NEWS
NEW DATA TO SEARCH
A large number of non-conformist registers have been uploaded to our site along with a few more cemetery records. Please keep an eye out as more are going on all the time - Methodist, Independent, Baptist, etc. Amazing what can be found. At the moment it is just baptisms, but they are from all over Derbyshire such as Alfreton, Melbourne, South Derbyshire etc. More will continue to be added over the coming weeks.
NEWS
Probate Register 1901-1935
Work on this has been completed
After many years of work by volunteers the index of Derbyshire probates has been completed and is being made available to members online. Extracted form the National Probate Register it lists the names, addresses and dated of death for people in Derbyshire and Burton on Trent from 1901 to 1935. In addition, the place of death if it was away from home is given and the date of probate with the office concerned.
MEETING
A. I. Coffin Doctor or Quack. - Gay Evans
Wednesday 19th November 2025. 2.00pm. - 4.00pm
Museum of Making Silk Mill Lane Derby DE1 3AF
Zoom Codes available to members only
Gay Evans presents the life and work of Albert Isaiah Coffin. He portrayed himself as a Professor of Medical Botany, an M.D., a Physician, and a Herbalist. He was born in America and arrived in England between 1832-1838. Throughout the country, he delivered a series of lectures, published numerous books and leaflets, and actively recruited agents and members for his friendly societies. Frequently called upon as a witness at inquests and trials, his practices drew the scrutiny of Dr. Henry Letheby, a Professor of Chemistry and Toxicology, who viewed Coffin as a perilous figure. The question remains: did his remedies lead to healing or harm? How will you assess his legacy?