Genealogy Chat

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I've started using the Search other trees bit, and getting hits on known relatives, and have tracked down several distant relations with huge family trees! I've even been able to offer small bits of information back to them.

Lets see if we can give you a start,who were your grandparents and when and where they born

Ann

My suggestion to any person starting to research their family history is
[1] Talk to all living relations - get as much info as possible - verbally or otherwise - maybe they hold birth, marriage, or death certificates of ancestors - ask if you can take a photocopy.
[2] working backwards - starting with yourself - you should be able to obtain your birth certificate - this will normally show your father, and mothers maiden name.
[3] Locate your parents marriage, and get a certificate - this will show their respective fathers.
[4] Now you have info to start a search for your granparents - possibly using the 1901, or earlier census.
[4] ALWAYS work from the 'known facts' backwards - back facts up with certificates - don't try to 'jump' from one fact to another without 'proof'

[5] Enjoy yourself!

Good luck!

A few tips threads called for. Do read them, I shall nudge them up to the top of the page for you.

Hi

Just like to add that i started mine 18 mths ago and i still call myself a newbie.
The people on here are great though they really go out of there way to help and there so quick with results its amazing.

As sylvia said it can become very addictive , many a time ive sat here until 2 in morning without realising.

Well good luck and dont forget to ask for hep

joy

Kathie

1. start with your living family, ask them when they were born. Who were theri parents, when were they married, when were they born, who were their parents. Get back as far as you can.

2. The last census available online so far is the 1901. The 1911 should be released in early 2012.

3. Check births, marriages and deaths (bmd) on www.freebmd.org.uk. That is a work in progress as volunteers add the information onto the web. Registration of bmds started on July 1 1837, and the information is more or less complete on freebmd from 1837 to about 1925. Records were computerised immediately beginning in 1983. For records between 1925 and 1983 you will have to join www.ancestry.co.uk, and examine the Complete Index to Births Marriages and Deaths. Ancestry also carries the bmds from 1983 to 2006.

You are not able to see the details on any bmd certificate on line ......... the only way to get information is by buying the actual certificate for £7 from www.gro.gov.uk. You get the information needed for ordering (names, volume and page numbers, place of registration) from either freebmd or ancestry, then order from GRO (General Registry Office) or the local Register Office if they sell certificates (some, ??many, no longer do so).


Most of all ......... remember this is not an immediate result hobby, it is not like what you see on the tellie. It takes months and years to sift trhough all the information, find records. It becomes obsessive sometimes, and it can be expensive. BUT you will not get your family tree in one week!!



Many people on here offer help to newbies, and to get over brick walls. Please remember to provide all the information that you do have when asking a question about finding an ancestor.


One tip ..... do not pay extra for credits to view records on this site. It is the most expensive way to research. The same documents are available elsewhere, sometimes for free, or you can ask one of us to use our subscriptions to other sites to help you.



sylvia

I've recently started to research my family tree, but am really struggling. I know lots of names, but the dates are somewhat cloudy and it makes it nearly impossible to match records up with family members. Am I missing something? Is there a way to view details of births on line so that I can see who the parents were etc? I just feel like I'm going round in circles and getting absolutely nowhere. I've exhausted family knowledge, but unfortunately, this only gets me back as far as my grandparents and then without firm dates... Any suggestions gratefully received.
Thanks