Newsletter of 18/08/2003 - Midlands Historical Data

Newsletter of 18/08/2003

This news is sent to you by Midlands Historical Data http://www.midlandshistoricaldata.org

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Midlands Historical Data News : 18/08/2003

More about this project
Latest CD Releases

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1. More about our project

This is only our third newsletter, so we hope that it is useful. In time, we aim to publish the Newsletter on a fortnightly basis, but for the first few issues will probably do this on a monthly basis. We would welcome any feedback on any aspect of this newsletter, of the web-site or of the CD's themselves, so please let us have your comments - constructive or otherwise ! You can use this link to provide feedback: mailto:enquiries@midlandshistoricaldata.org

Blocksidge's Almanack
This month we are releasing a run of several years of Blocksidge's Dudley Almanack, which cover Dudley & Netherton. It was started by Ernest Blocksidge - a local printer in Dudley - in 1878, but copies of it only exist from 1882 onwards. They continued to be produced up to 1952 by Ernest's family, with a break from 1917 to 1924, initially caused by the First World War. The early copies are in such poor condition that we have not been able to scan them, but from 1886 onwards we have been able to produce a very nearly complete run up to 1930. We aim to complete the run up to 1950 next month.

The value of these Almanacks is two-fold :-

they record local events and institutions for the area, and are nicely illustrated, so are invaluable for providing background information on Dudley & Netherton
and from 1890, they include a directory of "Residents, Traders & Merchants" .. which in 1902 became a street directory, and from 1925 onwards recorded the name of the head of most households in the area. Consequently, they are a valuable resource for both local historians and genealogists interested in this specific part of the country.

We are offering individual years of the Almanack at £11.75 (inc. VAT), and a run of 5 years (e.g. 1901-1905) at £17.50 (inc VAT). We plan to offer the whole run (1886-1952 with a few gaps) which comprise around 60 volumes for just £49.95 (inc VAT).

One reason for offering these Almanacks on CD is that they are rare and impossible to find outside this area, so we hope you find them of value. In fact, they are so difficult to obtain that many local libraries have shown an interest in obtaining digital copies, and we will be making these available shortly to improve public access - which is one of our main aims.

Gentleman's Magazine
We are also releasing copies of a couple of years from the Gentleman's Magazine (1737 & 1770). The National Archives (the new name for the PRO at Kew) have already bought a copy of our index of the Gentleman's Magazine (the compendium set of six indexes), since they tell me that they often receive requests for an index to the Gentlemen's Magazine but were unable to offer one before obtaining our CD. They have an incomplete run of the Magazine, and these two years are two they do not have. In time, we may add further years that they dont have, if there is sufficient demand. Please see the subscription offer to register your interest in a particular year, and the details on the Gentleman's Magazine for more information on its value.

History of the Corporation of Birmingham
The final item we are releasing is a volume from the series on the History of the Corporation of Birmingham, which is now called Birmingham City Council. It was started by the well known historian J Thackeray Bunce, and records in considerable detail the development of the City from incorporation. The main achievements of each department of the Council are recorded, and there is also much statistical data on the City - in areas like public health, education, housing and so on. The value of these histories is mainly for the local historian, but it can also be of value to the genealogist in providing background. Or perhaps, like me, you have ancestors who were Birmingham City Councillors (I have two), where it is really very interesting.

We have made arrangements to scan further volumes, and expect to complete all five volumes up to 1935 by the end of this year.

Any requests?
Finally, if any of you want a copy of a specific directory or book, do let me know via the feedback link, and I will see what we can do to track it down.

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2. Latest CD releases

To order any of these, please click the link (if it has arrived in your mailbox), or visit our web-site, where these titles are now available.

Directories

Blocksidge's Almanack for Dudley (1891-1895)

Five more almanacks covering Dudley & Netherton. Includes a directory of "Residents, Tradesmen & Merchants", and much local information. . Kindly loaned to the project by Dudley Archives & Local History Service. This is a valuable local resource - and excellent value ... five years on one CD. However, if you would prefer to buy only one annual almanack at the lower price of £10 (£11.75 inc VAT), then please follow this link.

Blocksidge's Almanack for Dudley (1896-1900)

Blocksidge's Almanack for Dudley (1901-1905)

Blocksidge's Almanack for Dudley (1906-1910)

Blocksidge's Almanack for Dudley (1911-1916)

Six more almanacks covering Dudley & Netherton. Includes a directory of "Residents, Tradesmen & Merchants", and much local information. . Kindly loaned to the project by Dudley Archives & Local History Service. This is a valuable local resource - and excellent value ... six years on one CD. However, if you would prefer to buy only one annual almanack at the lower price of £10 (£11.75 inc VAT), then please follow this link.

Blocksidge's Almanack for Dudley (1925-1930)

Books

Gentleman's Magazine (1737)

Gentleman's Magazine for 1737, and another that is not available at the National Archives. More details on the Gentleman's Magazine. Kindly loaned to the project by BMSGH. Not the year you want? See our special subscription offer to obtain the Gentleman's magazine from any year between 1732 and 1818.

Gentleman's Magazine (1770)

Gentleman's Magazine for 1770, and another that is not available at the National Archives. More details on the Gentleman's Magazine. Kindly loaned to the project by BMSGH. Not the year you want? See our special subscription offer to obtain the Gentleman's magazine from any year between 1732 and 1818.

History of the Corporation of Birmingham, Vol. IV (1900-1915)

This is volume 4 of the authorised history of the Corporation of Birmingham, which is now more generally known as Birmingham City Council. This volume covers the years from 1900-1915, which were significant in Birmingham Corporation's history as the city expanded during this period, incorporating Aston, Kings Norton, Yardley, Erdington & Handsworth. The volume records the various negotiations, and also the business of the various Council Departments (e.g. Finance, Public Works, Tramways, Public Health, etc.). Some statistics on Birmingham are included. Valuable for the local historian, and as background material for the genealogist.

This is one of a series of volumes that records the history of the development of the Corporation from its inception. If there is demand for it, we will be scanning Volumes 1-3, and Volume 5 which covers the period up to 1935 - please let us have your thoughts by Email.

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