1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.
  2. Only registered members can see all the forums - if you've received an invitation to join (it'll be on your My Summary page) please register NOW!

  3. If you're looking for the LostCousins site please click the logo in the top left corner - these forums are for existing LostCousins members only.
  4. This is the LostCousins Forum. If you were looking for the LostCousins website simply click the logo at the top left.
  5. It's easier than ever before to check your entries from the 1881 Census - more details here

Family Bibles

Discussion in 'General Genealogical Queries' started by LynneWK, Mar 4, 2020.

  1. LynneWK

    LynneWK Genealogy in the Sunshine 2015

    I have inherited our Family Bible started when my grandparent were married 1910. It only contains our family and is in a very poor state. I have recently had a quote of £700 to have it repaired which is way over what I can afford. My dilemma is should I have the minimum amount of repair done. My own children don't think I should spend anything on its repair. However they have dozens of cousins who I'm sure would benefit from having it in a reasonable readable state. It is the only record of their great grandparent lives. My grandfather died shortly after WW1 so none of us knew him at all. Very few people actually read bible stories these days so I am thinking it's not worth repairing the 100 odd torn pages but the leather cover holding it all together might encourage family members to want to own it.
    Any suggestions.
    Lynne WK
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 9, 2020
  2. I have a photocopy of single page from a family bible that was handwritten and started about 1825 when my third great grandparents married.
    It lists all their children, when and where they were born and the cemeteries the children who died were buried in.
    I don't have the original, I created a jpg for my records.

    If the pages with the family history in your bible are legible perhaps you could photocopy them and do something like i have done.
    If you don't have the skills or equipment to do it yourself I expect a reputable copy and print shop or similar would do so for a lot less than £700.
     
  3. Pauline

    Pauline LostCousins Megastar

    Possibly the best way to copy a page (or pages) from a fragile bible would be to photograph it. More or less any digital camera would do so long as you can get a decent resolution image from it.

    If the main value of the bible is in the information it contains, then it's unlikely to be worth spending hundreds of pounds getting it restored. Instead spend a fraction of the money on acid free tissue paper to wrap it in and an archival quality box to store it in.

    If you have photos of the whole thing and of the pages with the family information, you will not need to handle the book very often and so its condition should not deteriorate further.
     
  4. LynneWK

    LynneWK Genealogy in the Sunshine 2015

    Thank you both for your brilliant suggestions. I have contacted the book binder who has the book at the moment and asked if they can remove the pages and have them inserted/fixed into an acid free cover. Also I will make a photograph copy that I can distribute to the many cousins who's parents information is on the pages.
    So glad I put this on the forum you have saved me hundreds of pounds. Many thanks
     
  5. peter

    peter Administrator Staff Member

    My brother is a conservator who has worked at the British Museum, Museum of London, Imperial War Museum etc. Would you like me to get a second opinion before you commit to anything?
     
  6. LynneWK

    LynneWK Genealogy in the Sunshine 2015

    Yes please Peter that will be most kind if you.
     

Share This Page