Designing a relational datafile for local history

Abstract The paper is concerned with the use of 16th and 17th century wills and inventories as a suitable subject for computer-aided analysis in local history research. The problems of the use and interpretation of them as historical sources are considered, and an outline given of their value to the historian. The principles behind the design of the datafiles are discussed, taking into account both the need for efficiency and flexibility in the system, and the needs of potential users. Reasons for the choice of database management system are given. The design sequence is described, showing how progressive modification to the original design produced the current set of files. User access to the system is briefly discussed.