In September 2026 Pharos Tutors celebrates 21 years of providing online family history courses, guiding students on how to get the most from their research. As part of our celebrations we are holding a Webinar Week from 7th-11th September 2026, celebrating our tutors and our courses.
Talk description: Researching in the Long 18th century
The years between the late seventeenth century and the introduction of civil registration and the modern census present some of the greatest challenges for family historians. Without the familiar census returns, how can we identify where our ancestors lived, reconstruct families, and place them within their communities? This talk explores the rich variety of name-filled sources that illuminate the long eighteenth century, from around 1690 to 1837. Looking far beyond parish registers, we will examine newspapers, tax lists, militia records, poll books, apprenticeships, electoral records, poor law documents, early census returns, directories and many other local sources that can help bridge gaps in our research. Along the way, you will discover practical strategies for finding these records, learn how to assess their strengths and limitations, and develop new approaches to tracing elusive ancestors. Whether your research is urban or rural, this session will provide fresh ideas and invaluable tools for exploring one of genealogy's most rewarding periods.
Booking
For booking, including a massive discount when booking the whole event, see: https://www.pharostutors.com/webinars
