The National Archives provides a treasure trove of material for discovering more about our colonial ancestors. This talk focuses on the former British Colony of Hong Kong – a thriving trading centre and home to merchants, the military and members of the colonial service – and specifically the tranquil spot in Happy Valley which became last resting place for many who travelled to the Far East from Europe during the 19th century. Christine takes us on a virtual walk through the cemetery, stopping to examine the stories of a few very ordinary people who are buried there.
Christine Thomas spent a 40-year career with the police in Hong Kong and London working in the fields of research and archival records management. For the past few years she has run her own research service specialising in families with ancestors who spent time in Hong Kong and China.
Image courtesy of Christine Thomas.