Google Bard

Google Bard is Google's version of the Microsoft ChatGPT that is currently available to users of the Microsoft Edge browser. An experimental Bard can be accessed on the link below.

As an experiment of my own I made a few queries on Bard for the History of Belchamp Walter. I was surprised with what was returned. John Salmon had not come across my radar before????

John Salmon - Belchamp Walter

" John Salmon was a local historian and author who wrote several books about the Belchamp villages in Essex, England. He was born in Belchamp Walter in 1933 and lived in the village for most of his life. He was a passionate advocate for the local area and its heritage. "

" Salmon's books on the Belchamp villages are a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the history of the area. His books are well-written and informative, and they cover a wide range of topics, including the villages' churches, manor houses, and schools. Salmon also wrote about the people who have lived in the Belchamp villages over the centuries, and he included many fascinating stories and anecdotes in his books. "

" In addition to his books, Salmon also wrote articles for local newspapers and magazines about the history of the Belchamp villages. He also gave talks and lectures on the subject. Salmon was a popular and well-respected figure in the Belchamp community, and he is remembered for his dedication to preserving and promoting the local area's heritage.
John Salmon died in 2018 at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. "

Here is a list of John Salmon's books on the Belchamp villages:

Belchamp Walter: A History (2006)
Belchamp Walter: A Village History (1987)
The Belchamp Villages: A Historical Sketch (1983)
Belchamp St Paul: A History (1982)
Belchamp Otten: A History (1981)
Belchamp Hall: A History (1980)
Belchamp St Paul Church (1979)
Belchamp Walter School (1978)

" Salmon's books are available to purchase from the Belchamps and District Local History Society and from some local bookstores. "

Where are the Belchamps and District Local History Society located?

Google Bard says Foxearth

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ChatBots

So where does Google Bard come up with this information?

Google do state quite clearly that Bard is currently "Experimental". What this actually means is not clear.

It is not clear if Google are generating text that just sound plausable or if they are actually querying a database or things that they have in their search engine index. I suspect the former.

When I ask Bard about tempusfugit.me.uk it generates text that refers to time keeping and the study of clocks. I am presumeing that it (Bard) is taking the Latin Fugit and the Tempusfugit and making a translation and a guess to what it is about. My initial query was to ask about Tempusfugit UK and it was less specific. When I added the .me.uk it then made the assumption that I was asking about a website.

When asked where tempusfugit.me.uk was based it then gave me text that I was probably located in the UK but the website did not specify where. As I know that there is information about this website in the Google Index I was surprised that Bard was not giving me information about myself and this website.

On the subject of the History of Belchamp Walter there was a text produced that contained information that I had yet to come across and there was no reference back to this website. Where the name of John Salmon came from I don't know. The fact that he was born in Belchamp Walter and died in 2018 leads me to suspect that the association was a speculative one.

The list of books and their dates could also be just speculation as I have not been able to confirm them. However, when this page is indexed by Google the books and their titles will be officially on the record.

Another query about Belchamp Walter in the 13th Century:

What was happening in Belchamp Walter in the 13th Century?

The 13th century was a time of significant change and development in Belchamp Walter, England. The village experienced growth and prosperity, with the construction of the Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin, a testament to the community's religious fervor. The church's chancel was built in the first half of the century, while the nave was rebuilt and a chantry-chapel added in c. 1330. These architectural additions reflect the village's increasing population and economic well-being.

Agriculture played a central role in Belchamp Walter's economy during the 13th century. The village's fertile lands supported a thriving farming community, producing crops such as wheat, barley, and oats. Livestock, including cattle, sheep, and pigs, were also raised, providing meat, dairy products, and wool for trade.

Belchamp Walter's location along important trade routes further contributed to its prosperity. The village was situated near several major roads, connecting it to other towns and cities in the region. This facilitated the exchange of goods and services, further boosting the local economy.

Despite the overall prosperity of the 13th century, Belchamp Walter was not without its challenges. The village was susceptible to natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, which could disrupt agricultural production and cause hardship. Additionally, the village was not immune to political instability and conflicts, which could affect trade and economic activity.

Overall, the 13th century was a period of significant transformation for Belchamp Walter. The village experienced growth, prosperity, and architectural development, while also facing challenges from natural disasters and political upheaval. Despite these challenges, Belchamp Walter emerged from the 13th century as a thriving and resilient community.

Boyd's Essex

This seems to be a transcription of the Essex Marriage Records by a Brian Parsons. While this may well be accurate there is no source reference for Boyd. Seeing that the information is presented on RootsWeb I am somewhat suspicious.

There is also no indication of what time period the listing relates. However, it would appear that it relates to the first part of the 19th Century.

The family name of Chatters is well known in the Belchamp region. In isolation this information is of limited use.

John Clare - poet

Bard also made a connection with John Clare and Belchamp Walter.

I could find no such connection.

Who is/was John Salmon?

I am highly dubious when it comes to AI and the dissemination of historical information. The fact that Google's Bard came up with John Salmon is a case in point.

True, Bard was in an experimental state when the query was made and it also had been reported getting the facts about the James Webb space telescope incorrect. The mashable article was from February 2023 and hopefully in July 2024 the algorithms have improved.

Performing additional research into the name "John Salmon" I could not find any supporting information. The list of books above was from Bard.

July 2024 making another search for John Salmon I find that this page is top of the list! familysearch.org also comes up and highlights (to me at least) the limitations of both AI and the "Family-Tree" platforms.

Gemini

Yet another rename.

Google Bard

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