The Artificial Intelligence tools (like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Meta, CoPilot and Claude) can provide much useful and nearly instant information about subjects in a concise format, especially when they have been pre-trained on a large volume of information about the subjects.
I wondered if the FREE AI tools could provide me with a research plan for pursuing a One-Place Study. I selected Hilperton in Wiltshire as the target locality for the research plan.
My first Prompt was: Please create a One-Place Study Research Plan for Hilperton in Wiltshire. Locate resources that explore its history, its imagery, and its geography, and focus on its genealogy and family history.
1) I chose to use the responses from free ChatGPT4. ChatGPT4 said:
One-Place Study Research Plan for Hilperton, Wiltshire
A One-Place Study focuses on a specific area, combining aspects of geography, local history, and genealogy to better understand the people and families who lived there. For Hilperton, a village in Wiltshire, the following plan outlines key steps and resources to build a comprehensive study of its history, geography, and genealogy.
1. Define the Study Area
Hilperton is a village near Trowbridge in Wiltshire, England. Start by outlining its geographical boundaries:
- Modern parish boundaries: Include Hilperton and adjacent hamlets such as Whaddon and Hilperton Marsh.
- Historical changes: Research changes in parish boundaries over time.
Resources:
- Wiltshire Council maps: To see the current and historical boundaries.
- National Library of Scotland: Historical maps, which can track changes in land use and village layout over time.
- Old Maps UK: Access to digitized historical maps to visualize Hilperton in various eras.
2. Study the History of Hilperton
Research the historical background of Hilperton, focusing on different periods:
- Medieval period: Its origins, land ownership (manorial records), and early records of villagers.
- 17th-18th centuries: Enclosure Acts, agricultural economy, and land use.
- 19th century: Industrial Revolution, especially the nearby development of Trowbridge’s textile industry and how it affected Hilperton.
- 20th century onwards: Urban expansion, changes to village life, and post-WWII developments.
Resources:
- Victoria County History (Wiltshire): Comprehensive historical accounts of the area.
- Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre: Archives of deeds, manorial records, and tithe maps.
- British History Online: Free access to historical records relating to Hilperton.
- Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society: Published histories and archaeological findings.
- Local history books: For example, Trowbridge and its Surroundings or specific publications on Hilperton’s history.
3. Explore Local Genealogy
Gather genealogical records for families from Hilperton. Focus on key families and individuals who lived in the village over the centuries.
Key Records to Locate:
- Parish registers: Baptisms, marriages, and burials.
- Census records (1841-1921): Track the population, occupations, and household structures.
- Wills and probate records: These can provide insights into property ownership and family relationships.
- Land and property records: Tithe maps, enclosure awards, and manorial rolls.
- Military records: Focus on residents who served in wars, especially during WWI and WWII.
- School records: Identify records for Hilperton’s local schools.
- Newspapers: Local publications like The Wiltshire Times may have obituaries, announcements, and other relevant data.
Resources:
- Wiltshire OPC Project: Transcriptions of local parish records.
- Ancestry, FindMyPast, and FreeBMD: Online databases for census, BMD (birth, marriage, death), and probate records.
- FamilySearch: Free access to transcribed records for Wiltshire.
- The National Archives: Documents like wills, military service records, and manorial rolls.
- Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre: In-person research for documents not yet digitized.
4. Investigate the Geography and Economy
Hilperton's economic activities would have shaped the lives of its residents. Investigate the local economy, focusing on:
- Agriculture: Land use patterns, common crops, livestock, and changes due to enclosure.
- Textile Industry: The relationship with the nearby Trowbridge textile industry and how it influenced the economy.
- Crafts and Trades: Look into local occupations such as blacksmiths, weavers, and millers.
Resources:- Tithe maps: Indicate land ownership, land use, and who was working the land.
- Enclosure records: Available at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre.
- Local directories (e.g., Kelly’s Directory): Document trades, services, and local businesses.
- Census records: Occupations can help identify economic trends over time.
5. Use Imagery and Maps for Context
Historic maps and photographs are key to understanding Hilperton’s layout, its buildings, and how the village has changed.
Resources:
- Old Ordnance Survey Maps: For historical layouts of the village.
- Wiltshire County Archives: They hold photographs, postcards, and historical maps of Hilperton.
- National Library of Scotland Maps: Offers digitized old maps, including detailed Ordnance Survey maps.
- Britain from Above: Aerial photographs dating back to the early 20th century.
- Google Earth: For modern comparison and mapping features.
6. Build a Local Timeline
Create a timeline to track significant events and developments in Hilperton. Key moments could include:
- Medieval land ownership and feudal structures.
- Enclosure and agricultural changes in the 18th century.
- Industrial influence of nearby Trowbridge during the 19th century.
- World War impacts on the village population and economy.
7. Connect with Other Researchers
Collaborate with local historians, genealogists, and residents. Reach out to:
- Hilperton Parish Council: They may hold local records or direct you to other resources.
- Local History Societies: Wiltshire Family History Society or Trowbridge History Society.
- Wiltshire OPC Project: Volunteers may already be researching the area.
Online Forums and Databases:- One Place Studies (one-place-studies.org): You can register your Hilperton study here.
- Wiltshire Family History Society (WFHS): Offers resources, forums, and local expertise.
- RootsChat Wiltshire board: For genealogy discussions and potential connections.
8. Present the Findings
As your research progresses, organize your findings in an accessible format:
- Village History and Family Trees: Highlight key families, their landholdings, occupations, and connections to the village.
- Maps and Images: Overlay historical maps with current maps, and include photographs or drawings of key buildings.
- Articles or Blog Posts: Publish online to share your findings with a broader audience.
- Cemetery Transcriptions and Monumental Inscriptions: Provide records of those buried in local churchyards.
By following this research plan, you can build a rich and detailed One Place Study of Hilperton that encompasses its history, genealogy, and geography, while creating a lasting resource for others researching this area.
2) My second prompt was: What genealogy-related resources should I search for my Richman, Rich, Marshman, Angel, Hill, Rawlings and other ancestral Hilperton-area families?
ChatGPT4 responded with:
To research your ancestral families (Richman, Rich, Marshman, Angel, Hill, Rawlings, and others) from Hilperton, Wiltshire, you can explore various genealogy-related resources. Here's a guide to finding useful records and historical insights:
1. Parish Records
- Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials: Hilperton's parish church (St. Michael and All Angels) maintained registers dating back to the 1500s. These are essential for tracking family events.
- Check the National Burial Index for burial records.
2. Census Records
- The UK censuses (1841–1911, and 1921) provide information on household members, occupations, and residences.
- Available on Ancestry, Findmypast, and FreeCEN.
3. Probate Records
- Wills and Inventories: Many wills for Wiltshire families are held at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre or indexed online. They provide details of property, family relationships, and economic status.
- Visit The National Archives for probate records.
4. Manorial and Land Records
- Research the manors of Hilperton (e.g., Hilperton Stourton and Hilperton Marsh) to see if your ancestors were tenants or landowners. These records often include leases, rent rolls, and tenant lists.
- Explore records at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre and the British History Online for historical details.
5. Trade Directories
- Directories like Pigot's or Kelly's list local tradespeople, farmers, and shopkeepers.
- Available through Ancestry, Historical Directories, or local libraries.
6. Non-Conformist Registers
- Many families in Wiltshire were Baptists, Methodists, or belonged to other non-Anglican denominations. Non-conformist records can be found on The Genealogist or BMD Registers.
7. Occupational Records
- Hilperton was historically tied to the cloth-making industry. Research occupational records for weavers, spinners, and other textile workers, which might include apprenticeship records or guild memberships.
- Check the Wiltshire archives for occupational records and guild histories.
8. Maps and Place Studies
- Old maps of Hilperton can provide insights into where your ancestors lived and worked.
9. Graveyard Inscriptions
- Monumental inscriptions (MIs) for St. Michael and All Angels Church and other local burial grounds may contain information about your ancestors.
- Check Find A Grave and Wiltshire OPC for transcriptions.
10. Local Histories and Publications
- Look for publications on Hilperton's history, which may include references to prominent families and events.
- Visit libraries such as the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre or check The Internet Archive.
11. DNA Testing
- Join a Wiltshire or regional DNA project to connect with others researching the same families. Platforms like AncestryDNA or FamilyTreeDNA may reveal shared matches.
12. Family History Societies
3) I asked the same questions on Perplexity, and received similar answers. I recommend using several AI tools because they may have been trained on different reference materials.
Perplexity also provides links and summary information from the Internet. In this case, their answers were informed by:
Perplexity provides a number of questions for further information. In this case, for the first prompt, they were:
- What are the key historical events that shaped Hilperton's development
- Can you provide more details about the Long family's influence in Hilperton
- What are some notable landmarks in Hilperton and their historical significance
- How has the geography of Hilperton influenced its history and developmen
- Are there any notable genealogical resources specifically for Hilperton
4) Is this information complete and accurate? We always have to confirm information that has been summarized, analyzed and presented by the AI Tools, and they may not be complete or accurate. This information looks interesting and useful to me, and the information about the early years of settlement are from an authoritative reference book.
It is great to see free ChatGPT4 providing in-text links to more detailed information, although some links require a subscription. Not every website with information about Hilperton families is sourced - Ancestry is mentioned but not linked, and FamilySearch is not mentioned at all. They both have parish records and census records (at least up to 1911).
The Perplexity links and additional questions helped me to better understand the development of Hilperton from 1086 to the present day.
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Copyright (c) 2024, Randall J. Seaver
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