This is a list of publications and online resources that I’ve found particularly useful in my research. If there are any other resources that you’ve found useful in your research that you think would be appropriate to list here, please let me know and I’ll add them.
Publications
A History of Newton-le-Willows
John Henry Lane published his two-volume history in 1914 and 1916. This abridged version of 63 pages was published in booklet form in 1992 by Peter Riley. (ISBN 1 874712 01 8).
A History of Widnes
An in-depth account of the development of Widnes from the earliest evidence of settlement until 1961, the year of publication. 192 pages; 6 illustrations. By George E. Diggle, published by the Corporation of Widnes.
Widnes Through the Ages
A richly-illustrated update on Diggle’s history with an extensive bibliography that draws on material that wasn’t avaliable at the time the earlier account was written. 284 pages. Arthur Whimperley 1991, published by Halton Borough Council.
A History of Warrington
Warrington’s past is brought to life in Alan Crosby’s engaging and superbly illustrated history. 189 pages. Alan Crosby, 2002, published by Phillimore. (ISBN 1 86077 222 6).
Internet
Lancashire Parish Register Society
Rootsweb HOUGHTON surname list
Genealogy.com HOUGHTON surname list
Charles Vella’s Houghton Surname Project
Steven Dowd’s Newton-le-Willows site
Liverpool & SW Lancs Family History Society
Lancashire resources at GENUKI
Search for Births, Marriages and Deaths in Lancashire
Search for Births, Marriages and Deaths in Cheshire
Lancashire Online Parish Clerk Project
Cheshire Tithe Maps Digital Archive
Martin Ruston’s Rushton Spencer local and family history website
University of Leicester’s Historical Directories of England & Wales
