Embarking on your family history journey is a fascinating exploration into your roots. Uncover the stories that weave through your family's past and create a meaningful connection to your heritage.
Talk to the living!
Begin by gathering information from relatives documenting names, dates, and places. Even partial information is useful in building the jigsaw. Start with a paper tree, but online family trees will be useful as your information grows. Generally, official data is not made publicly available for 100 years which is why talking to living people is best! Keep detailed records of what you find.
People are often confused by cousins. The easiest way to identify them is by considering your shared grandparents. Use this chart to help you.
Set up a record for each individual to help you track the information about where they were born, where they lived and died, who they married, etc.
Resources
Next, utilise online resources such as census records and archives to piece together your ancestral puzzle. Many records have been transcribed by volunteers and are subject to error so searching with “sounds like” options is often beneficial. In the UK, several online resources offer free access to genealogical information and you can make a start without incurring costs. The following sites can be helpful.
Free BMD Provides access to the index of birth, marriage, and death records in England and Wales. It covers the period from the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1837 (the start of civil registration) to the early 20th century.
Free REG Provides free online access to transcriptions of births, deaths and marriages in Parish Registers and Bishops Transcripts which began in England and Wales in 1538. New records are added daily by volunteers but there is still a way to go before all records are complete.
FreeCEN Offers free access to transcriptions of 19th-century census records for England, Wales, and Scotland. However, not all census information is freely available. The first census useful to family historians was published in 1841. It gives basic information about names, place of birth and occupation. Later censuses are available on subscription websites and are very useful in seeing how your family lived.
Other useful free-to-use sites include:
Family Search A global resource with free access to a vast collection of records, including UK census and parish records.
National Archives – Discovery Allows you to search and view some digitised records for free, including military service records and wills.
Scotland’s People Offers some free search options for Scottish records, including statutory registers and old parish registers. While there may be fees for viewing detailed records, some basic search options are free.
Irish Genealogy Provides free access to historic civil registration records for births, marriages, and deaths in Ireland. The vast majority of Ireland’s 19th century census records were destroyed in a fire in 1922 at the Public Records Office of Ireland, but some records do remain so it’s still worth exploring.
General Register Office for Northern Ireland (GRONI) Offers free access to indexes of births, marriages, and deaths for Northern Ireland.
Remember, while these resources offer free access to certain records, some features or detailed documents may require payment or a subscription for full access. Each website has its specific coverage and limitations, so it's advisable to explore multiple platforms for a comprehensive search.
Subscription sites
Ancestry UK, Findmypast and MyHeritage are just a few. Most offer free registration and basic family tree creation as well as access to some historical documents and records (i.e. some of those that are freely available elsewhere). A range of subscription levels are then available and, depending on where your family are, access to UK only or worldwide materials may be useful. Not all records are available on all sites so its worth exploring each for its merits.
DNA testing
Several commercial DNA testing companies operate in the UK, offering insights into your ancestry, family history, and health. Some prominent ones include:
Ancestry DNA Provides ethnicity estimates and connects you with potential relatives in their database.
23andMe Offers ancestry and health-related DNA testing, providing information on genetic traits, health risks, and ancestry composition.
My Heritage DNA Allows you to explore your ethnic origins and discover potential relatives through DNA matching.
Living DNA Specialises in detailed regional breakdowns of your ancestry, particularly focusing on the British Isles.
Before choosing a DNA testing service, consider the type of information you're interested in, such as ancestry, health insights, or both. Additionally, review the privacy policies of each company to ensure you're comfortable with how your DNA data will be handled. Keep in mind that costs, features, and database sizes may vary among providers. Being able to compare your DNA with other people can help find “missing” relatives and give you confidence your paper trail is correct. Remember, the number of great-grandparents you have grows exponentially, so be prepared for over one million 18 x great grandparents!
Local archives
Finally, linking your ancestry to national or local history can add depth and context to your family story. It is therefore worth looking at some of the following either online or in person:
Visit local archives and libraries to delve into historical records, maps, newspapers, and local history books. Read local histories and community studies to gain a broader understanding of the places your ancestors lived. This can shed light on local customs, traditions, and significant events. Local libraries often hold subscriptions to services such as Ancestry or British Newspapers Online – both Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes libraries offer this service.
Newspaper records and census records can be used to help you understand your ancestors' occupations, as these can be tied to local industries or historical events. For example, if your ancestors worked in the leather or shoemaking trade, it connects to the industrial history of this region. The Northamptonshire Records Office holds a wealth of local materials.
Local History Websites
Local history websites and Facebook pages might link family history to local events.
Military Records
Explore military records to uncover any family members who served in wars or conflicts. This can link your family to national or global historical events. Look at war memorials – some churches list those who survived as well as those who fell. The London Gazette, the official record of appointments both military and civil since 1665, is an excellent resource.
Migration Patterns
Trace your family's migration patterns. Understanding why and when they moved can be linked to broader historical events, such as economic shifts, wars, or social changes.
By connecting your family history to broader historical contexts, you can create a richer narrative that reflects the times in which your ancestors lived.