Are you interested in tracing your ancestors?

Alston Moor was a relatively heavily populated area during the peak of the lead mining industry. However following the demise of mining there was a significant migration of the area in the search for work. Many people went to other parts of the UK but many went overseas, particularly to Australia and Canada. Via the internet, we get a steady stream of requests from people looking to trace their family, and whilst we do what we can, we are not involved with genealogy, as such. We have, therefore, produced a list of contact points for those wanting to carry out specific searches which we hope will assist. It may be helpful to consult our Archives (see relative heading on this site) although these are not ‘on-line’.

The Church of St. Augustine of Canterbury in Alston holds the birth, marriage and burial records of five of the six churches in the Alston Moor parish. These are in hard copy only but enquiries may be passed to Mrs Enid Mahoney, 6a Bruntley Meadows, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3UX, telephone 01434 382981. The records date from 1700. This is a service provided by the church and a small charge, payable to the church, may be made for this service. Records for Methodists and other denominations are held at the Records Office in Carlisle.

Archives

 The extensive archives of the Society are stored in Alston Town Hall.

From 2007 the archives will not be open on a predefined regular basis. However, we are very anxious that they be opened on an unlimited ‘as required’ basis, by appointment. Please contact Alastair Robertson, the Society’s archivist by telephoning 01434 381769 to make an appointment. The Society would appreciate a modest donation for the use of the archive.

 FAMILY HISTORY

 The Society is often able to assist with enquiries into family histories and works in conjunction with the church of St. Augustine of Canterbury where not only Alston records are held but also those of other Anglican churches on Alston Moor. For further information please contact Mrs Enid Mahoney, telephone 01434 381779. A search can be made on behalf of the enquirer or the actual records can be made available to visitors, by appointment. The church makes a small charge for searches.

 Contact can be made with the Society via the Secretary by email, especially for the benefit of our overseas friends – llaw84000@aol.com.

CATALOGUES (PRICE £1) are available from:-

ALSTON TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
ALSTON LIBRARY
By SAE from ASHLEIGH HOUSE, NENTHEAD ROAD, ALSTON, CUMBRIA, CA9 3SN