You’ve hit a brick wall. You’ve found an ancestor on a census, but their life that brought them to that point is a complete mystery. You have a name, maybe … How Poor Law Records helped me understand my ancestor’s storyRead more
Research basics
I took a DNA test… now what?
Your results have arrived. There’s a colourful map, a list of matches, and a lot of percentages. It’s exciting but also a bit overwhelming. Here’s how to make sense of … I took a DNA test… now what?Read more
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
Understanding Scottish and Irish maiden names
We have all struggled to track a female ancestor or wondered why the same names appear over and over again in our family tree. Scottish and Irish naming traditions can … Understanding Scottish and Irish maiden namesRead 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
Start your family tree: a beginner’s roadmap
This beginner’s guide is your friendly roadmap to the world of genealogy. It gives you a big-picture overview of how to begin your family tree search, with helpful links to … Start your family tree: a beginner’s roadmapRead more