Welcome to our family history how-to hub
Discover everything you need to know about researching your family history with our easy-to-follow guides.
Getting started with family history
Interested in researching your ancestry or building a family tree? Understand what you need to start your family history journey.
What is family history research? arrow_forward
How to trace your ancestryarrow_forward
Which genealogy site is best for me? arrow_forward
How far can I get in my family history for free? arrow_forward
How to trace Irish genealogyarrow_forward
How to trace Scottish genealogy arrow_forward
How to research Jewish ancestors arrow_forward
How to trace American immigrant ancestors arrow_forward
What is a brick wall in genealogy? arrow_forward
How to trace Welsh family history arrow_forward
What's the difference between DNA and genealogy in family research?arrow_forward
How to find Northern Irish family history arrow_forward
How to trace Isle of Wight family history arrow_forward
How to trace Orkney family history arrow_forward
How to trace Oxfordshire family history arrow_forward
Family history records explained
What type of information do you need to do family history? Learn all about genealogy records, what they can tell you and where you can find them.
What are genealogy records? arrow_forward
What records do I need to get started with family history? arrow_forward
How to find birth recordsarrow_forward
How to find a marriage certificatearrow_forward
Are marriage records public? arrow_forward
How to find a death certificate for family history research arrow_forward
How to find adopted family members with genealogy researcharrow_forward
How to access the 1921 Census of England and Wales arrow_forward
What is the last census available for family history? arrow_forward
How to find your grandfather's British military records arrow_forward
How to find school records and old school photos arrow_forward
How to find adoption and orphanage records arrow_forward
How to find a birth certificate arrow_forward
How to search old censuses by address arrow_forward
How to find someone on the electoral roll arrow_forward
How to find UK divorce records for family history arrow_forward
How to find out when someone died using online death records arrow_forward
Why was the 1931 Census for England and Wales destroyed? arrow_forward
How to make the most of a census record arrow_forward
How to find Prisoner of War records arrow_forward
How to search passenger lists arrow_forward
Where to access old newspapers online arrow_forward
How accurate are family history records? arrow_forward
How to find old hospital records arrow_forward
How to read old handwriting arrow_forward
What are workhouse and Poor Law records? arrow_forward
Can you search birth records by father’s name? arrow_forward
How to access international birth, marriage and death records arrow_forward
How to find your grandparents' marriage certificate arrow_forward
How to find a member of your family in genealogical records arrow_forward
How to find Boer War records arrow_forward
How to trace UK to Canada migration using emigration records arrow_forward
How to find British Royal Navy records arrow_forward
How to find conscientious objector records arrow_forward
How to find British Army India records arrow_forward
How to search Royal Air Force (RAF) service records arrow_forward
How to find Chelsea pensioner records arrow_forward
How to find Devon and Dorset Regiment records arrow_forward
How to find East Surrey Regiment service records arrow_forward
How to find Gloucestershire Regiment service records arrow_forward
How to find Royal Artillery records arrow_forward
How to search Home Guard Second World War records arrow_forward
Where to find German military records arrow_forward
How to find Merchant Navy seaman records arrow_forward
How to find Parachute Regiment service records arrow_forward
How to find Women's Royal Army Corps records arrow_forward
Where to find Japanese prisoner of war lists online arrow_forward
How to find Royal Corps of Signals records arrow_forward
How to find Second World War Home Guard records arrow_forward
How to search Border Regiment records arrow_forward
How to find Royal Army Medical Corps service records arrow_forward
How to find your ancestor's military records with an army number search arrow_forward
How to find Black Watch Regiment records arrow_forward
How to find international marriage recordsarrow_forward
How to find international birth records arrow_forward
How to find international death records arrow_forward
How to create your family tree
Start building your family tree from the ground up. Learn how to trace your family back through the generations and create your very own family tree.
How to present your research and share it with others
Want to share or display your family history? Find out how to present and preserve your family history research for yourself or for others.
Understanding your ancestors' lives
Learn how to trace your ancestors’ life stories. Find out how to use family history records, newspapers and other sources to follow the ups and downs of their lives.