Books on Genealogy and Local History

An Historical Atlas of East Yorkshire

Edited by Susan Neave & Stephen Ellis

UK: Order from Blackwell's

I have found this book useful in many ways. It contains a full index of East Riding Parishes and Townships in the mid-nineteenth century and an accompanying map, and is a treasure trove of information about East Yorkshire's social, economic and landscape history.

From the cover: "Drawing on the expertise of historians, geographers and archaeologists, this atlas brings together a wealth of recent research into the history of East Yorkshire. The maps, covering a broad range of topics and each accompanied by an explanatory text, are grouped together under nine major headings." The headings are Environment, Archaeology, Population and Settlement, Landownership and Land Use, Trade and Industry, Communications, Religion and Social Provision, Riot and Rebellion, and finally, Administrative Units.

A History of Hull

Edward Gillett and Kenneth A. MacMahon

UK: Order from Blackwell's

This book could prove very valuable if your family came from Hull. Not only does it give an excellent overview of the development of Hull from a small medieval town to the modern-day city, but there are many references to specific people, rich and poor, and who knows--maybe your ancestor is mentioned!

From the preface: "This book is not intended to compete with the massive and authoritative Victoria County History volume on Hull. It is, nevertheless, a work of original research, intended to give a compact account of the history of the town both for the specialist in urban history and for the general reader, and as far as possible an attempt has been made to include topics not dealt with elsewhere."

Folk Lore of East Yorkshire
A facsimile reprint of the edition of 1890

John Nicholson

National Index of Parish Registers:
North Yorkshire and East Ridings

D.J. Steel, Society of Genealogists

UK: Order from Blackwell's

East Yorkshire Within Living Memory

East Yorkshire Federation of Women's Institutes

US: Order from Barnes & Noble

UK: Order from Blackwell's

I have found this book very useful as it gives me an idea of what life would have been like for my grandparents as they were growing up.

From the book cover: "Between 1900 and 1960 the pattern of life and particularly country life, altered almost beyond recognition. At the turn of the century, transport was mostly horse-drawn; water came from wells; and oil lamps were used after dark. By the 1960s most families had cars, bathrooms and electricity....Members of the East Yorkshire Federation of Women's Institutes, conscious of the importance of recording these changes, have compiled their own personal recollections and have also interviewed elderly friends and relations, both men and women....Here then is a goldmine of information about life in the East Riding of Yorkshire in the first half of the century."

The History of Beverley, East Yorkshire
From Earliest Times to the Present Day

Hopkins, Pamela

UK: Order from Blackwell's

The East Yorkshire Village Book

East Yorkshire Federation of Women's Institutes

US: Order from Barnes & Noble

UK: Order from Blackwell's

The Agricultural Revolution in the
East Riding of Yorkshire

Wilkinson, Olga

Philip Larkin's Hull and East Yorkshire

Hartley, Jean

Curious Tales of Old East Yorkshire

Peach, Howard

US: Order from Barnes & Noble

UK: Order from Blackwell's

Blackwell's Overview: "This is a useful guide to the history, folklore, traditions and social institutions of the Old East Riding, arranged in 14 diverse chapters. It includes anecdotes on events, personalities and buildings, customs and domestic matters, along with insights into church life, schooling, punishments and communications. The book should also serve as a handy tourist guide with place references and illustrations, bringing a heightened appreciation of the rich heritage of East Yorkshire."

The Great Landowners of East Yorkshire 1530-1910

English, Barbara

Elizabeth Jackson of Rowley: the East Yorkshire girl who emigrated to New England and was executed as a witch in Salem, Mass.

Graystone, Philip

US: Order from Barnes & Noble

UK: Order from Blackwell's