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Glasgow Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Secrets of Glasgow's very own 'Domesday Book' revealed
This tongue-in-cheek title is an ode to the oldest government record held in The National Archives. The original Domesday Book is a survey of English land in the eleventh century and is perhaps the most well-known archive item in the UK. Sadly, Glasgow's Domesday Book cannot boast such an illustrious history. (Image: Glasgow City Archives) Our volume consists of biographical notes and cross-referenced newspaper obituaries of Glasgow councillors. It was compiled by local authority officials to cover 1890 to 1975 but also includes retrospective information back to the 1850s. As such, it's an invaluable launchpad for any research into councillors for Glasgow Corporation and its predecessor, Glasgow Town Council. Me and my colleagues have used it many times over the years to help questing researchers. (Image: Glasgow City Archives) Understandably, many people are interested in the careers of former Lord Provosts. The origins of this civic role date from medieval times when Glasgow was a burgh. In modern times, Glasgow's Lord Provost has been the city's principal civic representative at home. I wrote recently about James Welsh, who served as Lord Provost during the Second World War until November 1945. James Welsh (Image: Glasgow City Archives) The Domesday Book provides an excellent, though brief, summary of his political career in the city. He began in 1913 and completed thirty-six years of public service, many of those spent representing the people in the wards of Dalmarnock and Maryhill. In addition, he was elected as the MP for Paisley in 1929. (Image: Glasgow City Archives) His entry also notes that he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow in October 1945. Last year, we took in his official and personal papers which chronicled his time in office. When I started out as a new archivist at Glasgow City Archives, part of what intrigued me about the Glasgow Domesday Book (apart from its name) was that it was the first internal finding aid within an archive collection itself that I had come across. Finding aids are key for any collections-based service like ours. To help researchers, we create catalogues (hard copy and online) and indexes (names, places, subjects, organisations and buildings among other terms) as well as making use of internal finding aids like the Domesday Book. It is an archive item itself but was compiled as a finding aid by clerks from the Town Council (later, Glasgow Corporation). The clerks would have gone through meeting minutes, obituaries and other sources to summarise the careers of former councillors for use by future researchers. The Glasgow Domesday Book is a manuscript volume and was clearly a living document, being added to throughout the years by various clerks. In the entry for James Welsh, you can see that there are examples of several different clerks' handwriting. As a finding aid, the Domesday Book helps researchers to navigate their way through our other sources searching for these same councillors. For example, the Book gives dates which helps users to narrow down their search of our Glasgow Corporation minutes. It also helps them to find their councillor in our annually printed lists of magistrates and town councillors of Glasgow, a source which confirms which committees each councillor served on and when. READ NEXT: The unusual link between Glasgow and 'dark history' of the pineapple 9 pictures which tell story of famous Glasgow store with link to Rennie Mackintosh 'Gran's report card' discovery reveals story of 'lost' Glasgow school If a councillor became Lord Provost, then researchers can use the archives of the Lord Provost's Office. These are a rich resource which include correspondence, press-cutting books, committee minutes, files on public events as well as photos of civic occasions. Some films presented to the Lord Provost are held on deposit at the National Library of Scotland Moving Image Archive. As many Lord Provosts were merchants or business owners, some of their personal papers have survived to form part of our collections. For example, we hold the family trust volumes of Sir James Bain (born in 1818) and the papers of Sir James King (born in 1830) during his time in office. Interestingly, the Domesday Book doesn't record other notable information. For example, Dame Jean Roberts, a former teacher, was the first female Lord Provost and served from 1960 to 1963. One of her predecessors in the role, Sir Patrick Dollan, was the first person from an Irish-Catholic background to hold the office when he became Lord Provost in 1938. Neither entry records these facts. Nevertheless, the Glasgow Domesday Book is outstanding in its own way, forming one of the many access points into the collections of Glasgow City Archives.
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
We spent years tracking down WW2 hero to return heirloom my grandad kept for safe keeping – what we discovered amazed us
Debbie opened up about the moment when she picked up the phone to call the watch's owners AMATEUR SLEUTHS We spent years tracking down WW2 hero to return heirloom my grandad kept for safe keeping – what we discovered amazed us Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AFTER years of safeguarding a watch given to her grandfather in the Second World War, two sisters have finally tracked down its owners. Amateur sleuths Debbie Blaxhall and Tracey Stevenson's quest to find the heirloom's owners took them on a journey from the 1940s to a lavish lunch celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day earlier this month. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Debbie Blaxhall (left) with Janet Hunt (centre) and her granddaughter Naomi Hunt Credit: Ancestry 5 Arnold Sharrock, the watch's owner, was honoured at a VE celebration Credit: Ancestry 5 A card was the key to finding Arnold's address Credit: ©The National Archives Speaking to The Sun, she revealed how enabled her to do the 'right thing' for her grandparents. The story began back in World War Two, when Debbie's grandfather, Richard Houseman, first met another soldier named Arnold Sharrocks. Stationed near Middlesborough, the pair quickly became friends but were sadly separated when Arnold was posted elsewhere. As a parting gift to Richard and his wife Naomi, Arnold left his pocketwatch for safekeeping along with a note which read: 'Best wishes, Arnold.' Read More on Second World War FLY THE FLAG VE Day for kids: Facts about World War Two and how it ended, explained Neither one ever saw the other again. For years, that was all Debbie, now 59, knew about the mysterious watch, which had become legendary in her family. However, Debbie and her sister Tracey, 62, knew that, one day, they would have to help the watch find its way home. Debbie said: 'We were only looking after it for someone else. We could never dispose of it because we wanted to carry on that legacy.' The former nurse has always had an interest in her family history, but finally decided to send the watch home when Tracey found it in her late husband's belongings. They decided to reach out to Ancestry's military genealogist Simon Pierce for help. World War Two veterans come together to mark the 80th anniversary of their victory At first they hit a dead end, but then, a medal card - found by Simon - allowed Debbie to uncover that Arnold had married a lady called Joyce Finch. From there, she managed to find Janet Hunt, 64, Arnold's daughter, who also had an account on Debbie said she nervously deliberated for days about phoning Janet, but eventually 'bit the bullet'. When the line connected, though, she realised that Janet had no idea about the watch. She said: 'The poor woman; I honestly don't know what she thought, because I knew the story. 'She didn't have a clue, so I was trying to explain who I was and that I had her father's watch." Debbie added: 'I think it took a few days for it to sink in with her, but we were finally able to send her father's watch in February.' Welling up as Tracey finally let go of the watch which had meant so much to them, Debbie had one overriding feeling. Through tears, she said: 'It's going home.' decided to organise a meeting between Debbie and Janet at a fabulous VE Day party in London, in May 2025, but there was one final twist in the story. Debbie said: 'Janet and I thought we were actually going to meet at lunch, but we actually met at breakfast in the hotel where we were both staying.' She added: 'Her daughter said: 'I think this is them.' 'And I was saying the same to my husband, and eventually I just said: 'Yeah, it's us.' 'So we hugged and I just cried. But it's the fact that her daughter is called Naomi, the same name as my grandmother.' In another surprise, Debbie and Janet realised that they only lived 22 miles away from each other in Sussex. Arnold, and 79 other 'hidden heroes', were honoured with a commemorative plate at the lunch later that day. Debbie said: 'Each plate had a little plaque about the story that was represented. And they were all incredible. 'You just think these were all just normal people going about their lives, daily lives or doing their bit for the war. They were the hidden heroes. And it didn't just cover people in the armed forces. There were scouts, there were children who had done great things. 'There were a lot of women represented too, which was really lovely.' Janet revealed that Arnold had served with the 103rd Light Anti-Aircraft regiment - earning the France and German star for his heroic efforts. Stationed at first in the UK and, then, later in Europe, he also served in the Corps of Military Police. For Debbie, the journey has brought her grandparents 'back to life for a little while' as well as Arnold - who survived the war but sadly died when Debbie was nine. She doesn't know why he never came back for the watch, with the entire endeavour having 'raised more questions" for her "than it answered'. Now in regular contact with Janet, Debbie is considering a career in "genealogy" to find out more about her family tree. Still, she is thrilled to say that handing the watch back to its owners has changed her life. Debbie said: "We adored our grandparents and just being able to complete something that they'd set out to do, it means the absolute world to us." Do you have a similar story? Email 5 From his records, Debbie was able to find out that Arnold had a daughter named Janet Credit: ©The Royal Artillery Museum
The Irish Sun
25-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
We spent years tracking down WW2 hero to return heirloom my grandad kept for safe keeping – what we discovered amazed us
AFTER years of safeguarding a watch given to her grandfather in the Second World War, two sisters have finally tracked down its owners. Amateur sleuths Debbie Blaxhall and Tracey Stevenson's quest to find the heirloom's owners took them on a journey from the 1940s to a lavish lunch Advertisement 5 Debbie Blaxhall (left) with Janet Hunt (centre) and her granddaughter Naomi Hunt Credit: Ancestry 5 Arnold Sharrock, the watch's owner, was honoured at a VE celebration Credit: Ancestry 5 A card was the key to finding Arnold's address Credit: ©The National Archives Speaking to The Sun, she revealed how The story began back in Stationed near Middlesborough, the pair quickly became friends but were sadly separated when Arnold was posted elsewhere. As a parting gift to Richard and his wife Naomi, Arnold left his pocketwatch for safekeeping along with a note which read: 'Best wishes, Arnold.' Advertisement Neither one ever saw the other again. For years, that was all Debbie, now 59, knew about the mysterious watch, which had become legendary in her family. However, Debbie and her sister Tracey, 62, knew that, one day, they would have to help the watch find its way home. Debbie said: 'We were only looking after it for someone else. We could never dispose of it because we wanted to carry on that legacy.' Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive The former nurse has always had an interest in her family history, but finally decided to send the watch home when Tracey found it in her late husband's belongings. They decided to reach out to Ancestry's military genealogist Simon Pierce for help. World War Two veterans come together to mark the 80th anniversary of their victory At first they hit a dead end, but then, a medal card - found by Simon - allowed Debbie to uncover that Arnold had married a lady called Joyce Finch. From there, she managed to find Janet Hunt, 64, Arnold's daughter, who also had an account on Advertisement Debbie said she nervously deliberated for days about phoning Janet, but eventually 'bit the bullet'. When the line connected, though, she realised that Janet had no idea about the watch. She said: 'The poor woman; I honestly don't know what she thought, because I knew the story. 'She didn't have a clue, so I was trying to explain who I was and that I had her father's watch." Advertisement Debbie added: 'I think it took a few days for it to sink in with her, but we were finally able to send her father's watch in February.' Welling up as Tracey finally let go of the watch which had meant so much to them, Debbie had one overriding feeling. Through tears, she said: 'It's going home.' decided to organise a meeting between Debbie and Janet at a Advertisement Debbie said: 'Janet and I thought we were actually going to meet at lunch, but we actually met at breakfast in the hotel where we were both staying.' She added: 'Her daughter said: 'I think this is them.' 'And I was saying the same to my husband, and eventually I just said: 'Yeah, it's us.' 'So we hugged and I just cried. But it's the fact that her daughter is called Naomi, the same name as my grandmother.' Advertisement In another surprise, Debbie and Janet realised that they only lived 22 miles away from each other in Sussex. Arnold, and 79 other Debbie said: 'Each plate had a little plaque about the story that was represented. And they were all incredible. 'You just think these were all just normal people going about their lives, daily lives or doing their bit for the war. They were the hidden heroes. Advertisement And it didn't just cover 'There were a lot of women represented too, which was really lovely.' Janet revealed that Arnold had served with the 103rd Light Anti-Aircraft regiment - earning the France and German star for his heroic efforts. Stationed at first in the UK and, then, Advertisement For Debbie, the journey has brought her grandparents 'back to life for a little while' as well as Arnold - who survived the war but sadly died when Debbie was nine. She doesn't know why he never came back for the watch, with the entire endeavour having 'raised more questions" for her "than it answered'. Now in regular contact with Janet, Debbie is considering a career in "genealogy" to find out more about her family tree. Still, she is thrilled to say that handing the watch back to its owners has changed her life. Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun Debbie said: "We adored our grandparents and just being able to complete something that they'd set out to do, it means the absolute world to us." Do you have a similar story? Email 5 From his records, Debbie was able to find out that Arnold had a daughter named Janet Credit: ©The Royal Artillery Museum 5 Arnold was honoured with a commemorative plate Credit: Ancestry Advertisement
BBC News
29-04-2025
- BBC News
Amy Johnson: Pilot's 1930 Australia flight feat to be celebrated
The 95th anniversary of aviation pioneer Amy Johnson's historic 11,000-mile (18,000 km) flight to Australia will be celebrated at the location where she departed the began her journey to become the first woman to fly solo from the UK to Australia at Croydon airport, south London, on 5 May 1930.A flypast of a biplane similar to the one used by Johnson is planned for Sunday."What we want to do is inspire future aviation enthusiasts, and also highlight women in aviation," said Micha Nestor, visitor centre manager at Croydon airport, which is now a museum. "Amy was one of the major celebrities of the 1930s. We really want to amplify her story, because Amy was a big deal."Throughout this weekend, the airport will host guided tours of the control tower and an exhibition dedicated to the Hull-born pilot, while discussions and workshops will take place at the adjacent Croydon Aerodrome Hotel. Uncharted land Johnson had only 100 hours of flying experience when she took off from Croydon in her second-hand Gipsy Moth plane, named 27-year-old had no radio link to the ground, no reliable weather information and only basic maps to guide her over uncharted land and some of the world's most inhospitable braved sandstorms, forced landings and the amorous attentions of Arab sheikhs to reach Darwin in northern Australia 19 days her return to Croydon, she was greeted by an estimated 200,000 people who lined the route to the airport. Ms Nestor said: "There's one term that she used to use, and that's air mindedness."At almost each stop (to Australia) she had to deal with a different problem, and use all those different skills she'd gathered, whether it's engineering, maths, all different bits and pieces, to figure it out."That's what we want to promote: thinking on the ball." Papers released by The National Archives in 2005 revealed that a senior UK diplomat wrote before the flight that there should be restrictions on Johnson's plans given her "sex, youth and comparative inexperience".She was an "adventuress" who needed protecting from herself, the official communique died aged 37 when a plane she was flying crashed into the sea off Herne Bay, Kent in January the time, she was serving as a pilot with the Air Transport Auxiliary, which delivered aircraft for the body was never found.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Yahoo
Amy Johnson's historic Australia flight to be celebrated on 95th anniversary
The 95th anniversary of aviation pioneer Amy Johnson's historic 10,000-mile flight to Australia will be celebrated at the location where she departed the UK. She began her journey to become the first woman to fly solo from the UK to Australia at Croydon airport, south London on May 5 1930. A flypast of a biplane similar to the one used by Miss Johnson is planned for Sunday. Throughout this weekend, the airport will host guided tours of the control tower and an Amy Johnson exhibition, while discussions and workshops will take place at the adjacent Croydon Aerodrome Hotel. Miss Johnson had only 100 hours of flying experience when she took off from Croydon in her second-hand Gipsy Moth plane, named Jason. The 27-year-old had no radio link to the ground, no reliable weather information and only basic maps to guide her over uncharted land and some of the world's most inhospitable terrain. She braved sandstorms, forced landings and the amorous attentions of Arab sheikhs to reach Darwin in northern Australia 19 days later. On her return to Croydon, she was greeted by an estimated 200,000 people who lined the route to the airport. Micha Nestor, visitor centre manager at Croydon airport – which is now a museum – told the PA news agency: 'What we want to do is inspire future aviation enthusiasts, and also highlight women in aviation 'Amy was one of the major celebrities of the 1930s. 'We really want to amplify her story, because Amy was a big deal.' She added: 'There's one term that she used to use, and that's air mindedness. 'At almost each stop (to Australia) she had to deal with a different problem, and use all those different skills she'd gathered, whether it's engineering, maths, all different bits and pieces, to figure it out. 'That's what we want to promote: thinking on the ball.' Papers released by The National Archives in 2005 revealed that a senior UK diplomat wrote before the flight that there should be restrictions on Miss Johnson's plans given her 'sex, youth and comparative inexperience'. She was an 'adventuress' who needed protecting from herself, the official communique suggested. Miss Johnson died aged 37 when a plane she was flying crashed into the sea off Herne Bay, Kent in January 1941. At the time, she was serving as a pilot with the Air Transport Auxiliary, which delivered aircraft for the RAF. Her body was never found. Croydon airport opened in 1920, featuring the world's first air traffic control tower. Mike Thorn, a trustee of Historic Croydon Airport Trust, described it as the UK's 'first major international airport' and 'the equivalent of Heathrow before the Second World War'. He said: 'We get people travelling long distances to visit. He recently had some people from Hong Kong.' The airport was closed in 1959 and converted into a museum in 2000.
