouth. © Sue Wilkes