Advice required

[Zeb]

After tracing the Harris' in my tree (grandmother's side) I've taken them through Oxford, London, Wales and then back here in Devon. As it happens the location in Devon happens to be the same city my sister lives in which means I travel there regularly - Plymouth! I've even got the area of Plymouth, Stoke Damerel.

I also know that the husband (my GtGtGtGrandfather) was a confectioner in 1851 (master of 3 men - employer?) and was born 1786.

I've never visited anywhere before to research anything and am really after some advice like things to take, what to look for (and maybe ask for!) and those sort of things.

Many thanks.

[avm228]

You don't say exactly where you're planning to visit - e.g. record office, addresses listed in census, etc. - but here are some thoughts to start you off:

For a trip to a library or record office:

Pencil (many won't let you use a pen)
Notebook
List of things/people/places you are looking for
Some sort of formal ID in case you need to get a reader's card

For a trip to an ancestor's address or to a graveyard:

Map
List of addresses/names sought
Camera - to take pictures of graves and/or ancestors' homes or work premises (if an occupied house or premises it's probably best to ask permission before you start taking photos)

I'm sure others will have more suggestions

Anna

[Zeb]

Ooops! As you mention I failed to say where I'm planning to visit. It's Stoke Damerel Parish Church, I've just found their contact details using Google so I'm going to call them sometime and seehow long that church has been there. Don't want to waste time driving over there to find the church was built recently

Thanks for those suggestions, I'll hold on a bit and see what others have to say...

[avm228]

According to this site:

http://plymouthdata.info/CH-StokeDamerel.htm

the church has been there since about 1490, so I think you're safe

Anna

[Zeb]

All these resources I didn't know were available!

The only tools I've been using for all my research are Genes Reunited, Ancestry.co.uk, FamilySearch.org, these forums and thats it. It was only a couple days ago that I discovered the war medals on the National Archive!

EDIT: Forgot to mention FreeBMD as well

[terrymo]

Hi Zeb

In addition to all the other suggestions I thought you should know that Stoke Damerell gravestones are lying down - making the path you walk on.  Not at all helpful. 
The Central Library (upstairs in the Local Studies Library) on North Hill in Plymouth holds a list of all the monumental inscriptions which would help you pinpoint your ancestors headstones.  Without looking at this booklet you won't find anyone - as I know only to well - I was very disappointed on my trip to Stoke Damerell a few weeks ago.

Mo

[Zeb]

Many thanks for that info mo.

I now know to extend my day and see if I can stay at a relative's for a couple days.