For most of us, Christmas is a time for traditions, old and new. We recall past Christmases and family occasions. Sadly, there are those for whom this time of year is a challenge; memories are not always happy ones. We blithely wish others ‘Happy Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays’ [insert your preferred greeting of choice] but it is often far from happy. So, whilst as a family historian I would encourage you to share and make memories, I know that might not be easy for everyone. It is important to preserve the past, however unpalatable that past might have been but memories should only be dredged up if the process contributes to your own well-being. If slavishly adhering to family traditions or expectations is toxic for you, then ignore them, throw them out and start anew.

I am fortunate that I have wonderful Christmas memories and I enjoy the various traditions that have developed over the years. Some date from my childhood, others are of more recent standing. The past few years has seen the incorporation of Gordon Gray’s fiendish, charity Christmas Puzzle into our family’s seasonal repertoire. Do take a look if you are fans of this sort of thing. My first attempt suggests that I might do slightly better this year than on previous occasions but it is early days!

So what do I have as today’s advent favourite website offering? I give you G is for Gough Map. Probably dating from the 1370s, the Gough Map is the oldest known map of Britain. Its website allows searches by modern and Medieval place name. I know that very few people have traced their families back to Medieval times, I certainly haven’t but this is still a fascinating website – great for one-place studies too.

goughmap.org