Yes, very much so. Anyone interested in Forest history should read the old newspapers. There's pure gold there. You are almost guaranteed to read about your Forest forbears.

My greatgrandparents eldest son James (1858-1904) died of injuries sustained in the Terpentwys Colliery, S. Wales on the 10 February, 1904. He survived the fall of coal and earth and returned home to Soudley only to die on the 23rd November 1904. He already had TB. The Inquest was heard in the White Horse Inn, Soudley on Friday, 2 December 1904 and Friday 20 January 1905. The proceedings were rather unfeeling, and held by the Coroner, Mr Carter. James's mother was now 64.

Licensee's of the White Horse had included one of the Hewlett's and in the early 1900's a Baldwin whose daughter Elizabeth (1887-?) married my grandfathers youngest brother Albert (1882-1950). I was told that Elizabeth played the piano in the White Horse.

The Lydney Observer is another goldmine of information on the Forest. I found a history of the Bible Christians in one edition. The Zion Chapel on Bradley Hill was/is a BC Chapel. Many from my family were christened there.

Roger Griffiths

Thanks guys I ll check them out