Reviews of Tracing Your Lancashire Ancestors

'I particularly chose this book to review because of my Lancashire ancestors, and I have not been disappointed.
I was fascinated with the opening story of Lancashire and its people...The ‘Matter of Religion’ is colourfully dealt with. It includes details of the trial of 19 people from the Pendle and Samlesbury areas being tried as witches, and this section also touches on parish registers, church records and marriage bonds etc
A chapter on ‘rags to riches’ follows showing how the new industries made fortunes for the mill owners.  It also highlights the dreadful living and working conditions of those working in them and in particular the children...
The last part of the book deals with how to search, which leads into a research guide and archive directory. Useful addresses in alphabetical order and two separate lists on free online resources and subscription ones make this book an invaluable companion'. Review by Marcia Kemp of HDFHS, FFHS website,
7 February 2013.  

‘Sue Wilkes’ latest book will be welcomed by family historians interested in Lancashire forebears, as it is perhaps the most comprehensive and wide-ranging work on the subject to date… it is good to see a book on family history that places so much emphasis on the context within which our forebears lived… Tracing Your Lancashire Ancestors certainly deserves a place on the bookshelves of all those interested in the subject and local historians as well.’ Alan Crosby, BBC Who Do You Think You Are? magazine , January 2013.

 'Lancashire's rich social, cultural and industrial history has made the hunt for our ancestos an increasingly popular and addictive pastime. But family history novices often don't know where to start, so finding a trusty guide is an invaluable first step... No stone is left unturned in this fascinating and essential companion for anyone seeking out their Lancashire roots'. Pam Norfolk, Lancashire Evening Post, 3 January 2013. 

'Sue Wilkes's guide outlines the history of Lancashire, its industries, famous families and entrepreneurs, to give a real flavour of what life was like for residents in days gone by, as well as directing researchers to the many sources available... I found this book of great interest for the depth of its local and social, as well as family, history.  Lancashire was a birthplace of the industrial revolution and the story has been expertly woven into this useful guide, covering local sources from mining records to marriage bonds.  All life is here for those researching Lancashire forebears, and so are the archives and websites'.  Family Tree magazine, January 2013.