Talk:Altham, Lancashire

Note: The FamilySearch Catalog is based on "parish" and "chapelry" information, which, from a genealogical research and historical perspective, is important for Wiki users to learn when researching parishes (and chapels) in Lancashire. Which of the following points, is the most key genealogical tidbit to know:

1. Burnley was created a diocese in 1926 2. Altham was an ecclesiastical parish in Whalley deanery 3. Altham was a chapelry with its own registers, created from or residing in Whalley (ancient) Parish

From concensus here, no. 3 is directly applicable to patrons' research problems so that they may know to not only search Altham chapelry registers, but the mother or ancient parish (Whalley) as well as all of its numerous attached chapelries. This is more especially a critical rule of thumb in Lancashire than in just about all other counties (Cheshire, Middlesex and Yorkshire excepted) in the realm. While... "The Diocese of Blackburn is a Church of England diocese, covering much of Lancashire, created in 1926 from part of the Diocese of Manchester. The Diocese includes the towns of Blackburn, Blackpool, Burnley, and the cities of Lancaster, and Preston, as well as a large part of the Ribble Valley" is nice to know in modern day context--perhaps, but when the vast majority of patrons are searching in more historical (pre-1900) periods, throwing all such info/data that does not directly relate to the research problem confuses and dilutes the critical and key information we want to provide them, i.e. key historical 19th century 'snapshots' from Lewis' Topographical Dictionary of England or from the Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales, or the 1851 Jurisdiction Maps, etc (which give mostly accurate information on a place's ecclesiastical jurisdiction). We believe it’s critical that each “Parish” summary quickly provides upfront, the key jurisdictions help our patrons need, to more efficiently determine which parochial registers to use in their research. To repeat what’s already there, is redundant, confusing, and changes the critical element of each parish’s and chapelry’s information. The old addage certainly applies: “Less is more” Perhaps we should sit down and determine a ‘template’ to use that’s effective. Phillip Dunn, England AG® &amp;Sr. Consultant British Res. Unit The Family History Library


 * I was interested to read your comments. I always thought that these wiki articles about places should cover the research help for all time periods and not just a historical 19th century 'snapshot'. I can understand why Lewis' Topographical Dictionary of England or the Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales, or the 1851 Jurisdiction Maps are used as a starting point, but surely the wiki provides a space where a more comprehensive guide can be put together. I have added to this article an infobox, Infobox England Jurisdictions, that I have recently put together and started adding to places in my home county of Dorset. To my mind it still isn't a perfect solution as I've not yet included an easy way to show changes over time. I'm hopeful that discussing this with others will help improve on what we have. --Steve 12:42, 19 February 2011 (UTC)