A Family History of...
Ordinary lives at extraordinary moments. Uncover hidden stories from the archives, revealing the human side of history. Each month, follow one story across several gripping episodes, and experience history through the eyes of those who lived it.
Listen to the latest episode
The General Strike begins. Britain comes to a standstill.
It’s 1926, and the nation is unrecognisable. Trains idle, newspapers fall silent. In the middle of it, Will Lawther, councillor and trusted voice of the miners, finds himself pulled into confrontations charged with fear. Joined once more by historian Jonathan Kindleysides (Beamish Museum), host and genealogist Jen Baldwin follows the evidence that traces Will’s sudden collision with state power. In a week when authority is contested at every crossroads, Will becomes a symbol of something larger: a community standing firm as the country tilts into crisis. But raising his voice comes at a cost.
Explore the records featured in A Family History of the Irish Famine
Ireland Roman Catholic Parish Marriages
In 1840 Archibald married Elizabeth Browne in the parish of Kilnamartyra, County Cork. Their fathers are named on their marriage certificate.
Cork Examiner newspaper archives
Hungry and agitated, Archibald was charged with riot and unlawful assembly at Coolderrihy as the Famine took hold. He served four months in prison.
Destitution in Macroom
At the height of the Famine, a report in the Cork Examiner paints a grim picture of conditions in the McKenzies’ locality.
Crime, Prisons & Punishment
After an affray at the Hibernian beerhouse in Merthyr Tydfil, Archibald found himself back behind bars. His crime record captures the details.
1861 Wales Census
Listed as a forge labourer, by 1861, Archibald and his family had settled into life on Bethesda Street. Two of his children were born in Wales.
Merthyr Telegraph newspaper archives
More McKenzies crossed the law in 1862 when Elizabeth and Jane were charged with assaulting a potato merchant.
Explore the full series
Meet your host
Jen Baldwin, genealogist and research specialist
Jen Baldwin has worked professionally in genealogy since 2010 and is the Research Specialist for Findmypast, focusing on British social history and the value of UK collections for global researchers. She lectures internationally and has spoken at major events across North America and the UK, including regular appearances at Rootstech. In 2025, she delivered the keynote at the Guild of One-Name Studies Conference in Liverpool.
In 2024, she taught Everyday Life in England for the British Institute and presented at The Public Country House Conference in London. She co-hosts the historical true crime podcast Was Justice Served? and is a Trustee of the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History.
Discover your family’s story
Delve deeper into the archives to really understand the part your family played in history's extraordinary moments.
Jen's top tips for getting started:
Start your search with who you know. Search for family members like parents and grandparents.
Locations can make all the difference. If you don't know when someone was born, where can help narrow down results.
Check the original source. Once your search is completed, look out for the view original records button to see a HD scan and get extra details, clues and context.
Who are you looking for?
Explore more audio
Guest features
As seen in:
