Product Ref: FHF-157
Tracing Your Insolvent Ancestors (Paperback) by Paul Blake
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Paul Blake’s Tracing Your Insolvent Ancestors is a compelling and practical guide for genealogists and historians seeking to uncover the often-overlooked stories of debt and financial hardship in their family tree. Far from being a niche topic, insolvency affected countless individuals across Britain, and Blake’s book shines a light on the systems, records, and institutions that shaped their experiences. With clarity and depth, he explores the historical treatment of debt, the evolution of bankruptcy laws, and the grim realities of debtor prisons—not as sensational curiosities, but as lived experiences that shaped families and communities.
The book offers detailed guidance on navigating the rich but scattered records held at The National Archives and local record offices, helping researchers trace ancestors who may have faced financial ruin due to misfortune, mismanagement, or systemic inequities. Blake also explains the legal procedures and court systems that governed insolvency, providing context that transforms dry documents into vivid historical insight. Whether you're a family historian, a student of social history, or simply curious about the hidden narratives behind financial collapse, Tracing Your Insolvent Ancestors offers both empathy and expertise in equal measure.
ISBN : 9781526738653