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Articles by Niall Cullen

Explore articles written by Niall Cullen

Findmypast Fridays logo showcasing the Jackie magazine archive

Explore new monumental records and a magazine that defined a generation

9 October 2025

We've released three new record collections this week. Two cover monumental inscriptions for Germany and Czechia, and the third will help you delve deeper into the 1921 Census. Plus, peruse every edition of Jackie, the go-to magazine for teenage girls for three decades.Czechia, Commonwealth War Graves and Monumental InscriptionsExplore this collection to learn more about your military ancestors buried in the Czech Republic. Did your ancestor serve bravely as a trooper in the Royal Armoured Corps or as a

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TV Times archive

The TV Times archive is now online

15 September 2025

Discover the stars and stories of telly's golden era and relive your favourite childhood memories with iconic television listings magazine TV Times, the latest addition to our ever-expanding newspaper archive. The most comprehensive digital archive of TV Times from 1955 to 1980 is now fully searchable online on Findmypast and our sister site, the British Newspaper Archive. We'll add issues from 1981 to 2009 in due course, extending this unique insight into British history and culture into the 21st century. TV Times joins Findmypast

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First Aid Post volunteers at wartime

The crucial role of first aid posts in World War 2 Britain

28 March 2025

First aiders became the backbone of civilian defence during World War 2 in Britain, providing immediate medical care and comfort to those in need. Their contribution was not just a matter of duty but an embodiment of resilience and compassion during a crisis.How did these everyday heroes transform into the lifeline of their communities during one of Britain's darkest hours?The role of British first aid posts in the Second World WarAs bombs rained down on cities, first aid

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World War 2 Special Constables

Understanding the vital role of the Special Constabulary in World War 2

24 March 2025

Background warriors on the home front. Thousands of men and women volunteered to keep Britain's home fires burning as part of the Special Constabulary during World War 2. With their distinctive uniforms and steadfast dedication, they became the backbone of civilian safety during wartime. But what exactly did special constables do, and why have their stories been overshadowed by the more celebrated tales of bravery?As bombs rained down on cities and towns, Britain faced unprecedented challenges in maintaining law and

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ARP warden helping the wounded in World War 2

From blackouts to gas masks: Air Raid Precautions during the Second World War

14 March 2025

Intense fear and uncertainty at every turn. The threat of aerial bombardment looming large. Entire cities steeped in darkness and gas masks fast becoming the must-have accessory. The dangers of wartime Britain prompted a series of measures known as Air Raid Precautions. These efforts transformed everyday life, testing the nation's collective resilience and ingenuity like never before. But what exactly were Air Raid Precautions in Britain during the Second World War? The start of Second World War Air Raid Precautions

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who do you think you are uk 2021

Who Do You Think You Are? series 20: here's what you missed

10 May 2023

Our favourite family history show Who Do You Think You Are? recently returned to our TV screens for its 20th series. Nine famous faces delved into their family's past - read on to learn more about what they discovered.After series 19 revealed the ancestry of Sue Perkins, Matt Lucas, Ralf Little, Richard Osman, and Anna Maxwell Martin, another batch of celebrities unearthed fascinating stories about the lives of their ancestors. Where can you watch Who Do You Think You Are?As

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who do you think you are uk 2022

Here's who appeared on series 19 of Who Do You Think You Are? UK

10 May 2022

Our favourite family history TV show, Who Do You Think You Are? UK was back on the telly during the summer of 2022 and, as usual, we couldn't have been more excited. The BAFTA-winning series that sees famous family trees unravelled kicked off its 19th run on Thursday 26 May 2022.In series 18, we were treated to a host of enthralling episodes featuring Dame Judi Dench, Ed Balls, Alex Scott and more. This time, we were glued to our screens as the

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who do you think you are uk 2021

Review: Who Do You Think You Are? UK series 18

13 September 2021

Who Do You Think You Are? UK, the BAFTA-winning genealogy show that sees celebrities meet their ancestors returned to BBC in Autumn 2021. Now in its 18th series, the seven-parter filled our evenings with some famous family history.Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed Who Do You Think You Are?Who Do You Think You Are? season 17 with just four episodes airing.Here's our episode-by-episode review of the long-awaited series 18 of Who Do You Think You Are? UK.Episode 1: Josh Widdicombe

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New crime records on Findmypast

Find mugshots and more in new crime records

17 June 2021

Sometimes shocking but always fascinating, finding a felon in your family history is one of the richest discoveries you can make. Which shady piece of your past will you unlock with this week's new records?England & Wales, Crime, Prisons & Punishment, 1770-1935Discover your criminal ancestors’ mugshots, prison registers, visitors’ details and more in the latest additions to this fascinating collection.Spanning from 1784-1939, the records and prisons featured in these latest additions are:Prison registers and minute books from Pentonville PrisonVisitor's

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Tips for overcoming family history brick walls

13 tips to try when your family tree leaves you stumped

8 February 2021

What do you do when you just can't seem to get past a family history hurdle? First off, don't worry, you're not alone. It happens to all of us. Overcoming the issue may take some clever thinking but more often than not, you'll get there.To help, we've compiled some of the most common genealogy problems and ways to solve them. With a little determination and ingenuity, your family discoveries should be back on track in no time.1. Re-examine everything

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