York and District Family History Society

Fabulous talk last night at our first event of 2026. The atmosphere was buzzing with loads of new visitors after our relaunch. Check out our website for our 2026 talks. @wyorksarchives @UoYBorthwick @OnePlaceStudies @GuildOneName @federationfhs.bsky.social

A group of twelve people, dressed in early 20th-century attire, pose in front of a large, ivy-covered stone building with arched windows.

Modern lounge area with blue armchairs and small white tables against a wooden structure, adjacent to a staircase.

We are delighted to annouce that @yorkfhs.bsky.social are now at York Explore!

Every Monday 10am-4pm in the Family History Room, first floor York Explore. 

Always wanted to discover your family history but didn’t know where to start? 

Having challenges with your research and need further advice?

Loved this guy! ‘Play it Steve’! Sam and Dave’s Soul Man

Our talk this month is ‘Christmas at Home’ from the Yorkshire Dialect Society. December 3rd 7:30 at the Quaker Hall New Earswick. Mince pies optional extra! @federationfhs.bsky.social @balhnews.bsky.social @clemhallhistory.bsky.social @ypsyork.bsky.social @cecs-york.bsky.social

Thank you for your interest Graham - economics I’m afraid.

Let’s not say forever! Our venue changes - to Yorkexplore on Mondays and the Borthwick institute on Fridays which is at York University. Please join us for a chat about your family’s history.

Probate price shock: What it means for family historians — and how to stay ahead From 17 November the fee for a copy of a will increases from £1.50 to £16. Read on for practical advice from Fraser & Fraser to help you plan and budget.

www.family-tree.co.uk/news/probate...

Our latest talk is the ominous sounding ‘Coroners Case Files’ from the York area with @TheDeadSleuth.

A true Victorian melodrama not for the faint hearted!

Wednesday at New Earswick Quaker Hall 7:30pm.

@BALHNews @FederationFHS @clemhallhistory

The power of nature - Ingleton waterfall walk 4 and a half miles walking in a wondrous and slightly terrifying landscape.

You’re getting very poetic AE! Inspirational place.

Micklegate book cover

Our new book about Micklegate is out this week, packed with stories, facts, photos and memories. Details and stockists at www.clementshallhistorygroup.org.uk/blog/mickleg... @balhnews.bsky.social @yorkfhs.bsky.social

Lover of fish paste? Chichester is the natural home of crab pate’ and Shippams potted meat factory.

Wonderful visit to West Sussex archives yesterday then fab curry in Chichester. Today visit to Fishbourne Roman Palace - incredible place - real grapes growing on vines outside. 😳
@deadsleuth.com @balhnews.bsky.social @federationfhs.bsky.social @uoyborthwick.bsky.social

I wrote a 6000 word article on water supply in Regency York the other day. Ladybird books summed it all up in 17 simple lines. Genius!

Our next talk is about the Acomb Lunatic Asylum scandal which inspired ‘The Woman in White’.
Wednesday August 6th 7:30 on person or on zoom or on YouTube. See website for membership details. £3 entry fee to cover costs. Usual venue. It’s gonna be amaaazing! @exploreyourarchive.bsky.social

Our very own David Rigby will be telling this story of his ancestor. High stakes on the Knavesmire". A family history story involving: the first lady jockey, high stakes gambling, court cases, imprisonment, infidelity, and death by poisoning. All against the background of Regency York.

Our next talk on Wednesday July 2nd at 7:30!

Beautiful Basingstoke!

Hi
Look forward to it. I have written an article for BALH and OPS on ‘John Smeaton and the failure of York Waterworks Company 1779- 1800’. No matter his talent he made little impact on improving water supply in York.

How do I order it?

Loved Sly Stone - it’s a family affair 😔

Thanks Jackie - I think we’re at capacity with WGC stand now but I will create a table with Yorkshire Group fliers and Chris has given me the banner to display!

Television set? Just known by under 50s as tv.

Too late! It’s shut!

In the 1970s a grade 1 ‘O’ level was the highest you could get. 6 was the lowest I think.

6th form is still used at my daughters school

Our 50th celebration festival of family and local history on Saturday June 28th at Acomb Parish Hall
will be opened by our favourite DJ Jonathan Cowap! Loads of societies from across the UK attending too!
Great day planned. @federationfhs.bsky.social @ypsyork.bsky.social @balhnews.bsky.social

Hi Kelly
I love all the Yorkshire family history societies so I didn’t mind when I was asked to be chairman of the Yorkshire Group. I think I’ve got familial links with all of them. Plus…my ancestors got transported too - to NSW not Tasmania sadly.
(Steve Barrett)

That’s fantastic Tony - thank you so much. Hope you can pop up to York for our 50th celebration on June 28th. Details on our website.

It was demolished to widen the road by the way.