When we picture the Industrial Revolution, we tend to imagine scorching blast furnaces, foundries worked by men, and the famous bridge stretching across Ironbridge Gorge. And yet, across places like Coalport, Broseley, and Jackfield, women spent long days in factories, workshops and family businesses. They painted delicate china by hand, packed goods for transport, made pipes, raised families and helped keep household finances afloat. Their work shaped the communities around them, yet many have largely disappeared from popular histories of…
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…
Alexander Armstrong is a comedian and actor, perhaps best known as the host of the BBC quiz show Pointless alongside Richard Osman. He's half of the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller (alongside long-time friend Ben Miller), and also presents a morning show on Classic FM. This multi-talented personality boasts a long and diverse career which includes radio, appearing regularly on Have I Got News For You, and voice acting credits on Danger Mouse, Sarah Jane Adventures and more.He married…
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…
Taylor Swift is one of the world’s best-selling musicians. Her songs, personality and private life influence popular culture and news, particularly with her romance with Travis Kelce of the 2024 Super Bowl-winning team Kansas City Chiefs. But are there any stories from the Swift family tree that might allude to some of the recurring themes in her music, such as love and heartbreak, but also family, change and female independence? Taylor’s ancestry is alive with fascinating characters.Whether or not you're…
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…
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…
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
In the modern age of Google and Wikipedia, taking a book out of the library to find the answer to your burning questions may seem like a thing of the past. However, whilst online genealogical resources are great, sometimes a good family history book is all you need. From establishing a clear timeline and a pedigree chart to tracing female ancestors with changing surnames, all manner of tricky challenges face genealogists and family historians when they begin building the branches…
Perhaps it’s a sibling enthralled by tales of battlefield strategy, or a friend already immersed in the labyrinthine alleys of family history. Whatever the case, this Christmas, you can give more than a gift: you can give a key to the past.With Findmypast’s treasure trove of records, your gift can spark journeys that thread through generations. Who knows what secrets, surprises, or long-lost relatives are waiting to be discovered?To help you in your hunt for the perfect Christmas…