When we explore the history books of the First and Second World Wars, we read about the great battles, the brave soldiers, and the pivotal moments. It's the same at school. But behind the scenes, keeping the home fires burning, were skilled, dedicated women who stepped up to fill men's traditional shoes.Here, we delve into the work – both paid and voluntary – undertaken by the British women of the Second World War. Joining the war effort on the home front:…
During the darkest days of the Second World War, as sirens wailed and the drone of enemy bombers filled the night sky, brave volunteers stood on the frontline of civil defence. Armed not with rifles, but with whistles, helmets, and torches, Britain’s air raid wardens were charged with protecting their fellow citizens from relentless bombing attacks. Acting decisively, they enforced blackout regulations, performed first aid and guided people to safety during air raids. By 1941, over 1.4 million men and women had…
Amidst the deafening roar of bombs, the wail of air raid sirens rang out through the night. Fires erupted across Britain's cities, turning well-trodden streets into dangerous infernos. While soldiers fought on distant battlefields, another group of heroes waged a war of their very own - a mission to protect civilians from German attacks on the home front. These unsung heroes belonged to the Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS). Battling smoke and exhaustion, they put out fires in streets that had been…
For eight months, relentless German bomb raids brought terror to cities and towns across Britain. Entire neighbourhoods were reduced to rubble. Fires raged, painting the sky an ominous orange. By dawn, the survivors emerged from their shelters to scenes of unimaginable devastation – streets flattened, homes destroyed, and lives forever changed. Amidst the chaos, ordinary people displayed extraordinary resilience. Families banded together, neighbours shared food, and communities rebuilt in whatever ways they could. This was life during the Blitz: a time…
Did you know that two-thirds of Britons haven’t researched an ancestor who served in the World Wars? We did the maths, and this means that a staggering 1.18 million wartime stories stand to be lost to future generations. Family history provides a way to discover and preserve the experiences of our ancestors who lived through World War 1 and World War 2. Commemorating our ancestors’ bravery shouldn’t be confined to Remembrance Day. Here at Findmypast, we’re on a mission to ensure that no…
Before becoming the Labour Party leader in 2020, Keir Starmer had a long legal career. Keir often refers to his parents during political speeches - particularly his father, Rod, a tool-maker. But what else is known about the Labour Leader's heritage? This isn't all we've uncovered about the genealogy of Britain's most prominent politicians - to learn even more surprising discoveries, why not delve into Boris Johnson's family tree? We've also researched Rishi Sunak, Theresa May and Liz Truss, so there is so…
Family history fans will be delighted to hear that everyone's favourite genealogy show, Who Do You Think You Are?, will return to screens for a new series in 2025. Previous episodes have seen everyone from Dame Judi Dench to Danny Dyer discover the stories of their ancestors. The celebrity line-up for 2025 includes:BAFTA-winning Spiderman actor Andrew GarfieldWriter and comedian Diane MorganSoap star and documentary maker Ross KempAward-winning actor and writer Aisling BeaPop icon Will YoungTV personality…
We’re all familiar with Kate Middleton and Prince William’s love story – but how much do you know about Kate’s background? Although she doesn’t have royal blood, her family has some surprising connections to the British aristocracy.Explore even more of our royal history discoveries via the History Hub. From King Charles II’s family tree to the Royals in the 1921 Census, there is so much fascinating history to explore. Kate Middleton before she was the Princess of Wales: Catherine Elizabeth Middleton…
Mary Berry was born Mary Rosa Alleyne Berry on 24 March 1935. Although she legally took her husband’s surname (Hunnings), she continues to use her maiden name for her public persona. Berry was born in Bath, to mother Margaret ‘Marjorie’ Wilson (1905-2011) and father Alleyne William Stewart Berry (1904-1989). She grew up with one sibling, an older brother named Roger who died in 2015.After graduating the Bath College of Domestic Science, Mary Berry moved onto the prestigious French school Le Cordon Bleu, where she
Although Camilla has occupied a spot in the limelight for over three decades, big changes within the British monarchy have once again brought her centre-stage. With the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022, her son Prince Charles acceded to the throne. The former Prince of Wales became King Charles III of the United Kingdom. This makes Camilla Queen Consort- a symbolic role designated to the wife of a reigning king. Findmypast’s team of experts has conducted research into Queen…