The Index Society’s Publications should not be overlooked, nor those of the Society of Antiquaries, the Royal Archæological Institute, and British Archæological Association.
The Pipe Roll Publications may prove of value, and, if the family is of French extraction, the works of the Huguenot Society should be consulted.
The Historical Register, published from 1714 to 1738, may supply details between those dates, while The Annual Register, which began in 1758 and is still proceeding, should certainly be referred to for the period required. It is especially useful on account of the announcements of births, marriages, and deaths which are inserted regularly.
Directories, which have appeared sometimes under different titles for more than two centuries, may prove of assistance in tracing names and addresses, especially if the searcher knows the most probable districts in which to look. The first London Directory was printed in 1677.
Newspapers might also be searched, for they may supply just the required link. The British Museum possesses a great number of old newspapers; but if the pedigree-hunter is not searching in London, he may also find in other libraries a fair supply to meet his demand. The Dublin National Library, for instance, possesses a good store of early newspapers.
A novice might scarcely think of consulting magazines with the view of obtaining genealogical information, and he certainly would not be likely to find what he requires in our popular monthlies; but from certain journals of an earlier date a rich harvest might be reaped.
The Gentleman’s Magazine was started in 1731, and, though it was discontinued in its earlier form, for some years up to the last half-century, it will prove a happy hunting-ground for the genealogical student, especially on account of its “obituary” and other announcements.
An index to the greater number of its volumes has been published separately, reference being given in it to the volumes supplying the required information under each name.
The London Magazine was published from 1732 to 1786, and might be looked up if information is required between these dates.
There are, besides these, certain magazines which are devoted wholly or in a great part to genealogical matters, such as The Genealogist, The Ancestor, which ran for some years, and Notes and Queries. These might well be looked up on the chance of their giving information about the object of the search.