Introduction
Tracing your family history can be a fascinating journey into the lives of the people who came before you. In the United Kingdom, a wide range of historical records survive that allow researchers to reconstruct family connections across many generations.
Whether you are just beginning or have already gathered some information, the key to successful genealogy research is to work methodically from the present back into the past.
Start With What You Know
The first step in tracing a family tree is to collect information from your own family.
Speak to older relatives and ask about:
- full names
- dates of birth, marriage and death
- places where relatives lived
- occupations and family stories
Old family documents such as photographs, certificates, letters and family Bibles can also provide valuable clues.
Use Civil Registration Records
In England and Wales, civil registration of births, marriages and deaths began in 1837. These records form the backbone of most family history research.
Birth certificates reveal:
- parents’ names
- father’s occupation
- place of birth
Marriage certificates show:
- fathers of the bride and groom
- occupations
- residence at the time of marriage.
Search the Census Records
From 1841 onwards, the national census was taken every ten years. Census returns provide a snapshot of households and reveal relationships between family members.
They can show:
- family members living together
- ages and occupations
- birthplaces
- addresses
By following a family through successive census records it is often possible to trace their movements and changing circumstances over time.
Explore Parish Registers
Before civil registration began, parish churches recorded baptisms, marriages and burials. Many registers date back to the sixteenth century.
These records are essential for researching families before 1837 and can sometimes take a family line back several centuries.
Consider Professional Research
Family history research can sometimes reach a point where specialist knowledge is needed. Professional genealogists have experience in interpreting historical records and can often locate sources that are difficult to find.
A professional researcher can:
- investigate specific ancestors
- solve family mysteries
- produce documented family histories
Tracing your family tree can reveal remarkable stories about ordinary lives in the past and provide a deeper understanding of your family’s place in history.