Did You Know? Findmypast Offers a Pay-Per-View Option

If you're researching your family history on a budget, here's a handy tip: Findmypast offers a pay-per-view option as well as its subscription plans. This means you only pay for the individual records you require, making it an excellent choice if you only need access to a handful of documents rather than a full monthly or annual subscription. It's a great way to keep your genealogy research affordable while still accessing valuable historical records.

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Original vs. transcribed records

Whenever possible, always work from original records rather than transcriptions or indexes, because transcribed records can contain errors such as - Misread handwriting (eg 'Ann' transcribed as 'Amy') Incorrect dates or ages Misspelled surnames Omitted notes or marginal annotations Misinterpreted occupations or places Indexing mistakes that make records difficult to find Original documents can also provide important context that a transcription often leaves out, such as -

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Parish Records: The Foundation of UK Family History Research

If you're beginning your family history journey, you'll quickly discover that parish records are among the most valuable resources available. Long before governments kept official records of births, marriages, and deaths, local churches were responsible for recording many of the most important events in people's lives. For genealogists, these records provide an invaluable window into the past.

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Who Do You Think You Are?

This week's episode of Who Do You Think You Are? featuring Ruth Madeley was one of the most interesting I've watched in a long time. I always enjoy seeing the family histories unfold, but Ruth's story was especially fascinating. As each new discovery came to light, it revealed not only more about her own family but also offered a glimpse into the lives, challenges and experiences of previous generations.

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About me

Thought I'd share a little bit about me and why I created this website. I began researching my family history over 23 years ago. It hasn’t always been easy – there have been plenty of frustrations, unanswered questions, and moments when I thought I’d reached a dead end. But when the records align and a family mystery is solved, the feeling of accomplishment is immense.

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Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates – When Do You Really Need One?

Birth, marriage and death (BMD) certificates are among the most important documents in family history research. They provide official evidence of key life events and can help confirm relationships,…

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