Thomas Links

[thomastrail]

Hello

I’ve popped a ‘hello’ on the newbie intro page but I see this is the place for specific enquiries. 

I’m researching my family on the paternal side of my mother. It has lead me to the iron mines in Cumbria and ultimately to St Just. From what I can see there are many strands of my family here going back many generations. 

My great great grandfather was Gabriel Thomas and his wife was Mary Maddern they left St Just, for Cumbria, in the latter part of the 1800’s. My guess is that many of his brothers and sisters stayed but I can’t be sure. 

I have a pretty complete Thomas family tree in terms of direct line and siblings going back to early 1700’s, all in St Just. At present these are names on a piece of paper. I’m particularly interested in the social history of St Just in order to give more life and context to my research.

I’m reading a book called Deep Down (Ballantyne) which is helping to paint a picture of life in St Just in the early part of 19thC.

Has anyone got any information on St Just through the centuries ie 1600 to 1900’s ish?
Where might I access old photos of St Just?
Any other information relating to life in St Just and Thomas family would be helpful.

Thanks in anticipation 
Peter Jordan 

[donne]

If you are after images, the Cornish record office now known as Kresen Kernow has a fine collection of images which can be viewed through their catalogue webpages kresenkernow.org/our-collections/explore-images/. You need to search for St Just but be prepared to filter out those images from St Just-in-Roseland which is quite another place from St Just in Penwith which you require. However you will be lucky to find anything very early.

Apart from Ballantyne's fictionalised account of mining adventures which you have read, I would also recommend the non-fiction works of A. K Hamilton Jenkin. These were originally published in the 1920s but I have a paperback reprint of his 'Cornish Miner' published in 2004 by Westcountry Books, ISBN: 1902395069. This gives a fascinating account of the history of mining in Cornwall and its working practices.

Sorry, but I can't offer anything further specific to St. Just or your Thomas family

[thomastrail]

Hi. Hank you for the photo advice will certainly check that out.
Also the heads up on Hamilton Jenkins work.
Much appreciated.
P

[white]

I have left you a personal message I can help with your line
White