Articles by Findmypast

Many genealogists like to store their family tree data online, using websites like Findmypast. And there are good reasons to do it this way. If your data principally comes from a single source, it's likely to be convenient for updating if it's kept on that provider's website. Keeping your data online means that you shouldn't have to worry about backups. And with most online services, you can easily access your data from any mobile device or app, wherever you are.

In this article, Findmypast military expert Paul Nixon explains how to unpack a Royal Navy Service record, and demonstrates how this can be the key to unlocking further information about your ancestor. Most of us, when researching our family history, come across at least one ancestor who served in the army or navy. The records which detail their service can offer a wealth of information, but because of the professional, specialised nature of the collections, and the way information is

If you've got a Jones, Evans or Davies in your family tree, you'll know that rooting out Welsh ancestors is tricky, but we can help. Findmypast is home to an unrivalled collection of family records that can help you trace Welsh ancestors. Having the records to hand, however, is just part of the battle. To help you keep up with the Jones, we've put together this short guide of things to look out for when exploring your Welsh past.Welsh

The 1911 Census of England and Wales was taken on 2nd April and recorded the details of over 36.3 million men, women and children. The count included all individual households, plus institutions such as prisons, workhouses, naval vessels and merchant vessels. The census also included records for the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Royal Navy ships at sea, and overseas military establishments.The census is perhaps one of the most valuable resources available to UK family historians and can reveal a

Can't find you ancestor in the marriage records for the parish you're sure they lived in? Here are the parish registers you should try next:• The parish where the couple's child was later baptised • The mother's family parish (often listed on baptism record) • The father's family parish (often listed on baptism record) • Immediate neighbouring parishes You can find details of neighbouring parishes at with the interactive maps on Family Search. Bear in mind the parameters of these will sometimes change

Service, salt, and sweat. Danger and dedication. Here, we take a look at the fascinating history of the Royal Navy's epic - and brutal - participation in the First World War.The Royal Navy, proudly known as the Senior Service, traces its lineage to the 16th century and is deeply rooted in national identity. It protected colonies, guarded coastlines and kept trade routes open. For generations, families sent their sons to sea with pride.As we follow the Navy's history during the

Yes, back before the invention of the flushing toilet, someone had the honour of writing down "night soil man" as their occupation. I'm sure this delightful job title doesn't need much description. Basically, thanks to these men who worked through the night, via a system of buckets and carts, the products of a whole town's digestive system would be gone by morning, often taken away to be used as fertiliser. All the night soil men wanted to do was collect

Singapore, an island at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula, was a vital part of the British Empire. Often referred to as the "Gibraltar of the Far East", it was widely considered to be as impregnable as a fortress; an allusion that was quickly shattered when Japanese forces overran its ill-equipped defenders in little more than a week. After the squadron of warships defending the peninsular were destroyed by Torpedo-bombers, it was down to the army to stop the

The RAF records on Findmypast often include both the military details of an airman's service, and also vital clues to further your family tree, such as information about next of kin.Here's a look at the records that you can use to find your airman ancestor.British Royal Air Force, Airmen's Service Records 1912-1939Before the formation of the RAF in 1918, the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service were the air arms of the British Armed Forces. If

Edith Cavell was a British nurse who served during World War 1. Not only did she save the lives of both Allied and German soldiers, but she also helped many British soldiers escape to safety. With the help of Norwich Cathedral and Nick Miller of edithcavell.org.uk, Edith’s courageous story is remembered alongside tales of WW1 trenches. Early lifeEdith Louisa Cavell was born in 1865 in Swardeston, near Norwich. Her father Frederick was the local vicar. As a girl, she enjoyed drawing