Past-master :: Sue Newman
Local and Family History, Record and Genealogy Researcher
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 : Christchurch Through Time
Christchurch Through Time is a unique pictorial insight showing the rapid development of this historic town from a tiny, quiet backwater into a large, desirable holiday and retirement destination.
95 Pages containing 180 illustrations.
Each full colour image, including many newly discovered ones, is twinned with the present-day view. This is an exciting exploration of Christchurch, showing how its ancient streets and buildings have evolved through the decades from the late 19th century right through to the 21st century. Perusing and comparing the photos allows readers to see the historical context in which they are set, and recall the recent, largely unrecorded, past.
Click Here to visit The Christchurch Through Time Publication page and find out more.
Click on any image to enlarge.
Castle Street, engraved by J Shury and Son.
Newspaper Information - Christchurch references
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 I have wide access to local material in public and private archives, much of it unpublished.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