Researching your Essex and East London Ancestors

Kelly Cornwell
May 9, 2025
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Content

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Welcome
2m 00s
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Speaker's Introduction
1m 33s
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Introduction
2m 09s
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History
5m 03s
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Location
7m 00s
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Industry
7m 56s
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Religion
4m 24s
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Jurisdictions
13m 48s
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Archives & Websites
19m 16s
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Societies
7m 42s
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Announcements / prizes
3m 15s
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Questions / answers
3m 24s

About this webinar

Discover how and where to locate records relating to your Essex and East London Ancestors. Learn about the changes of jurisdictions, and the various depositories that hold the keys to researching your family history. Once one of the seven Kingdoms, Essex and its neighboring East End towns/boroughs are steeped in history – from Tudors hunting in Epping Forest, to the Windrush arriving in the port of Tilbury. Find out how the landscape, particularly the Thames Estuary, played its part in shaping the county and its people. From probate courts to manors, schools to newspapers, a vast array of sources will be covered.

About the speaker

About the speaker

Kelly Cornwell is a Professional Genealogist, Speaker and Tutor, with over 20 years experience of researching family histories across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland, U.S.A. and Australia. With a special interest in Transported
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Key points and insights

In the ninth installment of Legacy Family Tree’s England Counties Research Series, genealogist Kelly Cornwell presents a rich and detailed webinar titled “Researching Your Essex and East London Ancestors.” With decades of experience and a deep personal connection to Essex, Cornwell offers a compelling look at how geography, industry, religion, and shifting jurisdictions have shaped the genealogical landscape of this historically significant region. This webinar is a must-watch for anyone tracing roots in Essex or the eastern boroughs of London, offering both historical context and actionable strategies for navigating a complex archival terrain.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding County History and Boundary Changes: Cornwell emphasizes the importance of understanding the evolution of Essex’s borders, particularly the impact of the 1963 London Government Act, which reclassified many Essex communities as part of Greater London. This shift affects where records may be stored and explains why ancestors from East London might appear in Essex archives—or vice versa.
  • Leveraging Local Industries and Institutions for Clues: The webinar explores Essex’s diverse industrial heritage—from Roman trade routes and medieval saffron production to modern enterprises like the Ford factory in Dagenham. Cornwell demonstrates how researching these industries and associated records (such as employment or port logs) can provide unexpected insights into ancestors’ lives and migrations.
  • Maximizing Archives, Societies, and Online Tools: Viewers are introduced to a wealth of resources, including the Essex Record Office, manorial documents databases, parish maps, and specialized archives like Valence House. Cornwell provides practical guidance on using FamilySearch maps, pre-1841 censuses, and local family history societies to uncover hidden records that major genealogy platforms may overlook.

To fully appreciate the depth of strategies and local knowledge shared, genealogists are encouraged to view the complete webinar. Cornwell’s presentation offers invaluable direction for anyone facing dead ends or seeking to contextualize their ancestors within the broader social and economic history of Essex and East London.

Genealogists are also invited to explore the comprehensive 20-page syllabus that accompanies the webinar. It includes extended references, links to key resources, historical background, and tools to aid in advanced research. Whether just beginning or looking to deepen an existing Essex family history project, this resource-rich guide provides a clear path forward.

Comments (48)

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  1. HD
    Heather Dickson
    3 days ago

    Loved getting to know a little more about the history and the time line of where to look for different information

    Reply
    1 Reply
    • KC
      Kelly Cornwell
      11 hours ago

      Thank you Heather, I’m glad you enjoyed the talk.

  2. MW
    Maurine Ward
    3 days ago

    She is so knowledgeable that it was fun to hear about so many new places for researcg.

    Reply
    1 Reply
    • KC
      Kelly Cornwell
      11 hours ago

      Thank you for your kind words Maurine. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

  3. JD
    James Dorsey
    3 days ago

    Very useful information for locating records in the Essex area.

    Reply
    1 Reply
    • KC
      Kelly Cornwell
      11 hours ago

      Thank you James, I’m glad you enjoyed the talk.

  4. DP
    Diana P Enser
    3 days ago

    Packed full of really interesting and useful information. A very engaging speaker – despite her cough!

    Reply
    1 Reply
    • KC
      Kelly Cornwell
      11 hours ago

      That’s very kind, thank you Diana. I’m glad you enjoyed the talk.

  5. CS
    Christine Schultheis
    3 days ago

    Kelly’s presentation was very clear, methodical and comprehensive without being overwhelming.

    Reply
    1 Reply
    • KC
      Kelly Cornwell
      11 hours ago

      Thanks Christine. I’m pleased you enjoyed the presentation.

  6. MH
    Marilyn Hartley-Kik
    3 days ago

    Thorough discussion and terrific maps

    Reply
    1 Reply
    • KC
      Kelly Cornwell
      11 hours ago

      Thank you Marilyn. I’m pleased you enjoyed it.

  7. JS
    Julie Smart
    3 days ago

    Very detailed talk with a good combination of facts and means to illustrate them

    Reply
    1 Reply
    • KC
      Kelly Cornwell
      11 hours ago

      Thanks Julie. I’m really pleased you enjoyed the presentation.

  8. JO
    Jill Owler
    3 days ago

    Clear information and links

    Reply
    1 Reply
    • KC
      Kelly Cornwell
      11 hours ago

      Thank you Jill, I’m glad you enjoyed the talk.

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