Family announcements published in the Swindon Advertiser from 1854 to 1899 have been extracted and made available here. The publication comprises two parts; 1 a name index of everyone mentioned and 2 the information from the announcements themselves. The total document runs to 1128 pages, which is why it is only available to purchase as a download. Printed copies will be available to view at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Swindon Local Studies library and the Wiltshire FHS Resource Centre.
The announcements cover births, marriages, deaths and a few anniversaries. Less than ten birth announcements gave the child's name. For many of the weddings, the names of officiating ministers and fathers of the bride and groom are given. For the death of a married woman, the name of the father is often given, providing the woman's maiden surname. With so many people mentioned, the benefit of including all of them in the index can be appreciated.
The events that give rise to the announcements were worldwide. The link was that there was a connection with the coverage of the Swindon Advertiser.