Guides by Daisy Goddard

If you’ve been building your family tree using census records, you might have noticed a glaring gap. After the detailed 1921 Census of England and Wales, the next available enumeration jumps forward to 1951 – this is because the 1931 Census was destroyed in a fire.

Tracing adopted ancestors or those who spent time in orphanages can be one of the most challenging aspects of family history research. But with the right approach, it's possible to bring these hidden histories to light.

With genealogy records and handy online tools, it's never been easier to find out where someone was born. Whether you're researching a grandparent or a distant ancestor, here's how to uncover the location clues you need to understand your roots.

The First World War claimed the lives of over 700,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers. Was your ancestor one of them? Here’s how to find out.

A brick wall is one of the most common - and most frustrating - experiences in family history research. As you start your genealogy journey, understand what they are and how to avoid them.

Divorce records can add surprising depth to your family history research. They not only confirm when and where a marriage ended, but can also reveal fascinating details about the lives of those involved, from occupations and addresses to the names of children and the reasons for separation.

The electoral roll or register is one of the most valuable tools for tracing people in the 20th and 21st centuries. Compiled annually, it records the names and addresses of eligible voters in the UK and can help you pinpoint exactly where someone lived at a specific moment in time.

Whether they sought refuge, opportunity, or simply a new start, millions of people left the UK and Ireland to build lives across the Atlantic in the 18th and 19th centuries. Uncover their incredible journeys with online passenger lists, naturalisation records and more.

Whether he fought in the trenches of the First World War or volunteered on the Home Front during the Blitz, here’s how to trace your grandfather’s story of bravery using military records and preserve his legacy for future generations.

Whether you’re answering a family mystery or trying to understand the timeline of your ancestors’ lives, discovering a marriage date can bring the past into sharper focus.