The Hampshire Family Historian | Vol.48 No.3 | December 2021

Local Group Programmes

Contact: Graham Mist Tel: 01252 661247. Email: fleetandfarnborough @hgs-online.org.uk

The group normally meets at the United Reform Church Hall, Kings Rd, Fleet GU51 3AF second Thursday of every month except August at 7.30pm. Fleet & Farnborough

Reports by Carol Gomm (July) The Art of Criminal Conversation: Tales of divorce and where to find them – Claire Moores. It was finding a divorce in her own family tree that led Claire to explore one of the more scandalous aspects of family history. The focus of this Zoom talk was on what means were available for those who were unhappily married, giving us examples as far back as the 16th century. There were a surprising number of ways a couple could separate even if they could not afford the expensive and time-consuming business of divorce. What was not a surprise was how women usually fared in cases of separation and the view that society took. But Claire also took us through the changes in the law that occurred in the 19th century that would eventually improve the situation for unhappy couples and women in particular. Early records range from the Poor Law accounts to those at the National and Parliamentary Archives, not all of which are online. But another useful source are the newspapers, after all anything with salacious gossip attached has always appeared in print! (August) - No meeting (September) Winchester: Bishops, Buildings and Bones Part One – Andrew Negus. After 18 months of Zoom talks it was very odd to actually have to get dressed and go out to attend the September meeting – I mean, proper clothes! The fact that 31 of us were happy to attend Andrew’s lively and enthusiastic talk that focused on the origins of Winchester up to the medieval period shows that many of us are now keen to get back to some normality – even if it is a little different at present. This talk covered the earliest period of the city from its Celtic beginnings to its rise as the nominal capital of England (the capital usually being regarded as wherever the King happens to be) along with the notable characters who featured in its development, both monarchs and bishops. As the title says he also included the bones! Part One ends in c1100 with the death of William II (William Rufus) and the city of London beginning to rival Winchester and pose a threat to its prominence. Forthcoming Meetings:

9th December 7:30pm Christmas Party 2022 No details available

For all the latest news visit… www.hgs-familyhistory.com

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