British Family Tree Research, Tips, Techniques and News
Author: Nick Thorne, The Nosey Genealogist
Nick Thorne is The Nosey Genealogist. He has been researching his family tree for many years and has learned many tip and tricks from the professionals in that time. By thinking of himself as "an advanced beginner" he reads avidly around the subject and enrols on courses so that he can pass on the information to you.
Discover Your Ancestors is holding The Family History Show – London at Kempton Racecourse on the 5th October 2024.
Watch presentations on various topics, put your research questions to an expert, speak to a local society, archive or genealogical supplier and chat with other genealogists.
Talks include:
Nick Barratt – The story of Greater London
Nick shows how the tiny settlements that grew up in the Thames Valley gradually developed, and how they were shaped by their proximity to the city. He describes and traces the ebb and flow of population as people moved in to find jobs or away to escape London’s noise and bustle.
Mia Bennett – Occupations: The Why, What, When, Where and How.
This talk covers a range of sources for your ancestors’ occupations, as well as considerations you should make when researching.
Donna Rutherford – GEDmatch presentation for people using Ancestor Projects.
What is GEDmatch, what reports can you run, what are the results telling you and some general DNA help.
Mark Bayley – Online Genealogy Expert – ‘Breaking Down Brick Walls’
How to resolve stumbling blocks in your family history research using new and unique search strategies to find those missing relatives.
The Family History Show – London, 2024
Early Bird Ticket Offer Two Tickets for £12! Click here for booking.
Watch out for The Family History Show – Midlands
15th March at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern
Pinpoint your ancestors’ property in 1,346 square miles of the South West of England.
TheGenealogist, a leading UK family history website, has announced a significant addition to its collection of historical records. The website has released the 1910 Lloyd George Domesday records and geolocated maps for the entire county of Wiltshire, covering an impressive 1,346 square miles and containing information on more than 175,000 individuals and organisations.
Bradford on Avon in TheGenealogist’s Lloyd George Domesday Survey
Key Highlights:
● Comprehensive Coverage: The release encompasses the whole of Wiltshire, providing researchers with access to a wealth of genealogical and historical data.
● Geolocated Maps: Advanced mapping technology allows users to pinpoint the exact locations of ancestral properties and landmarks.
● Over 175,000 Names: A treasure trove of information for family historians and researchers interested in early 20th-century Wiltshire.
● Historical Significance: The Lloyd George Domesday records offer unique insights into property ownership and land use in Edwardian England.
Mark Bayley, Head of Online Development at TheGenealogist, stated, “This release of the 1910 Lloyd George Domesday records for Wiltshire is a game-changer for those researching family, local and social history in the county. The combination of detailed records and geolocated maps provides an unprecedented level of insight into the lives of Wiltshire residents at the turn of the 20th century.”
The Lloyd George Domesday records, also known as the 1910 Valuation Office Survey records, were created to assess property values for tax purposes. They offer a snapshot of land ownership and occupation just before the outbreak of World War I, making them an invaluable resource for genealogists and historians alike.
Researchers can now:
● Locate ancestral homes and businesses with precision
● Discover details about the area their ancestors lived in, such as locating their local school, church or pub
● Gain insights into the social and economic conditions of Edwardian Wiltshire
● Cross-reference information with other historical records for a more complete family history
This release is part of TheGenealogist’s ongoing commitment to providing the most comprehensive and user-friendly resources for family history research. They plan to continue expanding their collection of Lloyd George Domesday records to cover more counties in the coming months.
To celebrate this release, for a limited time, you can claim a Diamond Subscription for just £94.95, a saving of £45. You can claim this offer here: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/MGBLGD924 *
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About TheGenealogist
TheGenealogist * is an award-winning online family history website, who put a wealth of information at the fingertips of family historians. Their approach is to bring hard to use physical records to life online with easy to use interfaces such as their Tithe and newly released Lloyd George Domesday collections.
TheGenealogist’s* innovative SmartSearch technology links records together to help you find your ancestors more easily. TheGenealogist* is one of the leading providers of online family history records. Along with the standard Birth, Marriage, Death and Census records, they also have significant collections of Parish and Nonconformist records, PCC Will Records, Irish Records, Military records, Occupations, Newspaper record collections amongst many others.
TheGenealogist* uses the latest technology to help you bring your family history to life. Use TheGenealogist* to find your ancestors today!
*Disclosure: Please note, this post contains affiliate links. This does notmean that you pay more, just that I make a percentage on the sales from my links. The payments help me pay for the cost of running the site. You may like to read this explanation here:
TheGenealogist is excited to announce the release of nearly 300,000 historic landowner records. The new additions consist of Feet of Fines, Index of Sasines, and the Scotland Record Office Index to Register of Deeds, offering a wealth of information for those delving into their ancestry.
Feet of Fines: These documents provide insights into land transactions, usually involving the transfer of property rights, and were commonly used in English legal proceedings from the 13th century onwards. The Feet of Fines contain detailed information about the parties involved in the transactions, property descriptions, and the dates of agreements, serving as a vital resource for researchers tracing their family land ownership or exploring the economic history of a region.
Index of Sasines: The release of the Index of Sasines marks a significant addition to TheGenealogist’s Scottish records. Sasines are legal documents that confirm the possession of land and property, reflecting the transfer of ownership in Scotland from the 16th century onwards. This index allows users to quickly locate and access critical details surrounding property ownership, making it an essential tool for genealogists looking to understand their ancestral ties to land in Scotland.
Scotland Record Office Index to Register of Deeds: This comprehensive index opens the door to a vast array of legal documents relating to property and inheritance in Scotland. By providing easy access to this substantial resource, TheGenealogist allows users to uncover their family histories and gain a deeper understanding of the social and legal contexts in which their ancestors lived.
These new records are now available on TheGenealogist, providing an unparalleled opportunity for researchers to deepen their exploration of family histories and connect with their pasts.
In this release are: Berwick, Index to Register of Sasines Volume I. A-H 1617-1780; London and Middlesex, A Calendar to the Feet of Fines 1179 – 1485; Yorkshire Feet of Fines 1327-1614; Huntingdon Calendar of the Feet of Fines 1194-1603; Scotland, Index to Particular Register of Sasines for Sheriffdom of Dumfries and Stewartries of Kirkcudbright and Annandale 1617 – 1732;
Scotland Record Office, Index to Register of Deeds, 1661–1679
Read the feature article ‘The Scottish Rebel Who Defied the Crown: Andrew Fletcher’s Fight for Independence’ at TheGenealogist here:
TheGenealogist * is an award-winning online family history website, who put a wealth of information at the fingertips of family historians. Their approach is to bring hard to use physical records to life online with easy to use interfaces such as their Tithe and newly released Lloyd George Domesday collections.
TheGenealogist’s* innovative SmartSearch technology links records together to help you find your ancestors more easily. TheGenealogist* is one of the leading providers of online family history records. Along with the standard Birth, Marriage, Death and Census records, they also have significant collections of Parish and Nonconformist records, PCC Will Records, Irish Records, Military records, Occupations, Newspaper record collections amongst many others.
TheGenealogist* uses the latest technology to help you bring your family history to life. Use TheGenealogist* to find your ancestors today!
*Disclosure: Please note, this post contains affiliate links. This does notmean that you pay more, just that I make a percentage on the sales from my links. The payments help me pay for the cost of running the site. You may like to read this explanation here:
To mark the 110th anniversary of the start of World War I, TheGenealogist is proud to announce the release of an extensive collection of military records featuring the global conflict. This significant release includes service records, rolls of honour, and books of remembrance from schools, places, and institutions, providing invaluable insights into the lives of those who served and sacrificed during the Great War.
The newly released records offer a look at over 25,000 individuals, giving details such as the service histories of soldiers, portraits, details of their schooling, and family connections, including poignant details of those killed or wounded in action. These records not only commemorate the bravery and dedication of those who served but also provide a rich resource for researchers and family historians.
A page from Portsmouth and the Great War
Included in this release are the following notable compilations:
Birmingham, Service Record of King Edward School 1914-1919
Whitgift Grammar School, The Book of Remembrance 1914-1919
Memorials of Rugbeians Who Fell in the Great War, Volumes II, III, V, VI
A Book of Remembrance of Old Boys and Masters of Watford Grammar School who Served in the Great War, 1914-1918
Shrewsbury School, Roll of Service, 1914-1918
Portsmouth and the Great War
Swindon’s War Record 1914-1918
The Clan MacRae Roll in the Great War – Unveiling of Memorial Supplement
7th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Officers and Men Who Fell During the Great War
London County Council Record of Service in the Great War, 1914-1918
Phoenix Assurance Company, Ltd. – War Service List, 1914-1919
Also included in the release are two publications that give more context to the conflict, with stories and illustrations of the individual battles and notable heroic deeds:
Children’s Story of the War
Deeds that Thrill the Empire
Mark Bayley, Head of Content at TheGenealogist, commented: “This release not only preserves the memories of the men and women who feature in these records, it also provides a window into the past for future generations. This adds to our extensive WW1 collections, providing a valuable resource for anyone interested in the personal histories and sacrifices of those who experienced the Great War.”
Researchers and family historians can access these records online at TheGenealogist’s website, where they can explore detailed entries, including the years individuals attended school, information on family members, and personal stories of bravery and loss.
TheGenealogist * is an award-winning online family history website, who put a wealth of information at the fingertips of family historians. Their approach is to bring hard to use physical records to life online with easy to use interfaces such as their Tithe and newly released Lloyd George Domesday collections.
TheGenealogist’s* innovative SmartSearch technology links records together to help you find your ancestors more easily. TheGenealogist* is one of the leading providers of online family history records. Along with the standard Birth, Marriage, Death and Census records, they also have significant collections of Parish and Nonconformist records, PCC Will Records, Irish Records, Military records, Occupations, Newspaper record collections amongst many others.
TheGenealogist* uses the latest technology to help you bring your family history to life. Use TheGenealogist* to find your ancestors today!
*Disclosure: Please note, this post contains affiliate links. This does notmean that you pay more, just that I make a percentage on the sales from my links. The payments help me pay for the cost of running the site. You may like to read this explanation here:
TheGenealogist is delighted to announce the release of a comprehensive collection of 1930-35 directories. This addition features 3.5 million individuals, providing genealogy enthusiasts with an unparalleled opportunity to trace their ancestors and explore family histories during the first half of this transformative decade of the 1930s.
The newly available directories offer information on individuals, businesses, and localities, making it easier than ever to uncover the lives of your ancestors.
Lyndhurst High Street can be found in Kelly’s Directory of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, 1931
Key Features and Benefits:
Rich Detail and Coverage: With over 3.5 million listings, these directories provide details about individuals’ professions, addresses, and local businesses, offering a snapshot of life in the first half of the 1930s.
Geographical Diversity: The collection covers various regions, including Sussex, Warwickshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Dorsetshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Westmorland, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and many more, extending even to the Channel Islands, Malta and New Zealand.
Enhanced Research Capabilities: Researchers can delve into trade directories and phone books to uncover ancestors’ occupations, residences, and social engagements, providing a holistic view of their lives.
Why the 1930s Matter:
The 1930s, also known as the Great Slump, was a period of economic and social upheaval. Understanding how your ancestors navigated these challenging times can provide profound insights into your family’s resilience and adaptability. These directories are a treasure trove for anyone looking to connect with their past and understand their heritage in the context of broader historical events.
Supporting Your Journey:
TheGenealogist is committed to making your research journey as smooth and rewarding as possible. Our platform offers a suite of tools and resources, including expert articles, video tutorials, and a dedicated customer support team, ensuring that users can effectively use these newly released directories.
This offer includes a lifetime discount! Your subscription will renew at with £20 off every year you stay with us.
This includes the following:-
Subscription to Discover Your Ancestors Online Magazine (Worth £24.99)
Directories included in this release are:
Kelly’s Directory of Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire, 1931
Kelly’s Directory of Bournemouth, Poole, Parkstone, Christchurch &c., 1932
Kelly’s Directory of Brighton and Hove, 1932
Kelly’s Directory of Cambridgeshire, 1933
Kelly’s Directory of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, 1932
Kelly’s Directory of Devonshire and Cornwall, 1930
Kelly’s Directory of Dorsetshire, 1931
Kelly’s Directory of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, 1931
Kelly’s Directory of Hertfordshire, 1933
Kelly’s Directory of Ipswich and Neighbourhood, 1930
Kelly’s Directory of Kent, 1930
Kelly’s Directory of Kent, 1934
Kelly’s Directory of Kilburn Willesden, 1933
Kelly’s Directory of Leicestershire & Rutland, 1932
Kelly’s Directory of Norfolk and Suffolk, 1933
Kelly’s Directory of Putney & Roehampton, 1930
Kelly’s Directory of Somersetshire, Gloucestershire & the City of Bristol, 1931
Kelly’s Directory of Suffolk, 1933
Kelly’s Directory of Sussex, Chichester, Selsey and Neighbourhood, 1934
Kelly’s Directory of the Channel Islands, 1931
Kelly’s Directory of Warwick, Leamington Spa, Stratford-On-Avon and Kenilworth, 1932
Kelly’s Directory of Warwickshire, 1932
Kelly’s Directory of Westmorland, 1934
Kelly’s Directory of Wiltshire, 1931
Malta Telephone Directory, 1933
New Zealand Post Office Directory, 1934
Nottingham, Leicester and Derby Telephone Directory, 1934
Nottingham, Lincoln, Peterborough and Districts Telephone Directory, 1933
Ward’s Directory of Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, North and South Shields, Jarrow, Wallsend, Gosforth, Newcastle-on-Tyne and Adjacent Villages, 1934
About TheGenealogist
TheGenealogist * is an award-winning online family history website, who put a wealth of information at the fingertips of family historians. Their approach is to bring hard to use physical records to life online with easy to use interfaces such as their Tithe and newly released Lloyd George Domesday collections.
TheGenealogist’s* innovative SmartSearch technology links records together to help you find your ancestors more easily. TheGenealogist* is one of the leading providers of online family history records. Along with the standard Birth, Marriage, Death and Census records, they also have significant collections of Parish and Nonconformist records, PCC Will Records, Irish Records, Military records, Occupations, Newspaper record collections amongst many others.
TheGenealogist* uses the latest technology to help you bring your family history to life. Use TheGenealogist* to find your ancestors today!
*Disclosure: Please note, this post contains affiliate links. This does notmean that you pay more, just that I make a percentage on the sales from my links. The payments help me pay for the cost of running the site. You may like to read this explanation here:
Nearly 4,000 volumes of records from the Church of Scotland, equating to around 300,000 images have been added to the ScotlandsPeople website. This record release complements the upload of kirk session minute books and accounts in 2021.
These new uploads include over 3,000 kirk session records, complementing those already accessible online, alongside records of the General Assembly, synods and presbyteries, all of which have been made available on ScotlandsPeople for the first time and are ready to be explored.
Covering almost 350 years of Scottish history, from the 1560s to 1900, digital images include minute books, accounts and cash books, communion rolls, seat rents, poor relief and education records, as well as a wide variety of other records created by church courts. All of these can be searched and viewed for free.
Find the vital details of your ancestors from the Stuart Era to the Victorian Era, recorded at the time of their deaths
TheGenealogist* has just added an intriguing new collection of obituary records from various sources dating back to the 17th century.
Former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli can be found in the newly launched records
The first of these sources is the Index Society’s Obituary Notices for 1880, 1881, and 1882. These notices include obituaries for many industry journals and periodicals, such as The Lancet and The Law Journal, as well as local and national newspapers like The Hertfordshire Mercury, The Guardian, and The Times.
Also included in this release is Musgrave’s Obituaries, with records as early as the 1400s but mainly covering 1600 to 1800. This publication is named after Sir William Musgrave who had originally assembled the slips or extracts taken from various works, such as The London Magazine and The Gentleman’s Magazine. These had been neatly written up before being pasted into books in alphabetical order. These manuscripts were then published by The Harleian Society and it is these printed versions that are now digitised on TheGenealogist.
Additionally, several Society of Friends records from the 1880s are included. These Quaker records, known as the Annual Monitor or Obituary of the Members of the Society of Friends, are for the years 1880, 1882 and 1885. Apart from many names and dates, these book records also include some expanded “memoirs” recounting anecdotes about various members and their families.
The value of these newly released obituaries to researchers lies in the information they provide. The entries give the dates not only of the individuals’ deaths but also their birth dates or ages and often other useful observations such as occupation details and other family members.
Obituaries often cite their sources, for example providing a newspaper page, edition, etc., which can be very helpful for the family historian in conducting further research into ancestors.
TheGenealogist has added over 20,000 individuals to its record collection with these newly released obituaries dating back to the 1600s.
Read TheGenealogist’s feature article: Dead but not Forgotten
For a limited time, you can claim 25% off a 6 Monthly Diamond Subscription to The Genealogist, making it just £59.95! Plus, you’ll also get a free year’s subscription to Discover Your Ancestors Online Magazine (Worth £24.99)
This offer comes with a Lifetime Discount, meaning you’ll pay the same discounted price every time your subscription renews.
This offer expires on 31st August 2024.
About TheGenealogist
TheGenealogist * is an award-winning online family history website, who put a wealth of information at the fingertips of family historians. Their approach is to bring hard to use physical records to life online with easy to use interfaces such as their Tithe and newly released Lloyd George Domesday collections.
TheGenealogist’s* innovative SmartSearch technology links records together to help you find your ancestors more easily. TheGenealogist* is one of the leading providers of online family history records. Along with the standard Birth, Marriage, Death and Census records, they also have significant collections of Parish and Nonconformist records, PCC Will Records, Irish Records, Military records, Occupations, Newspaper record collections amongst many others.
TheGenealogist* uses the latest technology to help you bring your family history to life. Use TheGenealogist* to find your ancestors today!
*Disclosure: Please note, this post contains affiliate links. This does notmean that you pay more, just that I make a percentage on the sales from my links. The payments help me pay for the cost of running the site. You may like to read this explanation here:
It is confirmed that the ever popular Who Do You Think You Are? TV series will be returning to our screens in the UK this summer!
Seven celebrities announced for the 21st UK series of Who Do You Think You Are?
The BBC have announced the line up for the 21st UK series which will be featuring a stellar line up of celebrities that includes Vicky McClure, Paddy McGuinness, Olly Murs, Melanie Chisholm (Mel C), Rose Ayling-Ellis, Gemma Collins and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill.
Press Release from The Family History Show organisers
Join us in York next week for an exciting day of ancestral discovery!
Explore a diverse array of genealogical exhibitors and family history societies from across the country when they gather in The Knavesmire Exhibition Centre, York Racecourse. You’ll also be able to catch free talks on the day and consult with family history experts all in one place.
Enjoy the convenience of ample parking and refreshments available throughout the event. This is a must-attend gathering for all family history enthusiasts.
Delve into your heritage and uncover the mysteries of your past family. Get your tickets now and take advantage of our 2 for 1 ticket offer!
Book a session with an expert and listen to a talk in the morning, then have lunch in our restaurant area before finishing the day by exploring the stands, chat with exhibitors and societies, plus catch another talk before you go.
The Family History Show York features:
Free talks held throughout the day in two large lecture areas
Book a free personal 1-2-1 session with an expert
Free goody bag on entryworth over £7.99
Free Parking and Local Train Station
All Day Refreshments
Wheelchair Friendly Venue
2 For 1 Ticket Offer
Get your tickets now and save! Get two tickets for £12(£12 each on the day) and you’ll also get a goody bag on entryworth over £7.99.
Talks you can look forward to at the York show include:
10:30 Breaking Down Brick Walls
Mark Bayley – Online Genealogy Expert
How to resolve stumbling blocks in your family history research using new and unique search strategies to find those missing relatives. Techniques he will cover will include searching for a family using just the individuals’ forenames, keyword search tools (using criteria other than a name to search on) and other advanced search techniques. The talk also covers unique data sets such as Non-Conformist records, Non-Parochial records, Fleet marriages, Will images, Parish Records, Military Records, Directories, Newspapers and more.
11:30 Researching and Writing your Family History
Nick Barratt – Historian, Author and Professional Genealogist
Using a real case study, the talk explores how to research and write your family history to publication standard.
12:30 Pinpointing Your Ancestors
Mark Bayley – Online Genealogy Expert
Unleash the power of historical records and maps to reveal the art of pinpointing your ancestors. Join us for an illuminating talk that brings your family’s past to life through geographic connections.
13:30 Chasing Million Eyres – From Yorkshire to Kamchatka
Jackie Depelle – Family History Tutor and Speaker
Little do we know what awaits when starting out on the family history trail. Very often our ancestors led ordinary lives however they all have their place in history and certainly made us who we are. Occasionally though we find something really unexpected about our families or our research touches on the lives of those who moved in very different social circles. This is exactly what happens in this case study where an accidental discovery becomes a vortex of amazing coincidences and almost a parallel family history universe.
14:30 Genealogy Hints and Tips
Keith Gregson – Professional Researcher & Social Historian
Keith shares top tips & techniques for finding elusive ancestors, illustrated by some fascinating case studies.
Talk times may be subject to change, please check the timetable at the venue on the day of the show for any changes.
To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, The Genealogist adds Enlistment Records to their Free Record Collections
In time to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day on 6th June, TheGenealogist has added United States WWII Army Enlistment Records (1938-1946) to its ever-growing Free Records Collection. In these records, we can find the names and particulars of American soldiers who joined up to serve their country and fight for freedom.
These records provide detailed information about enlistment dates, service branches, ranks, and more about US soldiers from this time.
While Operation Overlord, the code name for the Battle of Normandy, was an Allied operation consisting of British, Canadian and other Allied nations’ troops, the Americans provided the bulk of the soldiers for the Liberation of Europe on 6 June 1945, and so this new record set will have many of the young men who fought in D-Day listed.
American assault troops in a landing craft approaching Omaha Beach, Normandy, France
This new addition brings the total number of Free Records you can access on The Genealogist to over 10.9 Million. There’s a rich collection for researchers to sink their teeth into, with records dating back to 1086!
Simply register for free at The Genealogist to access:
The 1086 Domesday Records
The Image Archive – Thousands of historic photos and illustrations
US WW2 Enlistment Records
UK Rolls of Honour
Dam Busters Records
War Memorials
Tree View – A free family tree builder
You can research even further by registering for a free First Steps Subscription, giving you 3 months’ access to Births, Marriages, Deaths and the 1891 to 1911 census for England and Wales. Find out more at https://thegenealogist.co.uk/firststeps
For a limited time, you can claim a Diamond Subscription to The Genealogist for just £99.95, a saving of £40! Plus, you’ll also get a free year’s subscription to Discover Your Ancestors Online Magazine (Worth £24.99)
This offer comes with a Lifetime Discount, meaning you’ll pay the same discounted price every time your subscription renews.
This offer expires on 31st July 2024.
About TheGenealogist
TheGenealogist is an award-winning online family history website, who put a wealth of information at the fingertips of family historians. Their approach is to bring hard to use physical records to life online with easy to use interfaces such as their Tithe and newly released Lloyd George Domesday collections.
TheGenealogist’s innovative SmartSearch technology links records together to help you find your ancestors more easily. TheGenealogist is one of the leading providers of online family history records. Along with the standard Birth, Marriage, Death and Census records, they also have significant collections of Parish and Nonconformist records, PCC Will Records, Irish Records, Military records, Occupations, Newspaper record collections amongst many others.
TheGenealogist uses the latest technology to help you bring your family history to life. Use TheGenealogist to find your ancestors today!
*Disclosure: Please note, this post contains affiliate links. This does notmean that you pay more, just that I make a percentage on the sales from my links. The payments help me pay for the cost of running the site. You may like to read this explanation here:
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