If you are building your family tree on a budget, there are several key free UK genealogy websites: FreeREG, FreeBMD, and FreeCEN. These free resources provide access to millions of … How to use FreeREG, FreeBMD and FreeCEN for UK recordsRead more
Beginner genealogy
Start your genealogy journey with confidence. These beginner-friendly articles offer step-by-step advice, simple explanations, and practical resources tailored for those new to family history.
How to organise your genealogy documents
If you have been researching your family history for even a short time, you will know how quickly the documents pile up. Birth certificates, census printouts, notes from websites, and … How to organise your genealogy documentsRead more
Should I take a DNA test?
You’ve probably seen many ads for DNA tests promising to unlock your ancestry. But what exactly do they do, and do you need one to trace your family tree? Here’s … Should I take a DNA test?Read more
Top 10 free genealogy websites for UK family history
If you are just starting your family history journey, the cost of subscription websites can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are plenty of free resources that can … Top 10 free genealogy websites for UK family historyRead more
Family history interviews: questions and tips to help your storytelling and research
One of the easiest and most meaningful ways to start your family history journey is to simply have a conversation. Talking to a parent, grandparent, or older relative can uncover … Family history interviews: questions and tips to help your storytelling and researchRead more
A guide to Scottish BMD records
If you’re tracing your Scottish ancestors, one of the best places to start is with BMD records, that’s short for births, marriages, and deaths. These official records offer the key … A guide to Scottish BMD recordsRead more
The 1911 Scottish census: a closer look at your ancestors’ lives
If you’ve dipped your toes into Scottish family history, you may already know that census records are goldmines of information. But the 1911 Scottish census is a little different. It’s … The 1911 Scottish census: a closer look at your ancestors’ livesRead more
What’s in a Scottish parish record? A beginner’s guide
If you’re researching Scottish ancestors from before 1855, parish records will likely be your best (and sometimes only) source of information. But what exactly is a parish record, and what … What’s in a Scottish parish record? A beginner’s guideRead more
What is a ‘brick wall’ in genealogy and how to break through it
Every family history researcher hits a frustrating point when a record, a person, or an entire branch of the family tree seems to vanish without explanation. You’ve checked the census, … What is a ‘brick wall’ in genealogy and how to break through itRead more
Beginner’s genealogy glossary: 25 terms you should know
When you’re just getting started with family history, it can feel like you’re learning a whole new language. Census returns, BMD indexes, parish records – it’s easy to get overwhelmed. … Beginner’s genealogy glossary: 25 terms you should knowRead more