Anchoring History: Embarking on a One-Place Study of Land's End, Bursledon
After a long hiatus, I'm excited to dive back into my blog with a new focus that combines my passion for genealogy and local history. My interests have been scattered over the past few years, and my family research has taken a backseat. However, my recent studies at the University of Strathclyde in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies have reignited my enthusiasm. Having completed the certificate and now pursuing the diploma, I've been inspired to embark on a new research project that promises to be both challenging and rewarding.
My focus is the area around the Jolly Sailor Pub in Bursledon, Hampshire—a location significant to my husband's family. This project is about tracing family trees and understanding the community and the stories of those who lived there. The Jolly Sailor Pub, a Grade II listed building, is a historical anchor in this community. I've discovered that many families remained in the area over several decades, making it ideal for this type of study.
Land’s End, Bursledon, an early postcard. (n.d.). Available at: https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/19407776.look-hamble-river-years/#gallery1 [Accessed 19 Aug. 2024]. The postcard was attributed to the Bursledon Local History Group in the original article. The date is unknown, but it is possibly the late 19th century. The photograph shows boats in low tide along the River Hamble, the building in the background could be the Jolly Sailor, but currently unknown.
In my research, I've also encountered the concept of a One-Place Study, which aligns perfectly with my goals. This approach combines family and local history, focusing on a specific geographic location over time. It allows me to explore the area's physical and social contexts, providing a comprehensive understanding of the people and events that shaped it.
As genealogists, we often focus narrowly on our ancestors. However, a One-Place Study encourages us to look at the broader picture. By examining the lives of neighbours and other community members, we gain valuable insights that can impact our understanding of our family histories. For example, the estate of the first person I plan to highlight was involved in a long and bitter probate dispute, which included the pub itself. The original owner had no children, but his will was changed only days before his death to transfer everything to his fourteen nieces and nephews. This story illustrates how interconnected lives can be and how much context we might miss if we don't look beyond our direct ancestors.
In this series, I'll share my journey as I delve into the history of Land's End and the families who lived there. I'll start with an overview of the area, the pub, and the road, followed by my research methodology and organisation of the families. While I have a clear starting point with the pub, the locations of other cottages will hopefully emerge as part of the journey. This exploration promises to be both a challenge and an adventure, and I look forward to sharing my findings with you.
Learn more on One-Place studies:
[1] Baldwin, J. (2023). Unlocking local history with a one place study. [online] Findmypast.co.uk. Available at: https://www.findmypast.co.uk/blog/history/introduction-to-one-place-studies [Accessed 19 Aug. 2024].
[2] Philibert-Ortega, G. (2024). Genealogy 101: One-Place Studies. [online] GenealogyBank. Available at: https://blog.genealogybank.com/genealogy-101-one-place-studies.html [Accessed 19 Aug. 2024].
[3] Society for One-Place Studies. (2024). What is a One-Place Study? - Society for One-Place Studies. [online] Available at: https://www.one-place-studies.org/about/what-is-a-one-place-study/ [Accessed 19 Aug. 2024].
[4] Society for One-Place Studies. (2022). 10 Steps to a One-Place Study - Society for One-Place Studies. [online] Available at: https://www.one-place-studies.org/articles/10-steps-to-a-one-place-study/ [Accessed 19 Aug. 2024].