Laura is thrilled to have received a Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural History, passing with distinction at the University of Oxford. Her study of medieval timber-framed buildings in Surrey was warmly received by course leader Dr Paul Barnwell. Laura's thesis explored patterns in the adaptation of medieval plan forms for early-modern living, focusing on the insertion of chimneys into hall houses that were formerly open to the roof with an unenclosed fire in the centre of the house. Her findings for Surrey were compared to existing research for Hampshire, Sussex and Kent, and builds on published work by the DBRG Surrey.

In an extended programme on BBC One at 6.30pm this evening, Countryfile explores Word War One's lasting legacy on the landscape of the western front and the part played by those on the home front in winning the war. Laura Berry assisted with research for the special episode, which will see Matt Baker learn about the role played by mule-men like his great grandfather, and Tom Heap go on a very personal investigation to the start of trench warfare. You can catch-up with the episode at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04ph5v9.

This coming Saturday 8th November 2014 Laura Berry will be joining 5 other speakers in a live Findmypast webinar to mark this year’s special Remembrance Weekend. The first ever Findmypast live broadcast will be hosted by Joshua Taylor between 3pm-6.30pm, and includes tips on getting started with your family history, researching military ancestors and overseas records.  Laura's presentation at 4pm will give an introduction to the online British and Irish newspaper collection.  To find out more and for instructions on how to tune in, see the Findmypast blog.