Research Forum

Newspapers in Brent Knoll
published by on Tue, 31/07/2012 - 15:16

Hi,

I am trying to find a newspaper article about an ancestor of mine who died in 1862 after drowning in Brent Knoll (was South Brent, Somerset) is there likely to be a story in the Weston Mercury or other Weston paper, or is this likely to mean a trip to Taunton?

Many thanks,

Kirsty

Comments ..

Submitted by Pat Hase on Tue, 31/07/2012 - 23:26

Your query was discussed at this evening's meeting of the Society. Several suggestions were made -

With the transfer of the Weston-super-Mare Library to the newly refurbished accommodation in the Town Hall due to take place very soon, the Local Studies Section of the Library, which contains the Weston Mercury and the Weston Gazette on film, is only open until this coming Friday (August 3rd) but those films should be available again in October.
You might try accessing the 19th century newspapers for no charge at home using your library ticket - there is the Bristol Mercury included in this collection.
You could also try this site - The British Newspaper Archive - but you would have to pay for any information you find. The same information can also be accessed through the genesreunited site.
The other alternative is (as you suggested) a visit to the Somerset Heritage Centre in Taunton.

What was the name of this ancestor and do you have the actual date of death?

Submitted by on Wed, 15/08/2012 - 22:11

Thank you very much for your help and suggestions, i have found a mention in the Bristol Mercury on the The British Newspaper Archive.

The name of my ancestor is Charles Bennett, who died 17th February 1863.

I was interested by the cause of Death on the death certificate just states 'Found Drowned', and the coroner was for North Somerset, Cheddar.

Thank you so much.

Kirsty