Introduction to Medieval Genealogy (501)

 Family History Skills & Strategies (Advanced) Distance Learning Course 

Don't stop tracing your family once you have exhausted the parish registers. It is possible to trace lines back beyond the 1500s, and this course outlines some of the ways that you can break into medieval genealogy. It will help you create the foundations for researching medieval records, describe the nature of medieval records, on-line locations and finding guides that can improve your chances of finding direct or probable relations. It will also help you understand the geographical and political landscapes of medieval England, including general histories and the key events which generated records.

Topics covered include using medieval pedigrees, heralds visitations and how to prove (or disprove) the genealogies given by using inquisitions post mortem, feet of fines, chancery and other government records as well as taxation, church and military records. It is possible to find a foothold into medieval genealogy using many Tudor and Stuart records; you will be shown ways in which you can push the boundaries further back. Many medieval records were written in medieval Latin and medieval French, but do not panic! In this introductory overview of medieval genealogy we will concentrate on the most accessible sources, gaining contextual background to understand medieval society and the nature of medieval records; how they were put together, and their limitations. Whilst this course is intended to be an introduction to medieval genealogy, it will depend on the family history research you have already completed in the 16th and 17th centuries, so if you are beginning your genealogical journey perhaps this course is one for the future.

SET READING:
The set reading for this course is a website, rather that a set book: Medieval Genealogy

• * Starting out on Medieval Research- identifying families to track
• * Planning the move to Medieval Records-getting to grips with medieval pedigrees
• * Records of the Landed Classes- the structure of medieval society and the meanings of terminology
• * Reading week- a chance to do some background research
• * Medieval Church records, Military records and Taxation

Each lesson contains exercises and activities and a minimum of one hour chat session per week. See How the Courses Work.

STUDENTS SAID: "Excellent information, a huge amount of links and very helpful responses and support by the tutor. Lots to still absorb, but I've learned loads and have already applied some of this learning in my research."

"It was BRILLIANT - I had not expected it to be so fascinating at all. The lesson notes were excellent and the TASKS set all designed to reinforce our learning."

ADVANCED PROGRAMME:
This course is part of our Family History Skills and Strategies Advanced programme but can also be taken individually as a standalone course and you may chose whether or not to be assessed.  If you are interested in enrolling on our Advanced programme please do not buy the course individually here but see this link for entrance requirements and contact details.

Relevant Countries: England