Sad to record the passing of Audrey Collins, long-time family history specialist at the UK National Archives, after a short illness.
UPDATE: There’s been an outpouring of affection and respect for Audrey since the news of her passing broke. I join the chorus.
Audrey spoke at the 2011 BIFHSGO annual conference on TNA records, the Fleet Registers which recorded clandestine marriages performed, notably in the area of London’s Fleet prison, between 1667 and 1754, and the information available, online and free, from The London Gazette, published since 1665.
Audrey was on the BIFHSGO conference program again in 2019 when she spoke on The National Archives Catalogue , Behind the Scenes: UK Census Records, Behind the Scenes: Records of the General Register Office, and A Scottish Farmer’s Ride Through England, 1802 ―Mr. Blaikie’s Diary and His Remarkable Descendants.
She authored numerous publications, including Birth, Marriage and Death Records, co-authored with Dave Annal who spoke at the 2022 BIFHSGO conference.
Audrey, featured in several YouTube Videos including this one on the 1939 Register, leaves a big gap in the UK and international genealogy scene.
Shocking!
A real lost to the genealogy community.
I am so sorry to hear this! We have lost a gem in our community!
This is such sad news! Audrey’s passing is a huge loss to the genealogy world and her outgoing and fun personality will be missed by all who knew her. Rest in Peace, Audrey!