The Hampshire Family Historian | Volume 50 No.3 | Dec 2023

Local Group Programmes

wall outside commemorating the occasion. The group returned to the startingpoint before dark and rain descended. (September) Quarantine and Social Distancing in Tudor Southampton – Dr Cheryl Butler Cheryl did not surprise us when she said she was inspired to research this talk during the first lockdown in 2020. There were three types of plague: pneumonic, septicaemic and bubonic. Although probably the best known, the bubonic was one that people could survive, albeit with a 50:50 chance. Bubonic plague is thought to have started in the Crimea in 1346 and entered England through Southampton two years later in 1348. It remained endemic until the 17th Century. During the Tudor period there were several epidemics - sweating sickness, influenza, smallpox and leprosy. The history of England has been changed by illness. Upon the death of Queen Mary in 1558, Cardinal Pole died within hours of influenza which made the return of Protestantism easier. The shortage of Latin scholars resulted in more official documents being written in English. There was an increase in social mobility with workers able to command higher wages as there were fewer people to do the work, providing more opportunities for the survivors. There was also a cultural impact because of increased immigration and integration, bringing skills that were needed, such as French glass workers, weavers and dyers, and Dutch and German workers in brewing, glazing and gunnery. Cheryl’s talk featured several now familiar headings. The city employed 'bearers and keepers' who transported the dead bodies or who cared for the sick frontline workers. The sick would carry white sticks to ensure social distancing was observed. Masks were worn and there were travel bans. Those who wanted to travel had to get certificates of good health – a form of track and trace. There was a form of R number in the 1604/5 plague: if the number of daily deaths was below 30 then the theatres could re-open. This was a wonderful talk brought to life with examples and names of ordinary people mentioned in the Southampton City Archives. (October) Members’ Evening The meeting included a visit from the Society's new Chairman (since the AGM in June), Tony Sinclair. Tony recapped on the events earlier in the year which saw too much work being undertaken by too few people, resulting in 'burn out' for a couple of post-holders. The Society was close to folding. He went on to say how his and the other Principal Officer posts came to be filled. The various functions have now been spread across a greater number but more volunteers are always required. He noted that a lot of work can be carried out remotely at home, without the need to visit the office in Winchester. This has been evidenced by the volunteers working on the Britons Dying Overseas (BDO) project, where thousands of index cards are being transcribed by members throughout Britain and even some overseas. As Tony is planning to visit all the groups, this is only a brief summary of the evening. There was also quite a lot of discussion about Zoom meetings, next year’s AGM and the 50th anniversary of the founding of Hampshire Genealogical Society.

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