Market Street, Harwich, c.1960
Reproduced courtesy of The Francis Frith Collection.
History of Harwich >> Harwich Snippets
When researching for this website we often find a little snippet of information on a location or subject which may be of interest. Some are quirky, some show that there is nothing new in this world, and some about the attitudes and morals of the time. [index to snippets] Here is one for Harwich on how the inhabitants were fearful of cholera.
The Essex Standard 12 November 1831
The quarantine regulations are very strictly enforced here with respect to vessels arriving from the Continent; and on account of the alarming intelligence from Sunderland, vessels from that port are to proceed to Standgate Creek, and there perform quarantine. Precautionary measures are also taken as to vessels arriving from Newcastle and places adjacent.
On Saturday the news of the cholera having shown itself at Sunderland, reached Harwich; for some hours great consternation prevailed, as many recently arrived colliers were riding in the port; however, apprehension soon subsided.
On the officers directing the master of the Sunderland brig, which was entering the harbour, opn Saturday, to proceed to Stangate Creek, and perform quarantine, in consequence of the disease having reached Sunderland, the master expressed his astonishment and unbelief thus:- 'What man! Art thoo tarking aboot! I left Sunderland on Soonday last, un thars nar cullera there.'
[End of article]
Newspapers could provide a wealth of information about your ancestors or where they lived. See our article on exploring newspaper archives.
Back to History of Harwich
The 1921 census which gives details of almost 38 million individuals is now available on Findmypast. Start now to discover your ancestors. At the moment access is pay-per-view.
The Essex Record Office 'ERO' are custodians of the parish registers of Essex. Ancestry.co.uk have now transcribed the entire collection of Essex parish registers. Search now on Ancestry for your Essex ancestors. Then on the results page click on ‘request image’ and you will be taken to the ERO website where you can purchase an image of the relevant page.
Visit our Parish Registers of Essex page for more information.
Newspaper archives are now a very important source of information for researching your family tree.
Try our example search to help you discover if your ancestors are in the British Newspaper Archive.
Harwich - Cary's New and Correct English Atlas, 1798
Harwich - First Series Ordnance Survey Map 1805
Ebay is a good source of old images of Essex towns and villages. If you're looking for pictures to add to your family tree album, then try one of the auctions, or there are several 'Buy It Now' shops offering postcards which have been touched up and improved - so if you're unsure about bidding, try these.
Link below already formatted for Essex and Postcards.