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From trailblazing women's history to unexpected ancestry discoveries, understand the past, one family story at a time.
As the Beach Boys sing in their much-loved festive tune Little Saint Nick, 'Christmas comes this time each year'. But have you ever stopped to question the origins of our festive season? Why was 25 December chosen for Christmas Day, and not November or January, for example? The answer has to do with the birth date of Jesus Christ. His birthday has been the source of ongoing debate, starting in the Roman Empire and continuing into the 21st century. The date 25…
The Christmas music we enjoy today has a festive and cheery character. The airwaves are taken over by jolly tunes each December, from classics like Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to modern favourites like Wham's Last Christmas. Christmas carols are still very popular, too, with Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night and O Holy Night at the top of many people's lists.But not every Christmas song was written with such jovial intentions. Read on to learn…
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…
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:…
Have you ever wondered what your surname says about you and your family history? Tracing the history of the surnames in your family tree is one of the most popular ways of researching your ancestors. Surnames can take you back centuries. They can evolve, shaped by culture, work, language, migration, and more. A comprehensive study by Findmypast has uncovered the evolving landscape of English surnames dating back to the time of Henry VIII, shedding light on forgotten lineages, regional dialects,…
In 1914, Britain was the only European power without a conscripted army. Manpower could sway the outcome of the war, so there was no issue more pressing than that of military recruitment. This is where Pals battalions came into play, changing the course of the war and the communities they left behind. What were Pals battalions?: The idea came from General Sir Henry Rawlinson, who believed that men would be more likely to enlist if they could serve alongside their friends.…
We're diving into all-things Suffolk this week, with 575,174 new parish burial, marriage and burial records spanning over 100 years. From Lowestoft to Lavenham, these additions can help you to trace the milestones of your ancestors' lives in vivid detail. Discover where they were baptised, who they married, and even what is inscribed on their grave. We also added five new titles to our newspaper archive this week. Suffolk Baptisms: This week's biggest update consists of 354,307 new Suffolk baptism records from the…
This week, we're delighted to announce that we've added over 1.3 million records from the island of Guernsey. From parish baptisms to civil deaths, censuses and land records, these additions offer a vivid insight into the lives of Guernsey's people from the 16th century to the present day. We've also bolstered our newspaper archive with three new Channel Island titles. There are so many fascinating stories to uncover. Guernsey Parish records: Key to unlocking the Guernsey branches of your family tree,…
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…