The pub is the beating heart of the village community and for centuries has served as a place where neighbours can meet, catch up on local gossip and discuss current affairs. In former times it was the location of antisocial behaviour, settling disputes and, occasionally, coroner’s inquests.
Using a wide variety of sources and observing architectural features, the history of the building will be uncovered, and we will meet some of its colourful landlords and customers. Set against the backdrop of contemporary local and national events, this remote, rural community will be brought to life as it underwent massive changes from the early 1800s to World War II.
Whether you have publicans in your family tree or want to dig into the history of your local pub, you will pick up useful research hints and sources.
- You can attend in-person at our Resource Hub in London where the presenter will be live or watch online via Zoom. The option to choose either online or in-person appears before checkout
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About the Speaker
Patricia Sears
Patricia Coveney Sears has spent most of her adult life working in education and the arts. Researching her own family history began as a fulfilling pastime which grew into an obsession and, ultimately, a vocation. Committed to providing the best possible professional service to clients, she took the online Diploma in Genealogy at University College, Cork, Ireland and holds an MSc with Distinction in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde. Her personal research interests include London in general, East London in particular; Ireland, especially Co. Cork and Co. Fermanagh, but has successfully traced families from other areas of the UK and further afield. She has given talks and written articles about historical buildings and their occupants, from manor houses to cottages, pubs and slums, including Queen Catherine Court, Ratcliff, which was the subject of her UCC Diploma dissertation.
07/05/2026
15:00 - 16:00
Society of Genealogists / Online
In Person talk with the option to watch Zoom by Patricia Coveney Sears, professional genealogist