Paul Chiddicks
@chiddickstree.bsky.social
Columnist for Family Tree Magazine, avid family tree researcher and blogger, local history writer and a full time Lego builder
Pinned
When Love Shines Through: The Story of Merrit Beardsley
Discover the dark tales of the past in my brand-new series: “Stories From The Grave.” Some family history stories announce themselves quietly, while others arrive and take hold of …
chiddicksfamilytree.com
Tales from the Tomb Friday 🕯️
When Love Shines Through: The Story of Merrit Beardsley
A child taken too soon. A tomb with a window.
Not a legend of death—but of love that refused to leave him in the dark.
#TalesFromTheTomb #StoriesFromTheGrave #Genealogy
chiddicksfamilytree.com/2026/01/30/w...
When Love Shines Through: The Story of Merrit Beardsley
A child taken too soon. A tomb with a window.
Not a legend of death—but of love that refused to leave him in the dark.
#TalesFromTheTomb #StoriesFromTheGrave #Genealogy
chiddicksfamilytree.com/2026/01/30/w...
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
Tales from the Tomb Friday 🕯️
When Love Shines Through: The Story of Merrit Beardsley
A child taken too soon. A tomb with a window.
Not a legend of death—but of love that refused to leave him in the dark.
#TalesFromTheTomb #StoriesFromTheGrave #Genealogy
chiddicksfamilytree.com/2026/01/30/w...
When Love Shines Through: The Story of Merrit Beardsley
A child taken too soon. A tomb with a window.
Not a legend of death—but of love that refused to leave him in the dark.
#TalesFromTheTomb #StoriesFromTheGrave #Genealogy
chiddicksfamilytree.com/2026/01/30/w...
When Love Shines Through: The Story of Merrit Beardsley
Discover the dark tales of the past in my brand-new series: “Stories From The Grave.” Some family history stories announce themselves quietly, while others arrive and take hold of …
chiddicksfamilytree.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:32 AM
Tales from the Tomb Friday 🕯️
When Love Shines Through: The Story of Merrit Beardsley
A child taken too soon. A tomb with a window.
Not a legend of death—but of love that refused to leave him in the dark.
#TalesFromTheTomb #StoriesFromTheGrave #Genealogy
chiddicksfamilytree.com/2026/01/30/w...
When Love Shines Through: The Story of Merrit Beardsley
A child taken too soon. A tomb with a window.
Not a legend of death—but of love that refused to leave him in the dark.
#TalesFromTheTomb #StoriesFromTheGrave #Genealogy
chiddicksfamilytree.com/2026/01/30/w...
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
Join us for the February Family Tree DNA Club webinar, at which Karen Evans will be tutoring us in some key dos and don’ts for using DNA for family history. https://f.mtr.cool/uocvbffuux
February 14, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Join us for the February Family Tree DNA Club webinar, at which Karen Evans will be tutoring us in some key dos and don’ts for using DNA for family history. https://f.mtr.cool/uocvbffuux
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
Find the missing links - Study the Witnesses, Informants, and Bondsmen
Names on marriage bonds, deeds, and death certificates are rarely random. Researching them often reveals relatives or long-term associates.
Names on marriage bonds, deeds, and death certificates are rarely random. Researching them often reveals relatives or long-term associates.
February 13, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Find the missing links - Study the Witnesses, Informants, and Bondsmen
Names on marriage bonds, deeds, and death certificates are rarely random. Researching them often reveals relatives or long-term associates.
Names on marriage bonds, deeds, and death certificates are rarely random. Researching them often reveals relatives or long-term associates.
Now that’s a better sky
February 14, 2026 at 12:14 PM
Now that’s a better sky
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
Do we have any antique microscope experts in the house? This was my dad’s and I’m trying to find out if it’s worth anything or if it’s of any historical interest. No name or any distinguishing marks…
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
February 11, 2026 at 9:58 AM
Do we have any antique microscope experts in the house? This was my dad’s and I’m trying to find out if it’s worth anything or if it’s of any historical interest. No name or any distinguishing marks…
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
How to create the perfect Family History documents:
1. Have ancestors who wrote and received letters
2. Have ancestors who kept those letters
3. Wait 50 years or so
Et voila! The minutiae of everyday life is now fascinating, poignant and historically relevant…
#ClearingMyParentsHouse
1. Have ancestors who wrote and received letters
2. Have ancestors who kept those letters
3. Wait 50 years or so
Et voila! The minutiae of everyday life is now fascinating, poignant and historically relevant…
#ClearingMyParentsHouse
February 12, 2026 at 7:50 AM
How to create the perfect Family History documents:
1. Have ancestors who wrote and received letters
2. Have ancestors who kept those letters
3. Wait 50 years or so
Et voila! The minutiae of everyday life is now fascinating, poignant and historically relevant…
#ClearingMyParentsHouse
1. Have ancestors who wrote and received letters
2. Have ancestors who kept those letters
3. Wait 50 years or so
Et voila! The minutiae of everyday life is now fascinating, poignant and historically relevant…
#ClearingMyParentsHouse
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
I really want to try and do more podcast appearances this year, if anyone needs a guest or knows of a particular podcast that might be looking let me know!
#podcast #history #localhistory #Shropshire #folklore #folktales #folkcustoms
#podcast #history #localhistory #Shropshire #folklore #folktales #folkcustoms
a skeleton is standing on a sidewalk holding a bottle and a piece of paper .
ALT: a skeleton is standing on a sidewalk holding a bottle and a piece of paper .
media.tenor.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:43 PM
I really want to try and do more podcast appearances this year, if anyone needs a guest or knows of a particular podcast that might be looking let me know!
#podcast #history #localhistory #Shropshire #folklore #folktales #folkcustoms
#podcast #history #localhistory #Shropshire #folklore #folktales #folkcustoms
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
In St Michael’s Churchyard, Madeley, lie the six children of Rev. T. H. A. Gwyther. He was vicar in the 1850s. Of the six children, five were to die within nine short days of each other. Newspapers report him preaching to local children to help them navigate their grief. I hope it helped him too.💚
February 6, 2026 at 8:01 AM
In St Michael’s Churchyard, Madeley, lie the six children of Rev. T. H. A. Gwyther. He was vicar in the 1850s. Of the six children, five were to die within nine short days of each other. Newspapers report him preaching to local children to help them navigate their grief. I hope it helped him too.💚
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
In the 19th Century, Coalbrookdale was often described as ‘Hell On Earth’ due to the impact of Industrialisation. Perhaps such conditions contributed to the tragedy below. All I know is that William Maybury deserves to be remembered.
nearlyknowledgeablehistory.blogspot.com/2022/03/a-co...
nearlyknowledgeablehistory.blogspot.com/2022/03/a-co...
‘A Coalbrookdale Suicide’- Some Thoughts
Whilst researching another project, I stumbled upon the following story, and since then- I’ve found it hard to get out of my head. The head...
nearlyknowledgeablehistory.blogspot.com
August 20, 2024 at 1:05 PM
In the 19th Century, Coalbrookdale was often described as ‘Hell On Earth’ due to the impact of Industrialisation. Perhaps such conditions contributed to the tragedy below. All I know is that William Maybury deserves to be remembered.
nearlyknowledgeablehistory.blogspot.com/2022/03/a-co...
nearlyknowledgeablehistory.blogspot.com/2022/03/a-co...
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
Zoom Talk: 12 February 7.30pm Sin, Sex and Probate with Colin Chapman
After his well-received presentation last year on early Censuses, Dr Chapman returns to talk about Sin, Sex and Probate. a fascinating and accessible guide to the workings of England’s ecclesiastical courts.
#NWKFHS #Genealogy
After his well-received presentation last year on early Censuses, Dr Chapman returns to talk about Sin, Sex and Probate. a fascinating and accessible guide to the workings of England’s ecclesiastical courts.
#NWKFHS #Genealogy
February 10, 2026 at 9:03 AM
Zoom Talk: 12 February 7.30pm Sin, Sex and Probate with Colin Chapman
After his well-received presentation last year on early Censuses, Dr Chapman returns to talk about Sin, Sex and Probate. a fascinating and accessible guide to the workings of England’s ecclesiastical courts.
#NWKFHS #Genealogy
After his well-received presentation last year on early Censuses, Dr Chapman returns to talk about Sin, Sex and Probate. a fascinating and accessible guide to the workings of England’s ecclesiastical courts.
#NWKFHS #Genealogy
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
Findmypast are offering free access to their digitised historical newspaper archive to celebrate their 100-million-page milestone. There are over 2,700 titles dating back to 1699. The archive is free to explore until 16 February 2026. Enjoy! findmypast.co.uk #Genealogy
Find Your Ancestors & Family History - Genealogy & Ancestry
Trace your ancestry and build a family tree by researching extensive birth records, census data, obituaries and more - over 10 billion records - start today!
findmypast.co.uk
February 11, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Findmypast are offering free access to their digitised historical newspaper archive to celebrate their 100-million-page milestone. There are over 2,700 titles dating back to 1699. The archive is free to explore until 16 February 2026. Enjoy! findmypast.co.uk #Genealogy
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
It’s #OnePlaceWednesday! Wherever you are and wherever you are researching, for your #FamilyHistory, #LocalHistory or #OnePlaceStudy projects, we hope you’re having a great week. Use the hashtag to tell us about the places and communities you are studying, and to share your OPS news, pics, and chat.
February 11, 2026 at 7:30 AM
It’s #OnePlaceWednesday! Wherever you are and wherever you are researching, for your #FamilyHistory, #LocalHistory or #OnePlaceStudy projects, we hope you’re having a great week. Use the hashtag to tell us about the places and communities you are studying, and to share your OPS news, pics, and chat.
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
Walking the old battlefields often reveals quieter stories.
This one begins at Beaumont-Hamel with a shattered church window and ends with reconciliation decades later.
New post: chiddicksfamilytree.com/2026/01/11/b...
🔗 #WW1 #FamilyHistory #WesternFront
This one begins at Beaumont-Hamel with a shattered church window and ends with reconciliation decades later.
New post: chiddicksfamilytree.com/2026/01/11/b...
🔗 #WW1 #FamilyHistory #WesternFront
Beaumont-Hamel: A Fragment Returned
During a visit to the Western Front in the summer of 2025, I was told a story that has stayed with me ever since. It was not a story of sweeping offensives or celebrated generals, nor one that fits…
chiddicksfamilytree.com
January 14, 2026 at 11:10 AM
Walking the old battlefields often reveals quieter stories.
This one begins at Beaumont-Hamel with a shattered church window and ends with reconciliation decades later.
New post: chiddicksfamilytree.com/2026/01/11/b...
🔗 #WW1 #FamilyHistory #WesternFront
This one begins at Beaumont-Hamel with a shattered church window and ends with reconciliation decades later.
New post: chiddicksfamilytree.com/2026/01/11/b...
🔗 #WW1 #FamilyHistory #WesternFront
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
Old postcard of Oak Lea, Kerridge, Cheshire in the 1930s, for sale in our store here www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11681759...
February 8, 2026 at 10:06 AM
Old postcard of Oak Lea, Kerridge, Cheshire in the 1930s, for sale in our store here www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11681759...
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
Some of the documents that we use in our research have a real history of their own. Like these muster rolls for the 1st Battalion of the 7th Regiment of Foot, which would have followed the regiment through Portugal, Spain and France between 1809 and 1814.
February 5, 2026 at 1:18 PM
Some of the documents that we use in our research have a real history of their own. Like these muster rolls for the 1st Battalion of the 7th Regiment of Foot, which would have followed the regiment through Portugal, Spain and France between 1809 and 1814.
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
Went yesterday to Fort George to see the Brick Wonders exhibition. Impressive stuff.
February 8, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
February 6, 2026 at 5:56 PM
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
Adding a #OnePlaceWednesday hashtag as this is part of Wendy’s #OnePlaceStudy of Longford! 🙂
The old Forge building at Longford Middlesex had a fascinating history over two millenia, but it is under threat of demolition if the third runway is built at Heathrow. Read more about it at: www.wendytibbitts.info/a-%20legacy-... @westmiddlesexfh.bsky.social @hillingdonherald.bsky.social
February 4, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Adding a #OnePlaceWednesday hashtag as this is part of Wendy’s #OnePlaceStudy of Longford! 🙂
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
#WallsOnWednesday 🧱
The memorial to Robert Dyer (jnr) and his wife Frances of Aberglasney House, on the wall of St Cathen's Church ⛪️
📷 Robert Dyer • John Dyer
📷 Frances Dyer • John Dyer
📍St Cathen's Church • Llangathen ⛪️
#Wales #History
The memorial to Robert Dyer (jnr) and his wife Frances of Aberglasney House, on the wall of St Cathen's Church ⛪️
📷 Robert Dyer • John Dyer
📷 Frances Dyer • John Dyer
📍St Cathen's Church • Llangathen ⛪️
#Wales #History
February 4, 2026 at 1:39 PM
#WallsOnWednesday 🧱
The memorial to Robert Dyer (jnr) and his wife Frances of Aberglasney House, on the wall of St Cathen's Church ⛪️
📷 Robert Dyer • John Dyer
📷 Frances Dyer • John Dyer
📍St Cathen's Church • Llangathen ⛪️
#Wales #History
The memorial to Robert Dyer (jnr) and his wife Frances of Aberglasney House, on the wall of St Cathen's Church ⛪️
📷 Robert Dyer • John Dyer
📷 Frances Dyer • John Dyer
📍St Cathen's Church • Llangathen ⛪️
#Wales #History
In a peaceful churchyard in Pinner stands a monument that looks…unusual
A stone coffin, suspended mid-air, jutting from a tall triangular tomb. Over time it’s gathered myths, ghost stories, and speculation — but there is a real explanation.
chiddicksfamilytree.com/2026/01/16/t...
A stone coffin, suspended mid-air, jutting from a tall triangular tomb. Over time it’s gathered myths, ghost stories, and speculation — but there is a real explanation.
chiddicksfamilytree.com/2026/01/16/t...
The Truth Behind Pinner’s Floating Coffin
Discover the dark tales of the past in my brand-new series: “Stories From The Grave.” Tucked away in the peaceful churchyard of St John the Baptist Church in Pinner, Grea…
chiddicksfamilytree.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:26 PM
In a peaceful churchyard in Pinner stands a monument that looks…unusual
A stone coffin, suspended mid-air, jutting from a tall triangular tomb. Over time it’s gathered myths, ghost stories, and speculation — but there is a real explanation.
chiddicksfamilytree.com/2026/01/16/t...
A stone coffin, suspended mid-air, jutting from a tall triangular tomb. Over time it’s gathered myths, ghost stories, and speculation — but there is a real explanation.
chiddicksfamilytree.com/2026/01/16/t...
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
A really interesting site, thanks to @bluebellfhr.bsky.social for the heads up
There are blue plaques to commemorate the famous and influential figures of the past.
For everyone else, there are memorial benches.
A great resource for names & to add your own
Link 👉 openbenches.org
There are blue plaques to commemorate the famous and influential figures of the past.
For everyone else, there are memorial benches.
A great resource for names & to add your own
Link 👉 openbenches.org
OpenBenches Welcome!
openbenches.org
February 1, 2026 at 9:23 AM
A really interesting site, thanks to @bluebellfhr.bsky.social for the heads up
There are blue plaques to commemorate the famous and influential figures of the past.
For everyone else, there are memorial benches.
A great resource for names & to add your own
Link 👉 openbenches.org
There are blue plaques to commemorate the famous and influential figures of the past.
For everyone else, there are memorial benches.
A great resource for names & to add your own
Link 👉 openbenches.org
Latest model off the #LEGO production line…….#StarWars #StarWarsLego
February 1, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Latest model off the #LEGO production line…….#StarWars #StarWarsLego
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
ICYMI: 'The Incorrigible' with Karen Cummings ( @drkarencummings.bsky.social )
familyhistoriespodcast.com/2025/06/17/s... #genealogy #ancestry #dna #FamilyHistory
familyhistoriespodcast.com/2025/06/17/s... #genealogy #ancestry #dna #FamilyHistory
S09EP07 - 'The Incorrigible' with Karen Cummings - The Family Histories Podcast
Host Andrew Martin meets professional genealogist Dr. Karen Cummings and hears about her husband's incorrigible ancestor, and her quest to find Cowling DNA.
familyhistoriespodcast.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:27 PM
ICYMI: 'The Incorrigible' with Karen Cummings ( @drkarencummings.bsky.social )
familyhistoriespodcast.com/2025/06/17/s... #genealogy #ancestry #dna #FamilyHistory
familyhistoriespodcast.com/2025/06/17/s... #genealogy #ancestry #dna #FamilyHistory
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
#ResearchBuddies day here at @fhsofcheshire.bsky.social
This month it's #Nantwich, looking forward to chatting with members about their research and any brick walls we can help with
This month it's #Nantwich, looking forward to chatting with members about their research and any brick walls we can help with
January 31, 2026 at 1:50 PM
#ResearchBuddies day here at @fhsofcheshire.bsky.social
This month it's #Nantwich, looking forward to chatting with members about their research and any brick walls we can help with
This month it's #Nantwich, looking forward to chatting with members about their research and any brick walls we can help with
Reposted by Paul Chiddicks
Today at 11.00am. Guided tour of West Norwood Cemetery www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/walking-to...
Walking Tour of West Norwood Cemetery
Guided walk through one of London's Magnificent Seven with a guide from the Friends of West Norwood Cemetery (£10 donation)
www.eventbrite.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 8:36 AM
Today at 11.00am. Guided tour of West Norwood Cemetery www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/walking-to...