Author name: Ruth Blair

Historic Hospital Records Database for London and Glasgow

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The Historic Hospital Records database is the “home of 19th century children’s hospital records.” They provide historical background, academic resources and links to help with your research. A searchable database is also available. You can register for free and have access to more detailed information along with the ability to download and print the results of your searches.

The databases provide searchable Admission Registers for the following hospitals: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (London) 1852-1914, Cromwell House (London) 1869-1910, the Evelina (London) 1874-1877/1889-1902, Alexandra Hospital for Hip Disease (London) 1867-1895, Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Glasgow) 1883-1903.

You will find a section with general articles which includes an index. It provides background information on the subject of health and health care in Britain in the 19th century. Another useful tool is the Glossary of Medical Terms to help you understand the medical terms found in the records.

For those with connections to London and Glasgow it is well worth searching these databases to see if any children can be found in their records.

©2011 – Blair Archival Research

Robbie Burns Day

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Today celebrations are going on throughout Scotland and the around world in honour of the 252nd birthday of Robbie Burns.

Robbie Burns is known as “Scotland’s favourite son” and “The Bard.” He is Scotland’s favourite poet and wrote in the Scots language. It is on this day that we have a wee dram, a piece of haggis and remember Robbie Burns.

I remember going to the local British shop and buying a haggis for my Grandmother. She loved it and they had small ones in a freezer. You can now buy haggis in a can and with different flavours such as curry. There is no problem if you do not eat meat because there is a vegetarian version. I wonder what Robbie Burns would think of that turn of events.

Haggis was peasant food in Scotland. The wealthy got the best parts of the beast and the rest went to those who could not afford anything more. They got creative by making a filling and nutritious meal to feed their families.

Haggis contains oatmeal, mutton suet, lamb or venison liver, sheep heart, liver and kidney, an onion and some spices. These are all minced and put together in a sausage casing then boiled 4-5 hours.

Traditionally Haggis is served with tatties and neeps (potatoes and turnips) and a shot of whiskey.

Happy Burns Day everyone!

©2011 – Blair Archival Research

2011 Ontario Genealogical Society Conference Registration

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You can now register for the 2011 Ontario Genealogical Society conference to be held in Hamilton Ontario from May 13th to May 16th. You can find out more about it here. I will be presenting three lectures during the conference. “The Whys and Wherefores of Scottish Emigration,” “Maiden Aunts of the 20th Century – The Forgotten Generation of Women” and “A Brick Wall Chisel – The Cluster Research Project.”

©2011 – Blair Archival Research