Introduction to Family History

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If you wish to research your family tree there are many books that can help. 'How to research your family history' by J.Watkinson and 'Ancestral Trails' by Mark D Herber are good starting points.

We have a wide range of books, charts and research aids available in the 'Books' section on this website.

If you are beginning your research it is wise to find as much from all living relatives, perhaps recording their recollections on tape or video. To record and organise the information about your ancestors choose a family history program. Roots Magic UK Edition has a 6 million name database and includes an 1898 atlas. Computers are now an essential part of research and a great aid to publishing the results. See the 'Software' and 'Data CD' sections of this website.

See our page on BBC South's Southern Ways for examples of how research can lead to fame and fortune in your ancestors lives.

Resource CDs cover Highwaymen, Smugglers to Landed Gentry. The more essential CDs give you access to Parish Records (1565-1930) and the UK Census (1841-1901). Online indexes give access to Birth Marriage and Death registration records from 1837 to 2002. See www.bmdindex.co.uk

There are many monthly magazines which will help you find out more available from major stores such as W.H.Smiths. Family Tree magazine (ordering info HERE) gives comprehensive information about this fascinating hobby. It covers everything from historical social conditions to methods of researching. You can publish your research interests and read the 6 page dedicated computer section. Other good magazines are Practical Family History Magazine (ordering info HERE), 'Your Family Tree', 'Family History Monthly' and 'Ancestors'.

The 'British Data Archive' site publishes a wide range of unique census material from 1841 to 1901.
'The Genealogist' has online census indexes.

Other points of contact:

Family Tree Magazine subscriptions:- 61 Great Whyte, Ramsey, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE17 1HL Tel 01487 814050 Please mention S&N when ordering.

Australian Family Tree Magazine subscriptions:-The Library of Australian History, 17 Mitchell Street, North Sydney 2059 $80.82 per annum surface mail

USA - Mrs F. Rand, 1062 North Buhach Road, Merced, CA 95340 $49.17 per annum.

S&N and British Data Archive have been digitising a vast amount of records (UK Census, Parish Records, Criminal Registers, etc.) previously only available as fiche and publishing them on CD. You can find those in the 'Data CDs' section of this website. Tel 01722 716121

The Family Record Centre, Mydellton Place, Finsbury have records of Births, Marriages and deaths from 1837. These are indexed and copies of certificates can be ordered. Prior to this date you will need to research the local Parish records of baptisms, marriages and burials. These are normally held in the County archives.

The National Archives are also based at Mydellton Place, they have Census records from 1841 to 1901 and have microfiche of some wills.

In the U.K. there are several places to find further information.
The Church of Latter Day Saints have compiled indexes to baptisms and marriages on both CDROM and microfiche. The International Genealogical Index or IGI is available at various centres throughout the U.K.

The Family Record Centre, Myddelton House, Myddelton Place, Finsbury. ONS section (Biths, Marriages and Deaths from 1837) PRO (Census material and wills)

The Society of Genealogists, 14 Charterhouse Buildings, Goswell Road, London, EC1M 7BA has a large library of research material including pedigrees.

The Federation of Family History Societies can point you to a local U.K. group, The Administrator, c/o The Benson Room, Birmingham and Midland Institute, Margaret St, Birmingham, B3 3BS

LDS Centres The Church of Latter Day Saints, Centres throughout the U.K, Hyde Park FHC, 64-68 Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2PA Tel 0171 589 8561

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