Welcome

It's a question fundamental to us all. Who am I? One answer is that you are the sum of your ancestors. Look back into your family history and you'll certainly understand yourself better.

You're bound to find something surprising. Might be a branch of the family you didn't know existed, or an unexpected country of origin. You may be astounded at the living conditions your ancestors had to endure. In the process you'll learn some real history.

This website is dedicated to helping you research your family history. It explains how to trace family members in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. All the information is free.

Below is a summary of the topics covered. Why not have a browse and learn more? And if you reach a dead-end, don't despair. There are additional resources at the foot of this page to help.


Step 1. Where to start
Speak to your parents, grandparents and any other family members about your family history. What documents do they have? Gather that information first. Learn more >
Step 2. Get organised
As you get into your project you'll easily have over one hundred names and hundreds of documents. Now is a good time to get organised before going any further. Learn more >
Step 3. Types of records
Family certificates, census records & other sources. Which records & what information should you look for? Why some are records hard to find? Learn more >
Step 4. Search providers
On-line records have revolutionised family history research. Which are best & what are the tricks and tips for each? And how can you use them for free? Learn more >


Searching by location
If you're searching for family members in Scotland you'll find a comprehensive database of digital records at Scotland's People. Searching in other locations of Great Britain and Ireland can be more time consuming, especially if you don't know the tips and tricks. To get detailed guidance on searching in each location, click one of the icons below.


Further assistance
Need more help? Add a comment at the foot of any page and you'll get a speedy response, typically within a couple of days. This also helps other readers, who can view your question and the reply. You can pose a question anonymously and be notified when an answer is posted.

Click any of the icons below for alternative means of help.