Product Ref: FHF-075
My Ancestors were ... English Presbyterians or Unitarians by Alan Ruston (2nd Edition)
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Alan Ruston’s My Ancestors Were English Presbyterians or Unitarians (2nd Edition) is a focused and practical guide for genealogists researching ancestors who were part of these two significant Nonconformist religious traditions in England. The book begins with a concise history of English Presbyterianism and Unitarianism, explaining their origins as dissenting movements from the Church of England in the 17th century. While Presbyterians were once the largest of the Nonconformist denominations, by the early 19th century they had become one of the smallest, often merging into Unitarian congregations or disappearing altogether.
This shift presents unique challenges for family historians, as many chapels closed and their records were lost or scattered. Ruston’s guide addresses these difficulties by offering detailed advice on how to locate surviving records, including chapel registers, membership lists, and denominational archives. It also includes a directory of known chapel locations and repositories, helping researchers identify where their ancestors may have worshipped and where records might be held.
The book is part of the Society of Genealogists’ “My Ancestor Was...” series and is especially valuable for those tracing roots in communities where Nonconformity was strong. It spans 95 pages and is praised for its clarity, depth, and practical utility.
ISBN : 9781903462218