When researching family history, you might come across some unusual words in old records that are no longer in common use. These terms can appear in a variety of genealogical sources, from occupations listed in census returns to local dialect words found in wills and legal documents.
For example, you may stumble upon occupations like "puddler" (a person who made iron) or "ostler" (someone who worked with horses) on census records. These are just a few examples of how language evolves over time, leaving us puzzled as we delve into the lives of our ancestors.
One of our researchers recently encountered an interesting term in a will from East Anglia: "pightle." This word, which may sound odd to modern ears, refers to a small piece of land, often a field or enclosure. The term is especially common in Norfolk, where it can still be found in place names and even the names of small roads or properties.
Unlocking Historical Language in Family History Research
Understanding these unusual words is essential for professional family history researchers and genealogists alike. As part of our family tree research services, we often encounter old dialect terms like "pightle" in wills, land deeds, and other historical records. Interpreting these correctly can provide valuable insights into the lives and occupations of your ancestors, as well as the land they owned or worked on.
Let Us Help You Uncover Your Family History
If you’ve come across strange or unfamiliar terms in your family’s historical documents, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of professional genealogists and family history researchers. With years of experience in genealogical research and family history research across the UK, we’re here to help you make sense of your family’s past and the odd words that come with it.
