The Dead Sleuth
@deadsleuth.com
Ancestral Hawkshaw. Research Fiend and Genealogist for Hire Sleuthing YORK and Beyond.
Sometime Speaker. Storyteller. Whatever...
Genealogist: deadsleuth.com
Grave Hunter: @graveyardsquirrel.com
Sometime Speaker. Storyteller. Whatever...
Genealogist: deadsleuth.com
Grave Hunter: @graveyardsquirrel.com
I. ‘Tis the day for more sleuthing into the working life of my Victorian protagonist and architect, one Charles Toft Newstead who in the year 1874 was instructing his trusty Excavator with his recipe for CONCRETE!
For the curious among us, kindly read on…
For the curious among us, kindly read on…
December 1, 2025 at 2:09 PM
I. ‘Tis the day for more sleuthing into the working life of my Victorian protagonist and architect, one Charles Toft Newstead who in the year 1874 was instructing his trusty Excavator with his recipe for CONCRETE!
For the curious among us, kindly read on…
For the curious among us, kindly read on…
In search of a festive stocking filler?
Why not treat the history sleuth in your life with the new book about MICKLEGATE from @clemhallhistory.bsky.social
Although Micklegate is famous for its many taverns - there is much to discover about this 'Great Street of York' within the pages of this book.
Why not treat the history sleuth in your life with the new book about MICKLEGATE from @clemhallhistory.bsky.social
Although Micklegate is famous for its many taverns - there is much to discover about this 'Great Street of York' within the pages of this book.
November 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM
In search of a festive stocking filler?
Why not treat the history sleuth in your life with the new book about MICKLEGATE from @clemhallhistory.bsky.social
Although Micklegate is famous for its many taverns - there is much to discover about this 'Great Street of York' within the pages of this book.
Why not treat the history sleuth in your life with the new book about MICKLEGATE from @clemhallhistory.bsky.social
Although Micklegate is famous for its many taverns - there is much to discover about this 'Great Street of York' within the pages of this book.
The decision to work with a genealogist as you embark on a fascinating journey to uncover the lives of your ancestors can be exciting - but, it can also prove daunting.
But when those long-lost ancestors finally reveal themselves?
I STILL feel a buzz like no other!
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
But when those long-lost ancestors finally reveal themselves?
I STILL feel a buzz like no other!
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
November 17, 2025 at 10:01 AM
The decision to work with a genealogist as you embark on a fascinating journey to uncover the lives of your ancestors can be exciting - but, it can also prove daunting.
But when those long-lost ancestors finally reveal themselves?
I STILL feel a buzz like no other!
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
But when those long-lost ancestors finally reveal themselves?
I STILL feel a buzz like no other!
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
As the final hour of my desk and kettle duties on behalf of @yorkfhs.bsky.social approacheth - no more will I go a’ sleuthing.
Although our YFHS Research Room in York will close the doors for the final time on Thursday November 20 - I will be relieved of my duties forever at 4pm today.
Adieu!
Although our YFHS Research Room in York will close the doors for the final time on Thursday November 20 - I will be relieved of my duties forever at 4pm today.
Adieu!
November 13, 2025 at 3:29 PM
As the final hour of my desk and kettle duties on behalf of @yorkfhs.bsky.social approacheth - no more will I go a’ sleuthing.
Although our YFHS Research Room in York will close the doors for the final time on Thursday November 20 - I will be relieved of my duties forever at 4pm today.
Adieu!
Although our YFHS Research Room in York will close the doors for the final time on Thursday November 20 - I will be relieved of my duties forever at 4pm today.
Adieu!
'At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.' ~ Laurence Binyon
#ArmisticeDay #LestWeForget
We will remember them.' ~ Laurence Binyon
#ArmisticeDay #LestWeForget
November 11, 2025 at 11:01 AM
'At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.' ~ Laurence Binyon
#ArmisticeDay #LestWeForget
We will remember them.' ~ Laurence Binyon
#ArmisticeDay #LestWeForget
Remember! Remember?
In the NOVEMBER publication of THE DALESMAN MAGAZINE - I muse upon sleuthing the 'missing infants', the meaning of ancestral inheritance and a legacy of murder.
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍 @teebylo.com
In the NOVEMBER publication of THE DALESMAN MAGAZINE - I muse upon sleuthing the 'missing infants', the meaning of ancestral inheritance and a legacy of murder.
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍 @teebylo.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Remember! Remember?
In the NOVEMBER publication of THE DALESMAN MAGAZINE - I muse upon sleuthing the 'missing infants', the meaning of ancestral inheritance and a legacy of murder.
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍 @teebylo.com
In the NOVEMBER publication of THE DALESMAN MAGAZINE - I muse upon sleuthing the 'missing infants', the meaning of ancestral inheritance and a legacy of murder.
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍 @teebylo.com
Where there’s a Will - there IS a way!
If you need a guiding hand researching or deciphering a Last Will and Testament - help is at hand.
Why not let your fingers do the talking and tap a message to [email protected]?
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
If you need a guiding hand researching or deciphering a Last Will and Testament - help is at hand.
Why not let your fingers do the talking and tap a message to [email protected]?
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
November 6, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Where there’s a Will - there IS a way!
If you need a guiding hand researching or deciphering a Last Will and Testament - help is at hand.
Why not let your fingers do the talking and tap a message to [email protected]?
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
If you need a guiding hand researching or deciphering a Last Will and Testament - help is at hand.
Why not let your fingers do the talking and tap a message to [email protected]?
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
‘Is this Guy Fawkes you burn in effigy?'
In November 1812 a disgruntled and disgraced “barrel of gunpowder” Lady Caroline Lamb was participating in her own unique Bonfire Night celebration at Brocket Hall.
DANCES WITH BONFIRES at regencyrecondite.com
#BloggingByron #StillSleuthing 🔍
In November 1812 a disgruntled and disgraced “barrel of gunpowder” Lady Caroline Lamb was participating in her own unique Bonfire Night celebration at Brocket Hall.
DANCES WITH BONFIRES at regencyrecondite.com
#BloggingByron #StillSleuthing 🔍
November 5, 2025 at 10:01 AM
‘Is this Guy Fawkes you burn in effigy?'
In November 1812 a disgruntled and disgraced “barrel of gunpowder” Lady Caroline Lamb was participating in her own unique Bonfire Night celebration at Brocket Hall.
DANCES WITH BONFIRES at regencyrecondite.com
#BloggingByron #StillSleuthing 🔍
In November 1812 a disgruntled and disgraced “barrel of gunpowder” Lady Caroline Lamb was participating in her own unique Bonfire Night celebration at Brocket Hall.
DANCES WITH BONFIRES at regencyrecondite.com
#BloggingByron #StillSleuthing 🔍
I LOVE graveyards!
If I’m not in search of a missing ancestor or trawling through parish records - I will be wandering around a graveyard somewhere.
For those tombstone tourism exploits why not catch @graveyardsquirrel.com scurrying from graveyard to cemetery and then some?
#StillSleuthing 🔍
If I’m not in search of a missing ancestor or trawling through parish records - I will be wandering around a graveyard somewhere.
For those tombstone tourism exploits why not catch @graveyardsquirrel.com scurrying from graveyard to cemetery and then some?
#StillSleuthing 🔍
November 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM
I LOVE graveyards!
If I’m not in search of a missing ancestor or trawling through parish records - I will be wandering around a graveyard somewhere.
For those tombstone tourism exploits why not catch @graveyardsquirrel.com scurrying from graveyard to cemetery and then some?
#StillSleuthing 🔍
If I’m not in search of a missing ancestor or trawling through parish records - I will be wandering around a graveyard somewhere.
For those tombstone tourism exploits why not catch @graveyardsquirrel.com scurrying from graveyard to cemetery and then some?
#StillSleuthing 🔍
As the 'Witching Hour' beckons and the veil grows thin 'twixt the living and the dead - I've returned to desk and kettle duty.
And, for those curious about the trials and tribulations of the long-forgotten dead of Yorkshire - why not join me?
I vanish at 4pm.
Still Sleuthing 🔍@yorkfhs.bsky.social
And, for those curious about the trials and tribulations of the long-forgotten dead of Yorkshire - why not join me?
I vanish at 4pm.
Still Sleuthing 🔍@yorkfhs.bsky.social
October 30, 2025 at 10:01 AM
As the 'Witching Hour' beckons and the veil grows thin 'twixt the living and the dead - I've returned to desk and kettle duty.
And, for those curious about the trials and tribulations of the long-forgotten dead of Yorkshire - why not join me?
I vanish at 4pm.
Still Sleuthing 🔍@yorkfhs.bsky.social
And, for those curious about the trials and tribulations of the long-forgotten dead of Yorkshire - why not join me?
I vanish at 4pm.
Still Sleuthing 🔍@yorkfhs.bsky.social
Signed. Sealed. Delivered. I'm Yours?
Alas, not for poor Elizabeth maister and her illegitimate daughter as her lover begged the parish wardens for anonymity with the promise of a generous cash settlement in the year 1806.
Who said romance is dead?
#StillSleuthing 🔍 The Borthwick. York. UK.
Alas, not for poor Elizabeth maister and her illegitimate daughter as her lover begged the parish wardens for anonymity with the promise of a generous cash settlement in the year 1806.
Who said romance is dead?
#StillSleuthing 🔍 The Borthwick. York. UK.
October 23, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Signed. Sealed. Delivered. I'm Yours?
Alas, not for poor Elizabeth maister and her illegitimate daughter as her lover begged the parish wardens for anonymity with the promise of a generous cash settlement in the year 1806.
Who said romance is dead?
#StillSleuthing 🔍 The Borthwick. York. UK.
Alas, not for poor Elizabeth maister and her illegitimate daughter as her lover begged the parish wardens for anonymity with the promise of a generous cash settlement in the year 1806.
Who said romance is dead?
#StillSleuthing 🔍 The Borthwick. York. UK.
I have been haunting the archives since my teenage years and they are still one of THE most exciting places to visit when I’m in pursuit of those elusive ancestors!
If you need a sleuth to haunt an archive, why not cast your eye what's on offer at deadsleuth.com?
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
If you need a sleuth to haunt an archive, why not cast your eye what's on offer at deadsleuth.com?
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
October 16, 2025 at 9:02 AM
I have been haunting the archives since my teenage years and they are still one of THE most exciting places to visit when I’m in pursuit of those elusive ancestors!
If you need a sleuth to haunt an archive, why not cast your eye what's on offer at deadsleuth.com?
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
If you need a sleuth to haunt an archive, why not cast your eye what's on offer at deadsleuth.com?
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
Are you intrigued or perplexed about the history of your ancestors?
The Dead Sleuth is a registered company located in the City of York offering professional genealogical services for those looking to solve the riddles of their own family history.
#DeadSleuth #GraveyardSquirrel #StillSleuthing 🔍
The Dead Sleuth is a registered company located in the City of York offering professional genealogical services for those looking to solve the riddles of their own family history.
#DeadSleuth #GraveyardSquirrel #StillSleuthing 🔍
October 13, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Are you intrigued or perplexed about the history of your ancestors?
The Dead Sleuth is a registered company located in the City of York offering professional genealogical services for those looking to solve the riddles of their own family history.
#DeadSleuth #GraveyardSquirrel #StillSleuthing 🔍
The Dead Sleuth is a registered company located in the City of York offering professional genealogical services for those looking to solve the riddles of their own family history.
#DeadSleuth #GraveyardSquirrel #StillSleuthing 🔍
Are you intrigued about the history of your ancestors?
The Dead Sleuth is a registered company located in the City of York offering professional genealogical services for those looking to solve the riddles and absurdities of their own family history.
Curious much?
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
The Dead Sleuth is a registered company located in the City of York offering professional genealogical services for those looking to solve the riddles and absurdities of their own family history.
Curious much?
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
October 1, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Are you intrigued about the history of your ancestors?
The Dead Sleuth is a registered company located in the City of York offering professional genealogical services for those looking to solve the riddles and absurdities of their own family history.
Curious much?
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
The Dead Sleuth is a registered company located in the City of York offering professional genealogical services for those looking to solve the riddles and absurdities of their own family history.
Curious much?
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
Trawling through the parish registers from the City of York for sight of an elusive betrothal at @yorkfhs.bsky.social is not proving easy this morning.
Thank goodness help is at hand during my sleuthing hour of need.
Still Sleuthing 🔍
P.S. Those registers are paper copies and NOT the real deal!
Thank goodness help is at hand during my sleuthing hour of need.
Still Sleuthing 🔍
P.S. Those registers are paper copies and NOT the real deal!
September 25, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Trawling through the parish registers from the City of York for sight of an elusive betrothal at @yorkfhs.bsky.social is not proving easy this morning.
Thank goodness help is at hand during my sleuthing hour of need.
Still Sleuthing 🔍
P.S. Those registers are paper copies and NOT the real deal!
Thank goodness help is at hand during my sleuthing hour of need.
Still Sleuthing 🔍
P.S. Those registers are paper copies and NOT the real deal!
School's OUT!
In the SEPTEMBER publication of The Yorkshire Dalesman, I muse on memories of my school days, and the controversial antics of the clergyman of Boston Spa who would trigger the Victorian equivalent of a viral internet phenomenon in the year 1877.
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
In the SEPTEMBER publication of The Yorkshire Dalesman, I muse on memories of my school days, and the controversial antics of the clergyman of Boston Spa who would trigger the Victorian equivalent of a viral internet phenomenon in the year 1877.
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
September 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
School's OUT!
In the SEPTEMBER publication of The Yorkshire Dalesman, I muse on memories of my school days, and the controversial antics of the clergyman of Boston Spa who would trigger the Victorian equivalent of a viral internet phenomenon in the year 1877.
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
In the SEPTEMBER publication of The Yorkshire Dalesman, I muse on memories of my school days, and the controversial antics of the clergyman of Boston Spa who would trigger the Victorian equivalent of a viral internet phenomenon in the year 1877.
#DeadSleuth #StillSleuthing 🔍
A little early morning tombstone appreciation before I resume my desk and kettle duties for @yorkfhs.bsky.social
And, if you have ancestors to sleuth, you can find me at the RAYLOR CENTRE in YORK at YO10 3DW.
I vanish at 4pm.
⚰ Parish Church of St Denys. York. UK.
#StillSleuthing 🔍
And, if you have ancestors to sleuth, you can find me at the RAYLOR CENTRE in YORK at YO10 3DW.
I vanish at 4pm.
⚰ Parish Church of St Denys. York. UK.
#StillSleuthing 🔍
September 4, 2025 at 9:01 AM
A little early morning tombstone appreciation before I resume my desk and kettle duties for @yorkfhs.bsky.social
And, if you have ancestors to sleuth, you can find me at the RAYLOR CENTRE in YORK at YO10 3DW.
I vanish at 4pm.
⚰ Parish Church of St Denys. York. UK.
#StillSleuthing 🔍
And, if you have ancestors to sleuth, you can find me at the RAYLOR CENTRE in YORK at YO10 3DW.
I vanish at 4pm.
⚰ Parish Church of St Denys. York. UK.
#StillSleuthing 🔍
I. It all began with a letter in February 1822 when William Gray (1751-1845) a pious and philanthropic attorney from the City of York picked up the quill to pen a missive to the Editor of the Yorkshire Gazette.
LETTER WRITING DAY!
LETTER WRITING DAY!
September 1, 2025 at 9:01 AM
I. It all began with a letter in February 1822 when William Gray (1751-1845) a pious and philanthropic attorney from the City of York picked up the quill to pen a missive to the Editor of the Yorkshire Gazette.
LETTER WRITING DAY!
LETTER WRITING DAY!
Thursday. The view from my world as I find myself lost among the long forgotten dead of the Parish of Micklegate in York.
What a day to be alive!
Still Sleuthing 🔍 @yorkfhs.bsky.social
#DeadSleuth #GraveyardSquirrel #TeeAndTombstones #YorkyHistoryLass #LadyBrigante #StillSleuthing 🔍
What a day to be alive!
Still Sleuthing 🔍 @yorkfhs.bsky.social
#DeadSleuth #GraveyardSquirrel #TeeAndTombstones #YorkyHistoryLass #LadyBrigante #StillSleuthing 🔍
August 28, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Thursday. The view from my world as I find myself lost among the long forgotten dead of the Parish of Micklegate in York.
What a day to be alive!
Still Sleuthing 🔍 @yorkfhs.bsky.social
#DeadSleuth #GraveyardSquirrel #TeeAndTombstones #YorkyHistoryLass #LadyBrigante #StillSleuthing 🔍
What a day to be alive!
Still Sleuthing 🔍 @yorkfhs.bsky.social
#DeadSleuth #GraveyardSquirrel #TeeAndTombstones #YorkyHistoryLass #LadyBrigante #StillSleuthing 🔍
I. As I have been reliably informed that today is CODE TALKER'S DAY - what do YOU see?
Interwined among these random squiggles are the passionate declarations of a young Scottish gentlewoman MADELEINE HAMILTON SMITH (1835-1928) to her older lover one PIERRE EMILE L'ANGELIER in 1856.
Interwined among these random squiggles are the passionate declarations of a young Scottish gentlewoman MADELEINE HAMILTON SMITH (1835-1928) to her older lover one PIERRE EMILE L'ANGELIER in 1856.
August 14, 2025 at 9:00 AM
I. As I have been reliably informed that today is CODE TALKER'S DAY - what do YOU see?
Interwined among these random squiggles are the passionate declarations of a young Scottish gentlewoman MADELEINE HAMILTON SMITH (1835-1928) to her older lover one PIERRE EMILE L'ANGELIER in 1856.
Interwined among these random squiggles are the passionate declarations of a young Scottish gentlewoman MADELEINE HAMILTON SMITH (1835-1928) to her older lover one PIERRE EMILE L'ANGELIER in 1856.
I. Is there a mystery within those gnarled branches and fallen leaves of your family tree?
Are you intrigued or perplexed about the history of your ancestors?
Felicitations curious reader - my name is Tee and I am your genealogist, and grave hunter here at The Dead Sleuth.
Are you intrigued or perplexed about the history of your ancestors?
Felicitations curious reader - my name is Tee and I am your genealogist, and grave hunter here at The Dead Sleuth.
August 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM
I. Is there a mystery within those gnarled branches and fallen leaves of your family tree?
Are you intrigued or perplexed about the history of your ancestors?
Felicitations curious reader - my name is Tee and I am your genealogist, and grave hunter here at The Dead Sleuth.
Are you intrigued or perplexed about the history of your ancestors?
Felicitations curious reader - my name is Tee and I am your genealogist, and grave hunter here at The Dead Sleuth.
Thursday. A return to desk and kettle duty for @yorkfhs.bsky.social and time for sleuthing the forgotten all buried in ink within the pages of our lovely collection of parish registers.
You'll find me at the Raylor Centre in the heart of York at YO10 3DW.
I vanish at 4pm.
#StillSleuthing 🔍
You'll find me at the Raylor Centre in the heart of York at YO10 3DW.
I vanish at 4pm.
#StillSleuthing 🔍
July 17, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Thursday. A return to desk and kettle duty for @yorkfhs.bsky.social and time for sleuthing the forgotten all buried in ink within the pages of our lovely collection of parish registers.
You'll find me at the Raylor Centre in the heart of York at YO10 3DW.
I vanish at 4pm.
#StillSleuthing 🔍
You'll find me at the Raylor Centre in the heart of York at YO10 3DW.
I vanish at 4pm.
#StillSleuthing 🔍
I. Tuesday. The view from my world as I take my leave of Selby Town Hall after my TEE TALK for the fabulous folk of Selby and District Family History Group.
The chance to chat family history while sharing my sleuthing of a Victorian protagonist with a crowd of the curious?
What's not to love?
The chance to chat family history while sharing my sleuthing of a Victorian protagonist with a crowd of the curious?
What's not to love?
July 15, 2025 at 11:53 AM
I. Tuesday. The view from my world as I take my leave of Selby Town Hall after my TEE TALK for the fabulous folk of Selby and District Family History Group.
The chance to chat family history while sharing my sleuthing of a Victorian protagonist with a crowd of the curious?
What's not to love?
The chance to chat family history while sharing my sleuthing of a Victorian protagonist with a crowd of the curious?
What's not to love?
I. A THURSDAY THROWBACK to a gift from a fellow sleuth and which was a welcome distraction from my research into the life of a respected York doctor.
His curious relationship with a pregnant teenage governess who was also the mother of his daughter would end with her death and his disgrace.
His curious relationship with a pregnant teenage governess who was also the mother of his daughter would end with her death and his disgrace.
July 10, 2025 at 1:58 PM
I. A THURSDAY THROWBACK to a gift from a fellow sleuth and which was a welcome distraction from my research into the life of a respected York doctor.
His curious relationship with a pregnant teenage governess who was also the mother of his daughter would end with her death and his disgrace.
His curious relationship with a pregnant teenage governess who was also the mother of his daughter would end with her death and his disgrace.
I. “Be not afraid of searching into the very Bottom of your heart and of bringing yourself to a true Sense and Sorrow for its Depravity and of your unworthiness…”
Could these be the words from a priest to one of their flock?
Could these be the words from a priest to one of their flock?
July 9, 2025 at 2:41 PM
I. “Be not afraid of searching into the very Bottom of your heart and of bringing yourself to a true Sense and Sorrow for its Depravity and of your unworthiness…”
Could these be the words from a priest to one of their flock?
Could these be the words from a priest to one of their flock?