A century on from Hogarth’s depiction of ‘Gin Lane’ and its warnings against the evils of strong drink, the HARRAPs of Shoreditch passed a devastating legacy from generation to generation: that of alcoholism. The demon drink dripped from one layer of their family tree to another, shaping the lives of the entire family and claiming a number of them all too soon.
Alcoholism does not always leave an obvious imprint on the historical record, so identifying it within the context of our family history requires an eye for detail, and a willingness to draw on a multitude of records to see the bigger picture. Using the HARRAPs as a case study, this session will demonstrate how to unite evidence from a variety of historical sources to identify and understand the influence of alcoholism on a family group, as we follow their story from rural beginnings in Cornwall, to the lively environs of 19th century Middlesex, ultimately arriving at a teetotal existence in Cheshire and Lancashire.
Content Warning: Attendees should be aware that this session addresses the sensitive topic of alcoholism, and the impact it can have on individuals and families, in physical, emotional and economic terms.
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About the Speaker
Sophie Kay
From DNA to historical maps, from research methods to historical occupations, Dr. Sophie Kay is a professional genealogist and geneticist at Khronicle® (www.khronicle.co.uk) who tackles all manner of family history research challenges from the medieval era to modern day. She’s the Ancestry and Genealogy Expert for popular archaeology show, Time Team, and the Scientist in Residence for The Mixed Museum, where she delivers educational sessions and content in genetic genealogy. A qualified research scientist, Sophie is also a Member of AGRA, a UK organisation of professional genealogists, and works on a variety of projects in both DNA and archival research for private clients and public organisations. Sophie’s family history blog can be found at The Parchment Rustler (www.parchmentrustler.com), where she shares tips, tricks and strategies for making the most of your ancestral research journey.
