The resolution of a longstanding roadblock in the following case study seems so simple and obvious on reading back. Whilst simple it may appear, the process of reaching conclusions was lengthy and sometimes laborious. Particularly as it battled against a tide of consensus. But finally, being able to confirm John Armstrong’s parentage and place of death in July 1865, at the home of his son Thomas in Penrith, was hugely satisfying. From the outset, a lack of evidence meant the traditional research aspect of the case was almost entirely based around proving who John Armstrong was not!
Background to case
Lynette (Lyn) Coxon née Armstrong began researching her family history 20 years ago. Her maternal line research progressed well, but on her paternal side she quickly became ‘stuck’. Despite differing tactics and numerous attempts, she was unable to progress beyond her great-grandfather, George Armstrong, baptised at Haltwhistle, Northumberland on 15 August 1813 (see bottom of page).
At that time George’s father John Armstrong, a Labourer, and his wife Mary Kirk were living at Combhillside on the northern outskirts of the town. Lyn also had their marriage record of February 1811 along with the baptism records for a couple of potential siblings but remained unable to make further headway.
Knowledge of local history
Haltwhistle in Northumberland lies at ‘the centre of Britain’, close to the border with Scotland to the north and Cumbria to the west. Its history bears witness to a turbulent past as a town on the northern English frontier. Built to protect against cross-border raids, remains of fortified houses and peels, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries signpost a period of complex politics, economics, societal power, and lawlessness. Here, alongside ordinary folk, the English and Scottish Marches were inhabited by warlike riding families, who became known as the Border Reivers.
The focus of the research
The surname Armstrong is
