The printed volumes of The Historical Manuscripts’ Commission are mines of information as regards many subjects; but, of course, every one cannot expect his ancestor to be mentioned there.
Foster’s Collectanea—“An index to the pedigrees in the Herald’s Visitation and other MSS.,” these “other” also being most valuable—is an important and yet disappointing book.
If the required name happens to begin with an A, Foster may prove a veritable treasure-trove of information; but if the initial of the patronymic comes much farther on in the alphabet—alas! Foster is of no use; for his information, compiled in the most learned manner from a variety of MSS. and other sources, was to be given alphabetically under every different surname, but this proved to be a colossal task—too colossal probably. At any rate, the work has stopped short in the middle of the B’s.
Sims’ Index to the Pedigrees in the Herald’s Visitations in the British Museum is not an up-to-date publication, yet is most valuable if the pedigree-hunter is searching in the Museum.
Lancashire and Cheshire Records, by Walford D. Selby, may be profitably consulted even by those whose ancestors are not connected with these counties, for the information it affords is by no means confined to them.
The valuable works of Sir Bernard Burke, all full of family lore, may reveal much, besides what is to be learned from his Peerage and Landed Gentry. His Commoners especially is of much interest.
Walford’s County Families would prove useful in many cases, and, if an Irish family is being looked up, O’Hart’s Irish Pedigrees is a mine of information. But just a word of warning here—some of this information certainly needs to be verified from other sources before it can be accepted in its entirety.
If still considering Irish families, Pre’s Occurrences will give eighteenth-century items of interest, but is more of the character of a newspaper.
The Harleian Society Publications, as well as those of the Record and Camden Societies, may prove of importance, especially if somewhat far back information is desired, while for details connected with the Elizabethan Age, the Cecil Papers are invaluable. They are also most interesting reading.
The Miscellanea Genealogica et Heraldica, a ponderous and important work, contains many copies of parish registers and monumental inscriptions.