Proposed Destruction of Wills - Ministry of Justice
Our Wiltshire Family History Society President and Chairman have jointly written to the Ministry of Justice about the proposal to destroy old wills.
Our President and Chairman's response is available here but in summary it says
This Society takes a strong position against the destruction of original wills which have an historical importance and significance that would be seriously compromised if they were to be preserved only in digital format.
The root of the problem is the fact that the MoJ is not an archive service, despite holding a collection of manuscripts of national importance. It is not bound by the principles that underpin such a service: that archives are unique and irreplaceable, ‘They are primary source material and maintaining their integrity is vital to their legal, evidential and historical value.’ (Surrey History Centre website; accessed 10 Jan 2024)
Digitising archives has much merit in allowing greater access and reducing wear and tear on the originals. However, digital copies are vulnerable in different ways to documents. They can become inaccessible and therefore lost as hardware becomes outdated or is insufficiently backed up.
There is a consultation with the deadline for responding by the 23 February, but it is likely that the outcome will not be announced for several months.
The Family History Federation January Bulletin No 41 has an article by independent author Richard Holt about the issue. This has more information and links to the relevant consultations and press releases etc.
April 2024 Journal
The April 2024 Journal is now on-line and is available to members, who should log on and select Journals through the Members' Area. 
January 2024 journal
The January 2024 Journal is now on-line and is available to members, who should log on and select Journals through the Members' Area. 
October 2023 journal
The October 2023 Journal is now on-line and is available to members, who should log on and select Journals through the Members' Area. 
Wiltshire Strays - updated version
Our Wilthire Strays database has been updated with more new records. There are now over 29,000 events available.
A name and event index is available to all in the Free Name Index page in Publications. The full database is avilable to members in the Resource section, once logged in.
In both cases the records are in a single pdf file, which has bookmarks enabled to ease navigation. This facility works with the downloaded file.
Remember, if you spot any Wiltshire strays, please let us know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Happy hunting!!
Salisbury St Edmund parish register transcripts now available for purchase or download
We are pleased to announce the publication of Salisbury St Edmund parish register transcripts.
The baptisms and burials transcripts are each available as printed books and as downloads.
They are also available, together with the transcript of marriages, as CMB 6 on CD-ROM or as a download.
All versions can be ordered through GenFair.
July 2023 journal
The July 2023 Journal is now on-line and is available to members, who should log on and select Journals through the Members' Area. 
Our 2023 Family History Day
Click here to download a pdf version with links to the attendees and local facilities.
2024 Family History Day
Click here to view and download a pdf version of the flyer and map showing how to reach the venue.
April 2023 journal
The April 2023 Journal is now on-line and is available to members, who should log on and select Journals through the Members' Area. 
