Ruth Paley introduces family historians to the world of the unmarried mother and her child. Unless you are very lucky indeed, tracing information about illegitimate ancestors in England and Wales is never straightforward. It may in the end prove to be impossible. This book helps you to understand the economic, cultural and legal boundaries that shaped illegitimacy so that you can make educated guesses about the searches that are most likely to get results.
Included are available sources - where to find them, how to use them and what information they contain. There is a useful glossary for the weird and wonderful synonyms for bastardy that you are likely to encounter in the course of your research. Plus a step by step guide to help you draw up a research plan tailored to your own needs.
Author: Ruth Paley
Published: Revised reprint 2011