Product Ref: FHF-148
How Our Ancestors Died (Paperback) by Simon Wills
This compelling guide explores the many ways our ancestors met their end—and how those causes shaped their lives, communities, and legacies. Simon Wills, a genealogist and NHS advisor, blends historical insight with practical advice to help family historians understand the medical, social, and environmental factors behind death in past centuries.
Inside, you'll discover:
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Common causes of death: from tuberculosis, cholera, and smallpox to accidents, war, and childbirth
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How diseases were understood, treated, and feared
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The evolution of medical science and its impact on mortality
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Tips for interpreting death certificates, patient records, newspapers, and parish registers
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Guidance on uncovering hidden stories through legal documents and monumental inscriptions
Wills paints a vivid picture of the hazards our ancestors faced and how their deaths were recorded and remembered. Whether you're tracing a Victorian ancestor lost to typhus or exploring the impact of industrial accidents, this book offers both context and tools to deepen your research
ISBN : 9781781590386