Heritage and History

Oral, family and social history

Family history

Has become increasingly popular in the United Kingdom since the 1960s. Strict tracing of the male line has vanished, as have old ideas about breeding and lineage.

Todays' researcher may trace any family in their tree and feel as much pride with an ancestor who was a labourer as one who was a member of the gentry. This democratisation of family history has made people more aware of social history.

To make their ancestors more rounded a family historian will likely look at records of local housing, health, education, religion and work. Written memoirs and oral history from such researches are a key part in such research.

The Heritage service has started a systematic attempt to record memories of the residents of the borough. Oral history can give a new slant on local and national history and provide context for photographs and objects.

The borough archives at the Valence site is one of the best local collections in London. To underline the importance of these records an Archivist has been appointed.

Archive Photo Galleries|

Family History|

Local History|

Local History Studies Centre|

People of Barking and Dagenham|

Find an Old School Friend|

School Reunions|