Guide to Local Studies Resources in Public Libraries in East Sussex

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Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Guide to

local studies resources

at public libraries

Library and Information Service 1 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Contents

Introduction...... 3

What can we offer you? ...... 3

Where can you find us? ...... 4

Enquiry service...... 7

Photocopying...... 8

Electoral registers ...... 9

Local societies...... 10

Tracing local and family history...... 11

Local studies at Hastings Library...... 15

Local studies at Eastbourne Library...... 22

Local studies at Lewes Library...... 27

Local studies at Bexhill Library ...... 31

Useful websites...... 35

Library and Information Service 2 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Local studies

Introduction

Have you ever wondered…

 who used to live in your house?  how your town developed?  if you are related to a famous person?

These are just some of the many questions to which we can help find the answers.

If you are interested in any aspect of the life and history of Sussex in general, and East Sussex in particular, your library service can help you.

All libraries have a collection of items relating to the county in general and their own area in particular.

Major collections on local studies are available at Hastings, Eastbourne, Lewes and Bexhill libraries. The collections cover East Sussex, although there is also material on West Sussex and Brighton and Hove. Hastings library also has material relating to Kent.

If you are doing lengthy research or just have a general interest in the county's past - contact us. Library staff are happy to help you.

What can we offer you?

You'll find lots of material about the history, geology and natural history of East Sussex and more in libraries all over the county.

We also have information on finding out about the history of the place or house where you live and researching your family history.

The collections include:

 books  pamphlets  newspapers – from the 1740s onwards  periodicals  press cuttings  directories  census information  maps  illustrations.

You can use the E-library to find out what books are available at your local library, and our periodicals list to see what newspapers and magazines are available in libraries and the East Sussex Record Office.

Some material is available only on microfilm. We have reader-printers which make using this material easy. There is a charge for printing.

Detailed research can be carried out by library staff on payment of a standard charge per hour of the time taken.

Library and Information Service 3 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

The library service concentrates on printed material. New material is constantly being added through purchase or by copying items in private ownership. If you have anything you think may be useful, please contact us.

We welcome donations.

Where can you find us?

The largest local studies collection in East Sussex is at Hastings library.

Hastings Library Brassey Institute 13 Claremont Hastings TN34 1HE Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Fax: 01424 443289 Email: [email protected]

Major collections are also based at Eastbourne, Lewes and Bexhill libraries. Lewes library also has a large collection of Sussex books for loan.

Eastbourne Library Grove Road Eastbourne BN21 4TL Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Fax: 01323 434202 Email: [email protected]

Lewes Library Styles Field Friars Walk Lewes BN7 2LZ Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Fax: 01273 477881 Email: [email protected]

Bexhill Library Western Road Bexhill on Sea TN40 1DY Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Fax: 01424 733390 Email: [email protected]

All libraries have a collection of material relating to the county in general and their own area in particular. Library staff are happy to help you and can refer questions to larger libraries if they don’t have the information locally.

Use our map or A-Z list to find your local library. You can also find your local library by using our postcode search on our website at http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries/find/default.aspx.

Library and Information Service 4 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Map of libraries in East Sussex

Battle Library 7 Market Square, Battle, TN33 0XA Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Bexhill Library Western Road, Bexhill on Sea, TN40 1DY Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Crowborough Library Pine Grove, Crowborough, TN6 1DH Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Eastbourne Reference Library Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4TL Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

East Sussex Record Office The Maltings, Castle Precincts, Lewes, BN7 1YT Phone: 01273 482349 Email: [email protected]

Forest Row Library The Community Centre, Hartfield Road, Forest Row, RH18 5DZ Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Hailsham Library Western Road, Hailsham, BN27 3DN Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Hampden Park Library Brodrick Close, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, BN22 9NQ Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Library and Information Service 5 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Hastings Reference Library Brassey Institute, 13 Claremont, Hastings, TN34 1HE Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Heathfield Library 21 High Street, Heathfield, TN21 8LU Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Hollington Library 96 Battle Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 7AG Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Langney Library Unit 4 The Shopping Centre, 110 Kingfisher Drive, Langney, Eastbourne, BN23 7DR Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Lewes Library Styles Field, Friars Walk, Lewes, BN7 2LZ Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Mayfield Library Mayfield County Primary School, Fletching Road, Mayfield, TN20 6TA Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Newhaven Library 16 High Street, Newhaven, BN9 9PD Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Ore Library Old London Road, Ore, Hastings, TN35 5BP Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Peacehaven Library Meridian Centre, Peacehaven, BN10 8BB Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Pevensey Bay Library Wallsend House, Richmond Road, Pevensey Bay, Eastbourne, BN24 6AU Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Polegate Library Windsor Way, Polegate, BN26 6QF Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Ringmer Library Cecil Gates Room, The Village Hall, Lewes Road, Ringmer, Lewes, BN8 5QH Phone: 0345 60 80 196

Rye Library 30 High Street, Rye, TN31 7JF Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Seaford Library (temporary) Elm Court, Blatchington Road, Seaford, BN25 2AD Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

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Uckfield Library The Library, High Street, Uckfield, TN22 1AR Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Wadhurst Library High Street, Wadhurst, TN5 6AP Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Willingdon Library Coppice Avenue, Lower Willingdon, Eastbourne, BN20 9PN Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected]

Enquiry service

Library staff are happy to help you and can refer questions to larger libraries if they don’t have the information locally.

You can visit the library in person, or contact us by telephone or letter.

You can email our Enquiry Team at [email protected] to ask for information on any of the following:

 finding out about the history of the place, or house where you live  researching your family history  writing a thesis or essay on any aspect of the history of the area  a school project on a local theme

What will help us answer your question as quickly as possible?

Please tell us:

 what you want – be as precise as you can, eg name a particular street you are interested in, rather than “I want to know about the history of Hastings”.  who you are – are you a child or an adult?  what do you want it for – is it for a school project, university thesis, hobby or something else?  when you will need the information – give us an exact deadline  what information you already have  where you live – please include your email and postal address so we are able to send any information that may be useful to you or refer you to another library or organisation closer to where you live

Library and Information Service 7 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Photocopying

There are photocopiers which you can use at most libraries. Some items, such as bound newspapers, are not suitable for copying. There is a small charge for copying.

There are some restrictions on what you can copy under copyright law. Photocopying may only be carried out if it is:

 fair dealing (i.e. not substantial)  for research or private study for non-commercial purposes  a single copy

There are also restrictions on how much you can copy. These are:

 Books: one complete chapter to a maximum of 5% of the work  Short books: up to 10% or 20 pages, whichever is the lesser  Periodicals: one article from an issue or if a very small item, one A4 or the contents page  Illustrations: only if they illustrate or form part of an article or extract  Photographs: only for private or domestic use  Slides: not permitted  Maps: Goad plans (shopping centre maps): students may copy up to four copies of a single A4 sized extract Ordnance Survey: up to four copies of a single A4 sized extract OS maps more than 50 years old are out of copyright and may be copied  Yellow Pages: one page or one classified section

Library and Information Service 8 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Electoral registers

Electoral registers are lists of names of people who can vote at an election during the lifetime of the register. Historical electoral registers can be very useful when tracing your family history, and these are held at our larger libraries.

Since 1 December 2002 two versions of the register have been produced – the full version and the edited version. Libraries hold the edited version only.

There are restrictions on photocopying from electoral registers in public libraries. For further information, you should contact the relevant Electoral Registration Office.

Eastbourne

Electoral Services Eastbourne Borough Council Town Hall Grove Road Eastbourne BN21 4UG Phone: 01323 415036 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.eastbourne.gov.uk/council/elections/register-to-vote/

Hastings

Electoral Registration Office Hastings Borough Council Town Hall Queens Road Hastings TN34 1QR Phone: 01424 781720 or 01424 781721 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.hastings.gov.uk/electoral_registration/default.aspx

Lewes

Elections Section Lewes District Council Lewes House 32 High Street Lewes BN7 2LX Phone: 01273 484116 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.lewes.gov.uk/council/450.asp

Rother

Electoral Services Office Rother District Council Town Hall Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 3JX Phone: 01424 787825 Website: http://www.rother.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=181

Library and Information Service 9 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Wealden

Electoral Services Wealden District Council Pine Grove Crowborough TN6 1DH Phone: 01892 602417 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.wealden.gov.uk/Wealden/Your_Council/Democracy/Voting_and_Elections/Democracy_Vot ing_and_Elections.aspx

Local societies

You may find it useful to join a family or local history society.

Details of local clubs and societies are available in all libraries. You can also find this information online using the East Sussex Community Information Service (ESCIS), which has been developed and managed by the library service.

We can provide:

 organisation names  contact details  name  address  telephone number  fax number  email  website  general information about what the organisation does  geographical area covered by the organisation  disabled access details

We also produce a series of 11 directories called Help in Hand, each covering a different area of the county. These include:

 Battle and North Rother  Bexhill  Brighton and Hove  Eastbourne  Hastings  Lewes and the surrounding area  Newhaven, Peacehaven and Seaford  North Wealden  South Wealden  Rye and East Rother  Uckfield and Heathfield

You can search the database – or add or update your organisation’s details – at www.escis.org.uk

Library and Information Service 10 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Tracing local and family history

First steps

Homework and advice

You can use the local studies collections in libraries to help you research your family history and the history of your house.

If you are a beginner in family history you are strongly advised to read one of the many books on the subject available in libraries, and see our local and family history pages on our website for more information.

See our lists of recommended books on our website:

 Local history http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/localandfamilyhistory/localhistory/reading/default. htm  Family history http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/localandfamilyhistory/familyhistory/reading/defaul t.htm  Building history http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/localandfamilyhistory/buildinghistory/reading/defa ult.htm

You can use the E-library on our website to find out what books on family history (genealogy), heraldry and local history are available at your local library, and reserve them online if you wish. The E-library can be found at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/elibrary

You may find it useful to join a family or local history society.

Details of local clubs and societies are available in all libraries. You can also find this information online using the East Sussex Community Information Service – www.escis.org.uk – which has been developed and managed by the library service.

Family

Remember the rest of the family! Check with other members of your family and note all names, dates, places (family bibles are a good source).

Trace your family history – resources

Libraries hold a wide range of information that can be used to trace family history, including census material, trade and street directories, local newspapers, electoral registers, copies of parish registers, and the International Genealogical Index (IGI). Ancestry (library edition) is also available free online in our libraries.

The East Sussex Record Office has a larger range of resources, which are described briefly below. You must make an appointment if you wish to visit the Record Office. They offer an in-house research service into the documentary sources in its care.

Family history sources from 1837 to the present day

 Cemetery Records  Census returns and indexes  Trade directories

Library and Information Service 11 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

 Street directories  Local newspapers  Electoral registers  Log books and admission registers for many local authority maintained schools  Index to obituaries in the Sussex Express, 1880 to 1920 (in progress)

Family history sources before 1837

 Parish Registers  Baptism Index  Marriage Index  Burial Index  International Genealogical Index (IGI)  Bishops Transcripts  Marriage Licences  West Sussex Parish register transcripts  Nonconformist Records  Wills before 1858  PCC Wills Index (Prerogative Court of Canterbury)  Index to surnames  Index to Eastern Sussex settlement certificates 1670 – 1832  Index to Eastern Sussex removal orders c1670 – 1832  Index to Sussex quarter sessions criminal cases 1810 to 1854  Court rolls and books of many East Sussex manors (written in Latin before 1733)

See the local and family history pages on our website for more details about the resources available at the Record Office, and how to make an appointment and pay for services. The pages can be found at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/localandfamilyhistory

Contact details for other useful family history resources, from 1837 to the present day

Civil Registration – England and Wales

Libraries and the East Sussex Record Office do not hold certificates of births, marriages and deaths in England and Wales which should have been registered with local registrars since 1837.

Copies of certificates may be obtained for a fee by applying to either the General Register Office or – for certificates of local registrations – to the relevant Superintendent Registrar in East Sussex. A copy of the index to births, marriages and deaths from 1837 to 1990 is available at the Brighton History Centre.

Certificate Services Section General Register Office PO Box 2 SOUTHPORT PR8 2JD 0845 603 7788 Email [email protected] http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/

Brighton History Centre Brighton Museum & Art Gallery Royal Pavilion Gardens Brighton BN1 1EE 01273 296972 Email [email protected]

Library and Information Service 12 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Civil Registration – Scotland and Ireland

Records of civil registration in Scotland, which started in Jan 1855, are held by the General Register Office for Scotland.

General Register Office for Scotland New Register House 3 West Register Street Edinburgh EH1 3YT

Civil registration in Ireland started in Jan 1864 and the records for the whole of Ireland, 1864-1921 and for the Republic from 1922 are held by the General Register Office of Ireland.

General Register Office of Ireland Government Offices Convent Road Roscommon

Records for Northern Ireland from Jan 1922 are held by the General Register Office (Northern Ireland)

General Register Office (Northern Ireland) Oxford House 49-55 Chichester Street Belfast BT1 4HL

Wills after 1858

The East Sussex Record Office has indexes to wills proved by civil probate registries in England and Wales from 1858 to 1943. For copies of these wills apply to:

Principal Registry of the Family Division First Avenue House 42-49 High Holborn London WC1V 6NP

History of your house – resources

Libraries hold a wide range of information that can be used to trace the history of your house, including Ordnance Survey maps dating from the 1870s, some tithe and estate maps, electoral registers, census information, and also trade and street directories.

First, check your title deeds. Even if they are not old, there may be abstracts of title which summarise earlier ones and information in recent deeds may help you to identify your house in other records.

If you are visiting the Record Office, take the title deeds with you if possible. Remember, it is more difficult to trace the history of your house if you live in a town (for example tithe maps do not usually cover urban areas). As part of the Record Office in-house research service you can pay for up to two

Library and Information Service 13 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex hours research to provide an introduction to the history of your house, but you must include a detailed plan showing the location of the property. Please ask for details.

Sources for houses built after about 1850

 Ordnance Survey maps – 6-inch and 25-inch sheets (published in c1875, c1898, c1910, 1920s and the 1930s)  Local authority building control plans  Trade directories  Census enumerators' returns  Electoral registers

 1910 Valuation Act valuation books  Rate books

Sources for houses built before about 1850

 Terrier Sheets  Estate Maps  Tithe Maps and Awards (compiled between 1837-1848)  Land tax assessments  Rate books  Manorial Card Index  Court Books  Rentals

Library and Information Service 14 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex Local studies at Hastings Library

Local studies at Hastings Library

Hastings Library has the largest local studies collection in East Sussex.

The reference collection includes books, maps, press cuttings and other material relating to the local area.

The topics covered in some detail include:

 Hastings  St Leonards  Bexhill  Rye  Battle

Other areas that are covered are East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton & Hove and Kent.

You can use the E-library to find out what books are available at Hastings library, and our periodicals list to see full details of what newspapers and magazines we can offer you. A brief list of the main newspapers and magazines at Hastings library is given below.

If you are doing lengthy research or just have a general interest in the county's past - contact us. Library staff are happy to help you.

Hastings Reference Library Brassey Institute 13 Claremont Hastings TN34 1HE Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Fax: 01424 443289 Email: [email protected]

Library and Information Service 15 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

You can email our Enquiry Team at [email protected] to ask for information on any of the following:

 finding out about the history of the place, or house where you live  researching your family history  writing a thesis or essay on any aspect of the history of the area  doing a school project on a local theme

Newspapers

Hastings Library has a wide range of local newspapers you can use to find out about local history. These include:

 Cinque Ports Chronicle 1838-1841  Friday-Ad (2 copies held per year) 1983-  Hastings AdNews 1973-  Hastings and St Leonards Advertiser 1866-1918  Hastings and St Leonards Chronicle 1849-1905  Hastings and St Leonards Independent 1873-1917  Hastings and St Leonards News 1848-1905  Hastings and St Leonards Observer 1866-  Hastings and St Leonards Standard 1899  Hastings and St Leonards Times 1857-1899  Hastings and St Leonards Weekly Mail and Times 1898-1911  Hastings Gazette 1860-1893  Hastings Iris 1830-1831  Illustrated London News 1842-2003 (latterly 2 issues a year)  Kent and Sussex Courier 1980-  South Eastern Advertiser 1872-1914  St Leonards Chronicle and Hastings Post 1919-1920  Sussex Agricultural Express 1837-1846  Sussex Express 1837-1987 + last 6 months  Sussex Weekly Advertiser 1749-1901

The library also has a surname index to birth, marriage and death notices which appeared in the following newspapers:

 Hastings and St Leonards News 1848-1901  Hastings and St Leonards Observer 1901, 1903-1955

Often those notices give more information – addresses, for example – than is given in the index and you may wish to look at the original newspaper, whether on paper or microfilm, to check. Generally this is not an index to obituaries, funeral reports or other news items.

The library tries to keep a complete set of local newspapers. However, some copies may be missing.

Most of the newspapers are available on microfilm.

It is not usually possible to make photocopies from bound volumes of newspapers. Copies can be made from microfilms. There is a small charge for printing.

See our Periodicals list for a full list of what is available at Hastings Library.

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General periodicals

Hastings Library has a range of general magazines and other periodicals on local and family history in East Sussex. These include:

 Federation of Sussex Local History Societies Newsletter 1982-1992  Sussex Archaeological Collections 1948-  Sussex County Magazine 1926-1956  Sussex Family Historian 1973-  Sussex Genealogist and Local Historian 1979-1986  Sussex History 1976-1991  Sussex Industrial History 1970-  Sussex Life 1965-  Sussex Notes and Queries 1926-1971  Sussex Past and Present 1970-  Sussex Rural News 1983-1993

See our Periodicals list for a full list of what is available at Hastings Library.

Current periodicals

Hastings Library currently receives a range of magazines and periodicals on the history of Hastings and the surrounding area, the county of East Sussex in general and other counties including West Sussex and Kent. Other topics covered are local and family history.

The periodicals at Hastings Library include:

 Bygone Kent  Dungeness 'A' News  Dungeness 'B' News  Ewhurst Parish News  Fairlight Newsletter  Family History News and Digest  Family Tree  Genealogists Magazine  Grey Owl Society Bulletin  HAARG Journal (Hastings Area Archaeological Research Group)  HAARG Newsletter (Hastings Area Archaeological Research Group)  Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist  Kent Archaeological Review  Kent Archaeological Society Newsletter  Kent Family History Society Journal  Kent Life  Kipling Journal  Local Historian  Local History News  Old Town Parish News  Robertsbridge & District Archaeological News  Rye and District Fixtures  Rye Local History Group Newsletter  South East Business  Sussex Post  Sussex Review

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 Wealden Iron  West Sussex History

See our Periodicals list for a full list of what is available at Hastings Library.

Directories and electoral registers

Hastings Library has a range of directories and electoral registers which you can use to find out about local and family history.

There are restrictions on the availability of recent electoral registers. Earlier editions are available for reference. The information at Hastings Library includes:

Directories – printed Various editions from 1854 to 1974

Hastings Library has the following printed directories: Hastings:  Pike’s Hastings, St Leonards, Bexhill, Battle and district local directory 1854, 1865, 1867/68, 1871, 1876, 1878, 1880/81, 1882, 1884/85 and various years to 1939  Hastings & St Leonards directory 1885, 1885/86, 1886, 1893, 1894  Kelly’s directory of Hastings and St Leonards (also covers Battle, Bexhill and the surrounding areas) various years 1911-1974  Mathiesons’ Hastings and St Leonards directory 1921  Osborne’s Stranger’s guide and commercial directory to Hastings and St Leonards 1921  Parsons’ Hastings and St Leonards almanack, directory and local red book various years 1893- 1927  Pike’s Hastings and St Leonards directory (also covers Battle and Bexhill) and local blue book 1886-1940, 1958, 1968

Sussex:  Pigot’s directory of Sussex 1839  Pigot and Co’s royal, national and commercial directory 1839  Post Office directories  Home Counties 1851  Sussex 1855, 1862, 1870, 1878  Essex, Herts, Kent, Middlesex, Surrey, and Sussex 1859  Deacon’s court guide, gazetteer and county blue book 1881, 1894  Pike’s local blue book and directory of the eastern or Rye parliamentary division of Sussex 1885/86  Sussex county handbook and county red book 1905  Kelly’s directory of Sussex 1887, 1903, 1905, 1907, 1909, 1911, 1913, 1915, 1918, 1922, 1927, 1930, 1934, 1938  Kelly’s directory of Kent, Surrey and Sussex 1930

Bexhill: Kelly's directory of Bexhill 1948, 1950, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974

Rye: Deacon's almanac and directory 1910 Deacon's Rye directory and year book 1938

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Directories – microfiche

The following directories on Sussex – and the Hastings area in particular – are available on microfiche:

 Universal British Directory: Sussex 1792 (1791 also available on CD)  Pigot Sussex 1828  Kelly's Sussex 1845-1938  Sussex directory 1855  Melville Sussex 1858  Postal and commercial directory: Sussex 1867  Deacon's Sussex 1881, 1894  Bennetts Business Sussex 1902, 1904/05, 1907/08  Osborne's Hastings 1852  Simpson's Hastings 1865  Parson's Hastings 1871, 1894  Pike's Hastings directory 1876-1901  Ransom's Hastings 1882  Hutchings and Crowsley Hastings 1884/85, 1885/86  Kelly's Hastings 1894, 1897  Gowland's Eastbourne 1877  Bennetts Business Kent 1903/04

Electoral registers

 Electoral registers for Hastings – various years 1855-2008 (from 2002 this will be the edited version)  Ward lists of burgesses 1845-1850  Poll books for Hastings – various years 1832-1868  Electoral registers for Rother, including Bexhill. We have registers for Rother District for most years since 1980. Some are Draft registers, some are the final edition, some do not include Bexhill.

Parish register transcripts

Hastings Library has copies of some parish register transcripts. These contain details about baptisms, marriages and burials and are a great source of information for researching your family history. The parish registers in print at Hastings Library include:

 All Saints  Christchurch, Blacklands  Hollington  Ore  St Andrew's  St Clements  St Mary-in-the-Castle

Hastings Library also has copies of many of the parish registers of East Sussex and Brighton and Hove on microfilm.

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Census returns

Every 10 years the UK carries out a census to find out information about the population. This is a great source of information for researching your family history.

Details from census returns are made available to the public 100 years after the census has taken place.

The latest information to be released was from the 1911 Census for England and Wales. It is available online at www.1911census.co.uk/

The online 1911 Census allows you to search individuals' names and view images of the original census pages. There are charges for some of the information. You can buy vouchers for the census service in your library. The vouchers can be used either in the library or at your home.

Ancestry (library edition) is available free of charge online in our libraries.

Hastings Library also has the following census information:

 East Sussex Census Index 1851 Index by June C. Bames and Family Roots  covers the whole of Sussex, with volumes 1-7 covering Hastings and the surrounding area  Census Returns for Sussex 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901 (microfilm and microfiche)  Census entries for the Hastings Workhouse 1841, 1851, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901  Hastings street index 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901  Hastings surname index 1871

llustrations, press cuttings and pamphlets

Hastings Library has a large collection of photographs, postcards, press cuttings, periodical articles and other materials relating to Hastings and St Leonards and the surrounding area.

These items are not included on the E-library online catalogue or the periodicals list.

Maps

Hastings Library has a large collection of modern and historical maps covering Hastings and St Leonards and the surrounding area which you can use to help you find out about local history and tracing the history of your house.

Maps at Hastings Library include:

 Ordnance Survey large scale maps (1870s onwards)  Tithe maps  Estate plans and maps  Goad plans (showing shops) (1970s onwards)  Provisional maps of Registered Common Land and Open Country  Some early maps of Hastings and Sussex are also available

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Books on the history of Hastings

You will find the following books on the history of Hastings:

 ‘Historic Hastings’ by John Manwaring Baines, 1986 – 3rd edition  ‘Hastings past’ by Rex Marchant, 1997  ‘Hastings of bygone days and the present’ by Henry Cousins, 1911  ‘Hastings: a living history’ by David Thornton, 1987  ‘Hastings: a pictorial history’ by D Robert Elleray, 1979  ‘Hastings’ by Tony Wales, 1998  ‘Hastings in old photographs’ by Pamela Haines, 1989  ‘Hastings in old photographs: a second selection’ by Pamela Haines, 1991

Library and Information Service 21 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Local studies at Eastbourne Library

Eastbourne Library has a large local studies collection about the history of Eastbourne and the surrounding area. The collection also covers the development of East Sussex in general.

The reference collection includes books, maps, press cuttings and other material relating to the local area.

You can use the E-library to find out which books are available on local and family history at Eastbourne Library, and our periodicals list to see full details of what newspapers and magazines we can offer you. A brief list of the main newspapers and magazines at Eastbourne Library is given below.

The local studies area is arranged by Dewey Decimal classification with books on family history preceding books about Eastbourne (prefixed E) and Sussex (prefixed S). Please ask staff for all material marked.

If you are doing lengthy research or just have a general interest in the county's past - contact us. Library staff are happy to help you.

Eastbourne Reference Library Grove Road Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 4TL Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Fax: 01323 434202 Email: [email protected]

Library and Information Service 22 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

You can email our Enquiry Team at [email protected] to ask for information on any of the following:

Newspapers

Eastbourne Library has a range of local newspapers you can use to find out about local history.

 Eastbourne Advertiser Apr 1984-  Eastbourne Chronicle 1865-1950  Eastbourne Gazette 1862-  Eastbourne Courier 1937-1951  Eastbourne Herald 1934-1950  Eastbourne Herald Chronicle (now Eastbourne Chronicle) 1951-  Hailsham Gazette  Sussex Daily News 1881-30 Nov 1918  Sussex Express (Hailsham edition) 1960-  Sussex Weekly Advertiser 1749-1822  The Times (and indexes) 1785-

The library tries to keep a complete set of newspapers. However, some copies may be missing.

Some of the newspapers are available in print and some on microfilm.

It is not usually possible to make photocopies from bound volumes of newspapers. Copies can be made from microfilms. There is a small charge for printing.

General periodicals

Eastbourne Library has a range of general magazines and other periodicals on local and family history in East Sussex. These include:

 Sussex Archaeological Collections 1840-  Sussex County Magazine 1926-1956  Sussex Family Historian  Sussex Genealogist & Local Historian 1979-1986  Sussex History  Sussex Industrial History  Sussex Life  Sussex Notes and Queries 1926-1971 Sussex Record Society vol 1 -  Sussex Past and Present  Sussex Rural News

See our Periodicals list for a full list of what is available at Eastbourne Library.

Library and Information Service 23 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Current periodicals

Eastbourne Library currently receives a range of magazines and periodicals on the history of Eastbourne and the surrounding area. These include:

 Eastbourne Local Historian  Eastbourne Natural History and Archaeology Society  Family History  Family Roots  Local History Link  Piers  Rural Sussex  Sussex Post

See our Periodicals list for a full list of what is available at Eastbourne Library.

Directories and electoral registers

Eastbourne Library has a range of directories and electoral registers which you can use to find out about local and family history.

There are restrictions on the availability of recent electoral registers. Earlier editions are available for reference. The information at Bexhill Library includes:

Sussex Directories (microfiche)

 Various years 1792-1938

Eastbourne Directories Various editions dating from 1877 to 1973

 Gowland's Eastbourne Directory various years 1877-1925 (from 1898 includes Hailsham) continued as Kelly's Directory of Eastbourne & Neighbourhood various years 1926-1973  Pike's Eastbourne Blue Book and Directory 1885, 1889-1892,1894-1897, 1899, 1901-1908

Electoral registers

 Eastbourne constituency 1945-

Parish Register Transcripts

Eastbourne Library have copies of parish register transcripts. These contain details about baptisms, marriages and burials and are a great source of information for researching your family history. The parish registers at Eastbourne Library include:

 Eastbourne Parish Registers: Baptisms, Marriages & Burials 1558-1837  St. Mary's Register of Baptisms 1837-1896  Holy Trinity Baptisms 1848-Feb 1863

Library and Information Service 24 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Census Returns

Every 10 years the UK carries out a census to find out information about the population. This is a great source of information for researching your family history.

Details from census returns are made available to the public 100 years after the census has taken place.

The latest information to be released was from the 1911 Census for England and Wales. It is available online at www.1911census.co.uk/

Ancestry (library edition) is available free of charge online in our libraries.

Eastbourne Library also has the following census information:

 Census returns for the whole of Sussex 1841, 1851, 1861 (microfilm)  Census returns for the whole of Sussex 1871, 1891, 1901 (microfiche)  British Census and National Index 1881 (CD-Rom)  East Sussex Census Index 1851 Index by June C Bames volume 8 covers Eastbourne  International Genealogical Index (IGI) on microfiche 1992 edition coverage of the whole of the UK

Illustrations, press cuttings and pamphlets

There is a large collection of photographs, prints, postcards, press cuttings and other materials relating to Eastbourne and some of the surrounding area.

These items are not included on the E-library online catalogue or the periodicals list.

Maps

Eastbourne Library have a collection of modern and historical maps covering Eastbourne and the surrounding area which you can use to help you find out about local history and tracing the history of your house.

We have a range of Ordnance Survey maps with various scales and editions including:

 1870s first edition (scale 25 inches to 1 mile) – part of Eastbourne  1910 to 1949 (scale 6 inches to 1 mile) – good coverage of Eastbourne and the surrounding area

Other maps include:

 1842 Eastbourne Tithe Map 1842 (photographic reduction)  Transcript of schedule by Eastbourne Local History Society  Older maps of Eastbourne

Library and Information Service 25 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Books on the history of Eastbourne

You will find the following books on the history of Eastbourne:

 'The Book of Eastbourne' edited by Rev W Budgen  'Old Eastbourne' by Rev W Budgen, 1912  'Lords and Landlords: the aristocracy and the towns 1774–1967' by D Cannadine, 1980  'East Bourne memories of the Victorian period, 1845 to 1901' by GF Chambers, 1910  'Reminiscences of Eastbourne' by R Cooper,1903  'Eastbourne: a pictorial history' by DR Elleray, 1995  'A brief history of Eastbourne' by AGS Enser, 1976  'Eastbourne recollections: magisterial and personal' by RJ Graham, 1888  'Wartime Eastbourne: the story of the most raided town in the South-East' by G Humphrey, 1989  'A municipal history of Eastbourne, 1938–1974' by JC Aspden, 1979  'A short history of Eastbourne' by L Stevens, 1988  'Bygone Eastboume' by JC Wright, 1902.

Library and Information Service 26 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex Local studies at Lewes Library

Local studies at Lewes Library

The mezzanine at Lewes Library houses a large collection of books and pamphlets, mainly about East Sussex but with some information about West Sussex. There is also information about researching local and family history.

The topics covered in some detail include bonfire, Virginia Woolf and Bloomsbury, George Baxter and Baxter prints, Thomas Paine, Daisy Ashford.

The reference collection holds maps, press cuttings and other materials relating to Lewes and the surrounding parishes. These include:

 Barcombe  Chailey  Ditchling  East Chiltington  Firle  Glynde and Beddingham  Hamsey  Iford  Kingston  Laughton  Newick  Plumpton  Ringmer  Rodmell  St Anne Without  St John Without  Southease  Streat

Library and Information Service 27 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

 Westmeston  Wivelsfield

You can use the E-library to find out which books are available on local and family history at Lewes library, and our periodicals list to see full details of what newspapers and magazines we can offer you. A brief list of the main newspapers and magazines at Lewes library is given below.

If you are doing lengthy research or just have a general interest in the county's past - contact us. Library staff are happy to help you.

Lewes Library Styles Field Friars Walk Lewes BN7 2LZ Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Email: [email protected] Fax: 01273 477881

You can email our Enquiry Team at [email protected] to ask for information on any of the following:

Newspapers

Lewes Library has a range of local newspapers you can use to find out about local history.

 Sussex County Herald (Lewes edition) 1920, 1922-1938  Sussex Express (Lewes edition) 1920-1944, 1946-  Sussex Weekly Advertiser 1749-1786, 1791-1826, 1833-1844, 1847-1887, 1890-1893, 1895-1897 (some years incomplete)  Uckfield Weekly August 1903-December 1909  Crowborough Weekly 1910, 1912

The library tries to keep a complete set of newspapers. However, some copies may be missing.

Some of the newspapers are available in print and some on microfilm.

It is not usually possible to make photocopies from bound volumes of newspapers. Copies can be made from microfilms. There is a small charge for printing.

General periodicals

Lewes Library has a range of general magazines and other periodicals on local and family history in East Sussex. These include:

 Sussex Archaeological Collections 1848-  Sussex County Magazine 1926-1956  Sussex Family Historian 1973-  Sussex Genealogist and Local Historian 1979-1986  Sussex History 1976-1991  Sussex Industrial History 1970-

Library and Information Service 28 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

 Sussex Life 1965-  Sussex Notes and Queries 1926-1971  Sussex Past and Present 1970-  Sussex Record Society

See our Periodicals list for a full list of what is available at Lewes Library.

Current periodicals

Lewes Library currently receives a range of magazines and periodicals on the history of Lewes and the surrounding area. Other topics covered are local and family history.

The periodicals at Lewes Library include:

 Fireworks  Genealogists’ Magazine  Lewes Archaeological Group Newsletter  Lewes News  Local Historian  New Baxter Society Journal  Ringmer History Newsletter  Southern History  Sussex Post  Journal of Radical History and Bulletin of the Thomas Paine Society  Virginia Woolf Bulletin  Wealden Iron  West Sussex History

See our Periodicals list for a full list of what is available at Lewes Library.

Directories and electoral registers

Lewes Library has a range of directories and electoral registers which you can use to find out about local and family history.

There are restrictions on the availability of recent electoral registers. Earlier editions are available for reference. The information at Lewes Library includes:

Lewes directories

 Holman’s Lewes Directory 1883  Pike’s Lewes, Seaford and Newhaven Blue Book  various years 1906-1938/40  from 1920/21 includes Glynde, Hamsey, Offham and Ringmer  from 1931/32 includes Iford, Kingston, Piddinghoe and Rodmell  from 1934/36 includes Firle and Southease  from 1938/40 includes Alciston, Alfriston, Berwick, Falmer, Selmeston and Stanmer  Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven and District Directory 1951/2  Kelly’s Directory of Lewes 1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1968-1974

Sussex Directories (mostly microfiche)

 Various years 1823/4-1938

Library and Information Service 29 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

 Clarke’s Mid-Sussex Directory (microfiche) various years 1883-1967 originally covered Haywards Heath, Cuckfield, Lindfield, Burgess Hill, Hurstpierpoint and Hassocks by 1901 also covered Ardingly, Balcombe, Bolney, Burgess Hill, Cuckfield, Ditchling, Handcross, Hassocks, Haywards Heath, Horsted Keynes, Hurstpierpoint, Lindfield, Staplefield, Wivelsfield  Eastbourne Directories (microfiche) 1877 - 1898  Hastings and St Leonards Directories (microfiche) 1852 – 1901

Census Returns

Every 10 years the UK carries out a census to find out information about the population. This is a great source of information for researching your family history. Details from census returns are made available to the public 100 years after the census has taken place.

The latest information to be released was from the 1911 Census for England and Wales. It is available online at www.1911census.co.uk/

Ancestry (library edition) is available free of charge online in our libraries.

Lewes Library also has the following census information:

 Census Returns for Sussex 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901 (microfilm and microfiche)

The 1881 Census, International Genealogical Index and other family history databases can be searched on the internet at www.familysearch.org

Illustrations, press cuttings and pamphlets

There is a small collection of photographs, press cuttings, periodical articles and ephemera relating to Lewes and the surrounding area. These items are not included on the E-library online catalogue or the periodicals list.

Maps

Lewes Library has a collection of modern and historical maps covering Lewes and the surrounding parishes which you can use to help you find out about local history and tracing the history of your house. We have large scale Ordnance Survey maps including:

 Ordnance Survey maps of the 1870s for Lewes town area (1:500 scale / 10.56 feet to one mile)  Ordnance Survey maps from the 1870s to the 1930s (1:10000 scale / 6 inches to one mile)  Ordnance Survey maps from the 1870s to the 1930s (1:2500 scale / 25 inches to one mile)  modern maps (scale 1:2500)  modern maps (scale 1:1250)

A few older maps of Lewes are also available.

Library and Information Service 30 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex Local studies at Bexhill Library

Local studies at Bexhill Library

Bexhill Library has a large local studies collection about the history of Bexhill-on-Sea and the surrounding district of Rother. The collection also covers the development of East Sussex in general.

The reference collection includes books, maps, press cuttings and other material relating to the local area.

The topics covered in some detail include:

 De La Warr pavilion  De La Warr family  land development  coastal erosion  Little Common village  Sidley village

You can use the E-library to find out which books are available on local and family history at Bexhill library, and our periodicals list to see full details of what newspapers and magazines we can offer you. A brief list of the main newspapers and magazines at Bexhill library is given below.

If you are doing lengthy research or just have a general interest in the county's past – contact us. Library staff are happy to help you.

Bexhill Library Western Road Bexhill on Sea TN40 1DY Phone: 0345 60 80 196 Fax: 01424 733390 Email: [email protected]

Library and Information Service 31 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

You can email our Enquiry Team at [email protected] to ask for information on any of the following:

Newspapers

Bexhill Library has a range of local newspapers you can use to find out about local history. These include:

 Bexhill News/Ad News 1980-  Bexhill-on-Sea Observer 1896-2002  Bexhill Chronicle 1891-1930  Sussex Express 5 years

The library also has an index of obituaries which appeared in the following newspapers:

 Bexhill Chronicle 1915-1930  Bexhill-on-Sea Observer 1925-1984, 1990-2001

The library tries to keep a complete set of newspapers. However, some copies may be missing.

Some of the newspapers are available in print and some on microfilm.

It is not usually possible to make photocopies from bound volumes of newspapers. Copies can be made from microfilms. There is a small charge for printing.

General periodicals

Bexhill Library has a range of general magazines and other periodicals on local and family history in East Sussex. These include:

 Sussex Archaeological Collections 1848-  Sussex Notes and Queries 1926-1971  Sussex Record Society Vol 1-  Sussex County Magazine 1926-1956  Sussex Family Historian  Sussex Genealogist and Local Historian  Sussex History  Sussex Life  Sussex Past & Present

See our Periodicals list for a full list of what is available at Bexhill Library.

Current periodicals

We currently receive a range of magazines and periodicals on the history of Bexhill and the surrounding area. These include:

 Family Tree

Library and Information Service 32 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

 Local History Link  Sussex Post

See our Periodicals list for a full list of what is available at Bexhill Library.

Directories and electoral registers

Bexhill Library has a range of directories and electoral registers which you can use to find out about local and family history.

There are restrictions on the availability of recent electoral registers. Earlier editions are available for reference. The information at Bexhill Library includes:

Directories

 Bexhill, Hastings and St Leonard’s – various years from 1887-1974

Electoral registers

 Bexhill 1966-2002  Rother 1980-2002

Census returns

Every 10 years the UK carries out a census to find out information about the population. This is a great source of information for researching your family history.

Details from census returns are made available to the public 100 years after the census has taken place.

The latest information to be released was from the 1911 Census for England and Wales. It is available online at www.1911census.co.uk/

Ancestry (library edition) is available free of charge online in our libraries.

Bexhill Library also has the following census information:

 1841 Census Returns for Sussex  1851 East Sussex Census Index  1881 British Census on CD-Rom  Vital Records Index on CD-Rom contains approximately 10.4 million birth and christening records from the UK  National Burial Index for England and Wales contains over 5 million burial records from the 16th to the 20th centuries on CD-Rom  International Genealogical Index (IGI) on microfiche 1998 edition

Library and Information Service 33 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Illustrations, press cuttings and pamphlets

There is a small collection of photographs, press cuttings, periodical articles and other materials relating to Bexhill and the surrounding area.

These items are not included on the e-library online catalogue or the periodicals list.

Maps

Bexhill Library have a collection of modern and historical maps covering Bexhill and the surrounding district of Rother which you can use to help you find out about local history and tracing the history of your house. We have large scale Ordnance Survey including:

 maps from the 1870s (scale 1:2500)  modern maps (scale 1:2500)  modern maps (scale 1:1250)

A few older maps of Bexhill are also available.

Library and Information Service 34 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Useful websites

Family history and genealogy

Census 1901 The 1901 Census for England and Wales was taken on 31 March 1901. Search 32 million individuals' names and view images of the original census pages. www.1901census.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

Family Search Free access to the Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormon) genealogical database, including the International Genealogical Index. Contains two billion names and a guide to starting research into your family history. http://www.familysearch.org/

GENUKI: UK and Ireland Genealogy Large collection of genealogical information pages for England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, with useful links and information about getting started. http://www.genuki.org.uk/

Sussex Family History Group Website for all those interested in family history and genealogical research in Sussex. http://www.sfhg.org.uk/

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Searchable website for British and Commonwealth casualties of the two world wars, with links to similar organisations overseas. http://www.cwgc.org/

WorldGenWeb Project Worldwide network of genealogical projects and resources. http://www.worldgenweb.org/

RootsWeb Searchable databases (mainly USA), and lots of links to other sites. http://www.rootsweb.com/

UK Society of Genealogists Online Provides research hints and tips. http://www.sog.org.uk/online/index.html

Local History

Access to Archives Searchable database (7.7 million entries) of records in local record offices and libraries, universities, museums and national and specialist institutions across England. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/

The National Archive The national archive of England, Wales and the UK from the 11th century to the present day. It offers a searchable catalogue of archives of central government, courts of law and other national bodies. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

Archon Gives access to National Register of Archives catalogues for many UK repositories. http://www.archon.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archon/

Library and Information Service 35 August 2004 (updated April 2012) Guide to local studies resources in public libraries in East Sussex

Archives Portal Gateway to archival resources, projects and initiatives in the UK and abroad covering the national archive network, digitisation, conservation, collection surveys and professional organisations. http://www.unesco-ci.org/cgi-bin/portals/archives/page.cgi?d=1

National Register of Archives (NRA) Contains information on the nature and location of manuscripts and historical records that relate to British history. http://www.nra.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/

Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society Industrial archaeology links from the Sussex Society. http://www.sussexias.co.uk/

Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society - Sussex Directories 1784-1975 Definitive list from the Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society of Sussex county and town directories with details of where they can be consulted http://www.sussexias.co.uk/directories.htm

Sussex Past Information on the Sussex Archaeological Society and its work. http://www.sussexpast.co.uk/

Library and Information Service 36 August 2004 (updated April 2012)