Learn all about the key resources available for researching ancestors in Gloucestershire. Discover the key archives covering this county and how to use their catalogues and other resources. Find out where records for this county can be found online both within the main commercial websites and county specialist sites. Learn about key historical events that may impact your research in Gloucestershire. Investigate where else you can get help for researching here such as the Family History Society. At the end of this talk, you will be set up for starting your research on your Gloucestershire ancestors. Note that the talk assumes you have already watched ‘Introduction to County Research in England’.
Discount code: webtember25 (valid at Familytreewebinars.com)
Valid through: September 30, 2025
The England County Research Series continued with a detailed session led by professional genealogist Mia Bennett, focusing on the county of Gloucestershire. This webinar offered genealogists a comprehensive roadmap to exploring family roots in this historically rich region of England. Bennett combined historical background with practical guidance, illustrating how archives, societies, and unique local resources can be used to uncover valuable genealogical information. Her presentation emphasized both the depth of Gloucestershire’s history—from Roman times through the Industrial Revolution—and the breadth of record sets available to researchers today.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar:
Historical and Administrative Context: Understanding Gloucestershire’s shifting county boundaries, ecclesiastical jurisdictions, and administrative entities is essential for locating records. Researchers must be aware that parishes may fall under neighboring counties’ archives, such as Bristol, Worcestershire, or Warwickshire, depending on historical changes
Archives and Societies as Gateways: The Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, Bristol Archives, and specialized family history societies (Gloucestershire, Bristol & Avon, and Forest of Dean) provide invaluable catalogs, indexes, and projects. These institutions not only safeguard parish registers, wills, and civil records but also collaborate on transcription and digital initiatives that expand researcher access
Rich Record Collections: Beyond parish registers, genealogists can explore bishop’s transcripts, non-conformist registers, memorial inscriptions, probate inventories, prison registers, and even projects like We Are Gathered Here, which brings local history to life through creative interpretation. Bennett also highlighted practical tips for navigating databases, using advanced catalog searches, and cross-referencing resources across multiple repositories
This presentation demonstrated how mastering both the local history and the archival landscape can open new doors in family history research.
To gain the full benefit of Mia Bennett’s expertise, genealogists are encouraged to watch the complete webinar. The step-by-step explanations, search strategies, and examples provide actionable guidance for tackling Gloucestershire research challenges. Additionally, the detailed syllabus includes curated resources, links, and reference materials—perfect tools for deepening your knowledge and making meaningful progress in your genealogical journey.
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Syllabus
An excellent webinar great information and so well presented. Mia knows her subject so well it’s such a pleasure to listen to her. Thanks very much.
I found the webinar to have some very thoughtful insights on how to utilize the different research materials and resources are available to those researching Gloucestershire genealogy.
Lots & Lots of info to take in. Good stuff.
Very well presented, with lots of helpful detail, and Marian the host was really on the ball putting links in the chat.
Thank-you so much for all the suggestions that were given in this webinar. I’ll be staying up late …again…researching my family history.
Fabulous collection of resources for researching in Gloucestershire! I look forward to (hopefully) finding my English ancestors, most of whom lived in that region.
Always learning new things and places to look!!!!
Having a paternal grandfather and great-grandfather born in Gloucestershire, I found this webinar very informative.