Susan is the author of two leading books on Chancery Records. A culmination of a lifetime’s experience with Chancery Proceedings.
As the introduction to Family Feuds says:
Chancery Proceedings are quite my favourite source of information for family and local history. I was first introduced to them about 25 years ago, when I was asked to help a leading professional genealogist to index a huge pile of copies of 17th century cases he had obtained for a group of clients. For hours, or rather days, we sat reading these papers, with our index cards to hand. The cases all related to a few families in just one village in Hampshire. All my waking hours seemed to spent with these families, and I felt I knew each of them personally. Dragging myself back to reality at the end of the day was very hard - to find that it had been raining, or sunny, and that life had continued in the real world, while I had been living in this little village in the 17th century all day, was always astonishing. As soon as I got home, my own family were regaled with the latest update in the 17th century soap opera, and I couldn’t wait to get back next morning to read the next instalment in the drama.
Tracing Your Ancestors through the Equity Courts – A Guide for Family and Local Historians
A unique introduction to a neglected historical source, this book introduces the records of the Courts of Equity, which deal with cases of fairness rather than law, are among the most detailed, extensive and revealing of all the legal documents historians can consult.
As Susan traces the purpose, history and organization of the Courts of Equity from around 1500 to 1876, she demonstrates how varied their role was and how valuable their archives are for us today. Her work shows researchers why their records are worth searching, how to search them and how many jewels of information can be found in them.
Family Feuds: An Introduction to Chancery Records
The Court of Chancery, along with a few other courts, covered civil actions where one person had some complaint against another. These cases can provide useful genealogical detail and information, but how can we find if our ancestors were involved? Most of us, in researching our families, may feel intimidated by the task of finding out. In this book, a professional historical researcher, with a great deal of experience in the records of Chancery, outlines what records are available and how to use the finding aids available. A rational and clearly presented booklet, with examples of documents shown throughout, this may encourage some to explore these records.
The best book I've ever read.
Good book. Very useful, thanks for it!
Copies can be obtained from Susan on receipt of a request by email.
Research For Publications
In addition to these books Susan has provided the research for a number of publications on families and houses, such as:
- History of The Old Manor House, Walton on Thames (2020)
- The History of Killochan Castle (1999)
- From Gavelkinders to Gentleman (2011) the first part of the history of a Kent family
Susan’s articles on Chancery records have appeared in a myriad of publications ranging from the Local Historian the flagship publication of the British Association for Local History, to Magna the magazine for the Friends of the National Archives, and in the newsletters for many family history societies.
When the Who Do You Think You Are episode on the family of actor Derek Jacobi contained a Chancery case, the obvious person to research and present this was Susan Moore.
Commissioning Your Project
Get in Touch
Contact Susan outlining your request, with full details of the information you already have and what you hope to find
Develop Strategy
A research programme will include an ongoing list of potentially relevant sources
The Research
All work is charged on a time basis, and most research tend to extend to several days, in some cases weeks
The Report
In two parts: full research notes, and a detailed explanation of what has been found, with image of relevant document
