At the start of the nineteenth century, Britain and France were locked in a deadly contest for control of Europe. Napoleon Bonaparte’s armies dominated the continent, but Britain’s command of the seas was the one thing standing between him and total power. Historical background: tensions mounting: At the start of the nineteenth century, Britain and France were locked in a deadly contest for control of Europe. Napoleon Bonaparte’s armies dominated the continent, but Britain’s command of the seas was the…

Imagine the thundering beat of an excited heart as your great-grandfather signed his enlistment papers, after waiting in line for hours with his friends. That thunder would soon become gunfire in the trenches.By examining his experiences, we can paint a richer picture of what life was like for the average First World War soldier, affectionately known as 'Tommy'.Many of us have a First World War ancestor in our family tree. Stories may have been passed down in your…

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 Inscriptions: Explore 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…

Billed as a Succession-esque historical drama, Netflix’s House of Guinness dives into the saga behind one of Ireland’s most famous dynasties – the Guinness family, who founded the Guinness Brewery way back in the mid-1700s.Like a pint settled just right, the Guinness story balances bitterness and sweetness, heritage and change. But how much of this dramatic eight-episode series is grounded in fact? Were the Guinness siblings really as divided as the series suggests?Let’s delve into the records and…

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…

John Cruickshank’s story is one of bravery, determination and sacrifice. A Second World War pilot, he helped to defend British vessels in the Norwegian Sea at significant cost to himself. Then, he flew while seriously injured to help his remaining crew make it safely home.With his passing, a living link to one of history’s most defining chapters is gone. But we can still keep his story alive. What is the Victoria Cross?: The Victoria Cross is no ordinary medal.…

Family history isn’t just names and dates. It’s real people, real lives, and often, unexpected truths.If you’ve ever thought about starting your family tree, or you’re thinking about returning to it, a little inspiration might be all you need.Sometimes all it takes is one record, one photograph, or even one conversation to completely transform your understanding of your family and the lives of those who came before you. “My ancestor was a survivor”: One quiet evening, Amanda was…

There’s something quite special about a multi-generational photograph. You may have one in your own family, perhaps when your first child was born, and you’re pictured with your parent and grandparent. It’s a landmark moment for your family, the meeting of the past, present, and future in a single second, preserved for generations to come.If you can get three or even four generations together for that photo, that’s quite a feat. Five? Even better. But how many family trees…

Outrageous is a story of betrayal, scandal and sisterly bonds set in the 1930s, as war looms on the horizon and family bonds are tested. It was released on U&Drama and Britbox on 18 June 2025 and boasts an all-star cast. Who is in the cast of Outrageous?: It stars Bridgerton’sBridgerton’s Bessie Carter (daughter of Jim Carter, of Downton AbbeyDownton Abbey fame, and Imelda Staunton from The CrownThe Crown) as Nancy Mitford, the eldest of the Mitford siblings.Also…

We analysed over 150 years’ worth of census records to uncover the astonishing lack of detail attributed to the lives of millions of women throughout history.Representing 60% of the working-age female population, many women were overlooked in census records due to a ‘broad brush’ approach. These official records often reported women’s identities based on their marital status or household duties. As a result, many broader activities and achievements were left unrecognised. One surprising example uncovered by researchers is political activist and…