How To

Begin Genealogy

1 - Find out as much as possible from living relatives
2 - Try to see birth, marriage and death certificates
3 - A birth certificate, for example, will usually show parents names
4 - Look in census data for the parents
5 - Where were the parents living, how old were they, etc?
6 - Having established age (often approximate), look in civil registration lists for their birth
7 - Note down the year, quarter ending, full names, district, volume and page numbers
8 - Alternatively, consult parish records for the birth. Note down all details
9 - With details from 7 or 8, obtain a copy of the certificate
10 - Repeat ad infinitum! Good luck and don't give up! And let us know how you're going on!

Please note that if you live in the UK, your local public library is a good place to start. They may have birth, marriage and death indexes, census records and other local information. They will also be able to tell you where to find your nearest District Records Office and Local Family History Society, both of which are very helpful.

If you live elsewhere and things are done differently, please send details so they can be put here.

If you can't get to the Records Office or library, there are some sources on the Internet but don't expect too much. Please feel free to contact me for further information or help