Welcome to Past-master

My name is Sue Newman, I am a Record Agent, Local and Family Researcher and Author. I undertake research in the Hampshire and Dorset Record Offices plus other local archives. Genealogy research service is available for other parts of England from online sources. Much more than simply a parish-register trawler.

My speciality is the local Christchurch (UK) area.

NEW BOOK : The Christchurch Fusee Chain Gang

256 Pages containing numerous colour plates and illustrations.

Sue Newman | The Fusee Chain Gang(2009)| Click to enlarge

Click Here to visit The Christchurch Fusee Chain Gang Publication page and find out more.

Click on any image to enlarge.

Sue Newman | Castle Street Engraving | Click to enlarge

Castle Street, engraved by J Shury and Son.

Newspaper Information - Christchurch references

Sue Newman | Christchurch Times Archive | Click to enlarge Sue Newman | Salisbury abd Winchester Journal | Click to enlarge

I hold the only database of all entries relating to Christchurch in the Salisbury and Winchester Journal from 1740 to 1855 and other similar regional papers

I also hold material extracted from The Christchurch Times from 1855 to 1985 originals researched on request.

Author

I am the author of several Christchurch local history studies, in particular on poor law and workhouse history. I have wide access to local material in public and private archives, much of it unpublished.

To see some examples of my work please click here or use the Publications links to the right.

About Me

I have worked on many private commissions from the UK and abroad and helped with enquiries referred to me by the local museum and library.

'Much more than simply a parish-register trawler'.

I am an experienced family history 'sleuth' and usually able to shed light on various 'unsolved mysteries' in local history.

Many commissions from genealogical research companies, i.e. Debretts and Ancestors.

Current committee member of
The Friends of St Catherine's Hill
The Druitt Guardians
The New Druitt Hall Steering Group

Christchurch Local History Society.
Vice-Chairman 1999 & 2000
Editor 1990-1997
Secretary 2000, 2001 and 2002

The Christchurch Antiquarians
Co-Founder, and Secretary 2002

The Friends of Tutton's Well
Secretary 2002 to 2006