North West Kent Family History Society
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nwkfhs.bsky.social
North West Kent Family History Society
@nwkfhs.bsky.social
610 followers 920 following 310 posts
We are one of Kent's and the UK's premier Family History Societies - if you want to find out more why not take a look at our website:
https://www.nwkfhs.org.uk
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North West Kent Family History Society @nwkfhs.bsky.social · Jun 1
Can you help run our Society? We urgently need to fill a number of volunteer roles within the Society including a Chair, further details can be found on what’s involved below. Please feel free to contact the Society if you are able to help in any way #NWKFHS
Reposted by North West Kent Family History Society
kentarchives.bsky.social
Kent Archives will be closed from Monday 1st - Sunday 14th December whilst we conduct essential collections work.

During this time, our Search Room will be closed to the public and we will not be accepting enquiries.

Normal service will resume on Monday 15th December.
Shown here is a notice issued by Kent Archives, announcing the following: Notice of temporary closure Kent Archives will be conducting essential collections work from Monday 1st - Sunday 14th December. During this time, our Search Room will be closed to the public and we will not be accepting or answering enquiries by email or telephone. Normal service will resume on Monday 15th December – please send your enquiries to us from this date onwards. For further information, email us at archives@kent.gov.uk or call us on 03000 420 673
November 12, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Reposted by North West Kent Family History Society
kentarchives.bsky.social
Yesterday we celebrated the outstanding contributions made by our volunteers in 2025. A special presentation was made to Julia, who has volunteered at Kent Archives for an impressive 20 years.

Our thanks to Julia, João, Gill, Pabitra, Julie and Anne for all their hard work! ✨
Shown here is a photograph of Julia (archives volunteer) chatting to Glyn House (strategic manager – specialist & support services) at Kent Archives' annual Christmas party, held to celebrate our wonderful volunteers. From hosting reading groups to providing customers with IT support and developing resources to aid historical research, the Time2Give scheme offers members of the public the opportunity to volunteer at Kent Libraries, Registration and Archives. For further information and to submit an application, visit: www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/clubs-and-activities-in-libraries/volunteer-in-libraries-and-archives
November 25, 2025 at 10:11 AM
nwkfhs.bsky.social
26 November 10.30am Library Writing Group
www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/overv...
#NWKFHS #Kent #Genealogy
November 25, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Reposted by North West Kent Family History Society
kentarchives.bsky.social
Now booking: Canterbury Medieval Weekend
Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd May 2026

Join leading historians and writers as they uncover the ideas, people and events that shaped the Middle Ages.

📍 University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NU
ℹ️ For details and tickets: history-weekends.org
Shown here is a promotional graphic for Canterbury History Weekend 2026. The weekend offers a fascinating programme of 20 in-person talks at the University of Kent, bring together leading historians, lively discussion, and fresh insights into the Middle Ages. Attendees can create their own itinerary using a pick-and-mix booking system, selecting from a range of talks covering four main themes: Religion and the Arts, Royalty and Nobility, War and Politics, and Social History. Among this year’s speakers include Helen Castor, Marc Morris, Rachel Koopmans, David Carpenter and Caroline Barron. Tickets are priced at £10.00 per person, per event. Discounts for students and bulk purchasing are available – visit history-weekends.org for more information. The weekend is organised by the Canterbury Association for Medieval and Early Modern Studies (CAMEMS) in collaboration with the Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies at the University of Kent.
November 21, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Reposted by North West Kent Family History Society
nwkfhs.bsky.social
26 Nov 7.30pm Zoom Discussion Workshop: Breaking down ancestral brick walls with David Cufley
www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/overv...
Brickwalls to be submitted to David Cufley two weeks before the workshop date via www.nwkfhs.org.uk?location=1#C... marked for the attention of David Cufley).
#NWKFHS
November 23, 2025 at 9:03 AM
nwkfhs.bsky.social
26 Nov 7.30pm Zoom Discussion Workshop: Breaking down ancestral brick walls with David Cufley
www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/overv...
Brickwalls to be submitted to David Cufley two weeks before the workshop date via www.nwkfhs.org.uk?location=1#C... marked for the attention of David Cufley).
#NWKFHS
November 23, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Reposted by North West Kent Family History Society
kentarchives.bsky.social
Newly acquired & available to read in our Search Room:

'Tilt Boats and Hatch Boats of Gravesend and the London River, 1555–1865' by David Patient, 2024

🔎 To view, request ref. BK/C335180096
📚 For blurb, click ALT ☟
#MaritimeHistory #RiverThames #Gravesend #Kent
Blurb: 'Tilt Boats and Hatch Boats of Gravesend and the London River, 1555–1865' tells the story of two significant vessels that worked the River Thames and served the City of London. In the foreword the Lord Mayor of London, Professor Michael Mainelli, illustrates the manorial relationship over 835 years with the Thames and the craft that sailed upon it. His reference to Winston Churchill's description of the Thames as a 'silver thread' is especially relevant to the narrative. The author, David Patient, is a retired shipwright. He has spent most of his working life restoring craft that sailed the Thames Estuary and has taken a keen interest in maritime history.
November 18, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Reposted by North West Kent Family History Society
nwkfhs.bsky.social
If you are not a Society member now is a brilliant time to join - because joining now gives you membership until 31 Dec 2026. It is still only £10 to join.

www.nwkfhs.org.uk/about/member...
November 15, 2025 at 9:01 AM
nwkfhs.bsky.social
19 November 10.30am Zoom DNA Discussion Group with Laura Lincoln
www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/overv...
#NWKFHS #Kent #Genealogy
November 18, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Reposted by North West Kent Family History Society
natlibscot.bsky.social
This #MapMonday let us take you back in time ⌛

We've just added first edition 6-inch to the mile Ordnance Survey maps of England and Wales to our website, published from the 1840s to 1880s. These maps are all from bound volumes.

Explore the maps > maps.nls.uk/additions/#188
November 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Reposted by North West Kent Family History Society
rwldproject.bsky.social
A MONTH LEFT!

Make sure you see our co-produced #Railway200 exhibition, 'The south coast's forgotten railway workers', whilst it's at the University of Portsmouth - until 17 December 2025!

There's more on the exhibition here:

www.railwayaccidents.port.ac.uk/finding-the-...
A poster with the title 'The south coast's forgotten railway workers' and an image of a steam train leaving a station.
November 17, 2025 at 9:01 AM
nwkfhs.bsky.social
If you are not a Society member now is a brilliant time to join - because joining now gives you membership until 31 Dec 2026. It is still only £10 to join.

www.nwkfhs.org.uk/about/member...
November 15, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Reposted by North West Kent Family History Society
davelifelines.bsky.social
Here's a handy guide (Ancestry take note):

1660-1822 The original church on Pancras Road = St Pancras parish church
1822-today The new church on Euston Road = St Pancras parish church
1848-today The original church restored and named Old St Pancras church (no marriages solemnised there until 1859).
November 12, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Reposted by North West Kent Family History Society
davelifelines.bsky.social
Having just read a refence to a marriage taking place at "St
Pancras’ Old Church in 1854" in an otherwise excellent article about a case of bigamy, I thought it might be worth revisiting my blog about the St Pancras churches.

It's easy; the 'old' church is (kind of) the newer of the two...
You Don’t Know What You’ve Got…
I realise that I’m running the risk of sounding like a broken record here but it seems like there’s always something else to say when it comes to assessing the work of the major commercial genealog…
lifelinesresearch.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 4:58 PM
nwkfhs.bsky.social
13 November Zoom Talk: Artificial Intelligence and Family History with speaker Andrew Redfern

www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/overv...

This talk is for everyone who is interested in exploring the exciting possibilities of AI in the realm of family history research.
#NWKFHS #Kent #Genealogy
Zoom Talk: Artificial Intelligence and Family History with speaker Andrew Redfern
This talk is for everyone, beginner and experienced genealogist alike, who is interested in exploring the exciting possibilities of Artificial Intelligence in the realm of family history research,...
www.nwkfhs.org.uk
November 12, 2025 at 9:03 AM
nwkfhs.bsky.social
Remembrance Day, a day to remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. So take a moment to pause, reflect and honour those who served and continue to serve our country.
We will remember them. Lest we forget #LestWeForget #PoppyDay #RemembranceDay #RemembranceDay2025
November 11, 2025 at 10:12 AM
nwkfhs.bsky.social
12 November 10.30am Zoom Talk Migration Throughout the UK with speaker Debbie Bradley
www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/works...
#NWKFHS #Kent #Genealogy
November 10, 2025 at 3:40 PM
nwkfhs.bsky.social
When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.’
‘All Gave Some, Some Gave All - We Will Remember Them”
#RemembranceDay #RemembranceDay2025 #PoppyDay
A day of reflection, remembrance and gratitude
November 9, 2025 at 10:11 AM
nwkfhs.bsky.social
12 November 10.30am Library DNA and General Family History Discussion Group with Pam Goddard
www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/overv...
#NWKFHS #Kent #Genealogy
November 9, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Reposted by North West Kent Family History Society
chiddickstree.bsky.social
During the summer of 2025 I visited the WW1 battlefields and I made a promise. At every cemetery I visited, I would choose one individual, not known to me, and tell their story. This is the first of those stories.
#WW1 #RemembranceSunday #Military #Genealogy

chiddicksfamilytree.com/2025/11/08/t...
The Story of Second Lieutenant Clement John Byron, Honourable Artillery Company
One of the unknown soldiers I promised to honour……. During the summer of 2025, I had the privilege of visiting the battlefields of the Western Front to honour and remember three members…
chiddicksfamilytree.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Reposted by North West Kent Family History Society
suewilkesauthor.bsky.social
thegenealogist.co.uk releases over 1 million #WW1 casualty lists for Diamond subscribers www.thegenealogist.co.uk/search/advan... #ancestors
The Genealogist: Search Census, Births, Marriages, Deaths, Parish Records, Non-Conformist Records, Directories, Military Records, Wills & more!
Dedicated to helping you find your roots. The Genealogist is all about family history research and discovering your ancestors using a wide variety of data from 1100 through to the present day.
thegenealogist.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Reposted by North West Kent Family History Society
kentarchives.bsky.social
From a 'flight of fiery whirlwinds' to a 'perfect umbrella of fire', this programme from November 1883 suggests that C. T. Brock and Co's fireworks display in #Ramsgate was a feast for the eyes – and a health and safety nightmare, no doubt!

Happy #BonfireNight 🔥
☟ See U4364/Z3
Shown here is a programme regarding a fireworks display in Ramsgate for Sir Moses Montefiore by C. T. Brock & Co. of the Crystal Palace, 8th November 1883 [ref. U4364/Z3] Established in 1698, Brocks was a pioneer of the British pyrotechnics industry and remains the nation's oldest fireworks manufacturer. Founded in Islington, the company later operated from South Norwood, capitalising on its proximity to the ill-fated Crystal Palace by staging frequent fireworks displays there until the iron-and-glass structure was razed by fire in 1936. This printed programme relates to an event held for Sir Moses Montefiore, a renowned Jewish philanthropist and financier who celebrated his 99th birthday in 1883. Ramsgate was a fitting location as Montefiore resided nearby at East Cliff Lodge. A major civic occasion, the schedule featured a procession at 12:30pm, followed by a fireworks display — including a 'huge fire portrait' of Montefiore, a Brocks invention — and a 'monster bonfire' at 6:30pm.
November 5, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Reposted by North West Kent Family History Society
kentarchives.bsky.social
Fright-seeking residents of Kent need not travel far this #Halloween. Allegedly home to over twelve spectres, the village of #Pluckley near #Ashford is said to be the most haunted in England. Visit at your own peril…

To learn more, click ALT ☟

🎃 See KHLC-IMG/PO/1/PLU/4
Shown here is an early 20th century postcard depicting Lewis & Evenden, drapers and grocers (left) and The Black Horse Pub (right) in Pluckley, Kent [ref. KHLC-IMG/PO/1/PLU/4] Located five miles to the west of Ashford and once home to the aristocratic Dering family, Pluckley found its place in the 1989 Guinness Book of World Records owing to numerous reports of supernatural occurrences. Between 12 and 16 spectres allegedly haunt the village, including an impaled highwayman at Fright Corner; a phantom horse-drawn coach at Maltman's Hill (often heard but not seen); a burnt gypsy lady at Pinnock Bridge; the hanging body of a suicidal schoolmaster; the ghost of Lady Dering in the graveyard of St Nicholas’ Church; and a young Victorian boy at the Black Horse Pub. At the latter, it's claimed that tableware and articles of clothing have been seen moving of their own accord – occasionally disappearing, only to return at a later date. So much for having a quiet drink down at the local!
October 31, 2025 at 11:25 AM
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kentarchives.bsky.social
Announcing our final lunchtime talk of 2025!
Monday 10th November, 1-2pm
📍 Kent History & Library Centre, #Maidstone

'Recreation, health and competition: Sport in Victorian Kent' presented by Dr Catherine Budd.

Book your free seat today:
📧 [email protected]
☎️ 03000 420 673
Shown here is a photograph capturing members of Maidstone Swimming Club wearing swimming uniform and medals, n.d. [c.1886] [ref. U3360/P2/1] About the talk: Through an examination of local newspapers and archival documents held at Kent Archives, this talk will explore the sports of rowing, cycling and swimming, and the development of clubs across urban Kent. The talk considers the debates around amateurs, professionals and money, as well as issues of competition, class, the participation of women, health, commercialisation, modernity, and civic pride. The development of the three sports will be placed within the wider context of socio-economic change and will demonstrate the proliferation of a wide variety of clubs and the popularity of sport for both participants and spectators. Dr Catherine Budd is an Archive Services Officer at Kent Archives. She holds a PhD in the history of sport and previously worked as a lecturer, teaching modern British and European history.
November 3, 2025 at 12:57 PM
nwkfhs.bsky.social
Sevenoaks Branch 8 November The life of Helen Thomas and Otford in the 1920s with Alan Williams
Doors open 10.45am meeting starts 11am

Otford Village Memorial Hall 28A High Street, Otford, Kent TN14 5PQ

www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/overv...
#NWKFHS #Kent #Genealogy
November 5, 2025 at 9:03 AM