The following is a press release issued by TheGenealogist:
TheGenealogist has added 292,259 newly opened records to its 1939 Register, most of whom were born in 1924. This release includes British comedy legends Benny Hill and Tony Hancock who were recorded living near each other in Bournemouth at the outbreak of WWII.
This significant update enhances TheGenealogist’s comprehensive collection of historical records, providing valuable insights into wartime Britain and those who would later shape British entertainment. The 1939 Register, taken on 29th September 1939, serves as a crucial census substitute, capturing detailed information about the civilian population just after the outbreak of World War II.
The newly released records reveal a fascinating snapshot of two future comedy icons in their teenage years. Both Hill and Hancock, then aged 15, were living in Bournemouth. Their distinct comedy styles helped define British entertainment in the post-war era.
“This release not only adds significant genealogical value but also provides unique insights into the early lives of some of Britain’s most beloved entertainers,” says Mark Bayley, Head of Online Development at TheGenealogist. “Finding Hill and Hancock recorded just a stone’s throw from each other during this pivotal moment in history adds a compelling narrative to our understanding of British entertainment history.”
The update is available immediately to Diamond subscribers of TheGenealogist, offering researchers and family historians access to these valuable historical records.
In these records is Benny Hill – read his story here: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2025/benny-hill-7957/
For a limited time, you can get our Diamond Subscription for just £109.95. You’ll also receive an online periodical and a ticket to The Family History Show Online plus the downloadable books Discover Your Ancestors’ Occupations by Laura Berry, Regional Research Guidebook by Andrew Chapman and Researching and Locating Your Ancestors by Celia Heritage, worth over £60.
Explore these new records and start your genealogical journey today with TheGenealogist by claiming this offer here: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/MGB39R125
Offer expires 31st March 2025.
About TheGenealogist
TheGenealogist is an award-winning online family history website, who put a wealth of information at the fingertips of family historians. Their approach is to bring hard to use physical records to life online with easy to use interfaces such as their Tithe and newly released Lloyd George Domesday collections.
TheGenealogist’s innovative SmartSearch technology links records together to help you find your ancestors more easily. TheGenealogist is one of the leading providers of online family history records. Along with the standard Birth, Marriage, Death and Census records, they also have significant collections of Parish and Nonconformist records, PCC Will Records, Irish Records, Military records, Occupations, Newspaper record collections amongst many others.
TheGenealogist uses the latest technology to help you bring your family history to life. Use TheGenealogist to find your ancestors today!