Genealogy: Living In the Past
Genealogy is the study of families, family history and the tracing of their lineages.
Few of us know much more about our family origins than a generation or two before our grandparents. But family history is a subject that fascinates all ages, and there has been a massive growth in interest, particularly with so many online resources.
Where to start
Start your research by asking your family – parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles – for as much detail as possible. You want last names, maiden names, dates of birth, birthplaces, where your ancestors lived, how many children they had and what they did for a living. Ask older relatives for relevant documents, such as birth and marriage certificates and ask to photograph copies.
Old family photos are not only of general interest but often have helpful information written on the back.
You can soon find yourself overwhelmed with information. The website findmypast.co.uk offers a free downloadable template to draft out your family tree.
The National Archives
The National Archives (nationalarchives.gov.uk) in Kew has a wealth of information…
Census Records: It holds a comprehensive collection of census records which are conducted every 10 years and provide details such as names, ages, occupations, and addresses of individuals.
Military Records: If your ancestors served in the military, the National Archives houses military records that can provide information about their service, including enlistment dates, regiments, and any medals or honours they may have received.
Wills and Probate Records: Wills and probate records are useful for tracing family relationships and understanding the distribution of assets within a family. The National Archives has a collection of wills dating back to the 14th century.
Immigration Records: For those with ancestors who immigrated to or from the UK, the National Archives has immigration records that can shed light on the details of their journeys, including passenger lists and arrival dates.
Court and Criminal Records: If your ancestors were involved in legal proceedings, court and criminal records can provide insights into their lives and any legal issues they may have faced.
Parish Registers: The National Archives holds a variety of parish registers, including baptism, marriage, and burial records. These registers can help trace the vital events in your ancestors’ lives.
Maps and Gazetteers: The National Archives has an extensive collection of maps and gazetteers that can help you understand the geographical context of your ancestors’ lives.
Government Documents: Various government documents, including records related to taxation, education, and employment, can provide additional context about the lives of your ancestors.
Getting some tips
The BBC series Who Do You Think You Are? has some back episodes on iPlayer. It’s worth watching a few of these to understand how the professionals do their research. If you or any family member were adopted, the TV series Long Lost Family will also be interesting. A magazine called Family Tree will also help you with your research journey.
Using online resources
You can order birth, adoption, marriage, civil partnership and death certificates from the General Register Office (England & Wales), and they have all the records registered from July 1837. The more information you have to enter, the more accurate the results will be. Most offer a free trial, with a subscription if you decide to continue, although freeukgenealogy.org.uk says its service does not charge, but does invite donations.
AncestryDNA® combines advanced DNA science with the world’s largest online family history resource to predict your genetic ethnicity and help you find new family connections.
Be aware If a relative seems reluctant to share any information, there could be a ‘skeleton in the cupboard’ they’d rather you didn’t uncover. And remember, as has happened many times in the past, there’s always the chance you’ll find something you’ll wish you hadn’t learnt.
Find more family articles here.
More at: National Archives.