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From trailblazing women's history to unexpected ancestry discoveries, understand the past, one family story at a time.
It’s vital we remember moments that shaped our nation’s history. The Second World War affected every family, every street.Eight decades later, how are we remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who made it home, and those who lived through a country under the shadow of warfare?Here at Findmypast, we’re striving to ensure every story is remembered. But we all may have some work to do, as worrying stats show that VE Day might be falling out…
In September 1939, Britain braced itself for war.Civilians faced blackouts, rationing, and loss, but a strong spirit of resilience began to emerge. While men went to war, women stepped into vital roles, united in a national fight for freedom and survival.Ethel Patricia Owtram was just a teenager when she stepped into one of the Second World War’s most secretive roles. From 1942, she served as a special duties linguist in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENS), intercepting German radio transmissions,…
Ghosts moving through the French streets and countryside. Coded messages carried with care. Brave souls aiming, with every careful move, to turn the tide of war. Deeds that largely went unnoticed as war raged on.By day, these women were ghosts in plain sight, hands steady as they passed coded messages in bustling cafés, eyes unreadable beneath the brims of their hats. By night, they became shadows slipping through war-torn streets, the moonlight glinting off wire cutters and radio dials.…
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…
In 1940, Britain was living under the long shadow of the Second World War. Rationing was the norm, everyone carried an identity card, and loved ones marched off to fight.It’s no wonder the Dunkleys of Ramsgate, an ordinary family, longed for a peaceful break. But where would William, Olive, and their son go for a spot of R & R? Young Leonard, aged 19, chose Guernsey – the family already had fond memories of the Channel Islands from a previous visit.Little did…
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,…
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 War: As bombs rained down on cities, first aid…
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…
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 here in the UK. Previous episodes have seen everyone from Dame Judi Dench to Danny Dyer discover the stories of their ancestors. When and where can I watch the new episodes of Who Do You Think You Are?: The new series will begin on Tuesday 22 April at 9pm on BBC One, and…