A rags-to-riches rise, a knighthood and a missing daughter: My ancestor’s astonishing life
In his family history research, Graham Ashdown unearthed a connection to Curtis Ashdown, a shipping magnate who was knighted by George V
What is the best UK family history software?
We consider the advantages of using family history software to start your family tree, and the pros and cons of RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker, Family Historian, Heredis, Legacy 10 and MacFamily Tree 10
RootsTech: What is it, and when is it taking place in 2026?
Everything you need to know about RootsTech, the world’s largest online and in person family history conference
First consumer DNA test to provide low-cost whole genome sequencing goes on sale
All MyHeritage DNA tests will now offer whole genome sequencing
Get 50% off AncestryDNA tests with this week's special offers roundup
Don't miss the best special offers of the year on DNA tests
Irish Chancery bill books: How to use them in family history
Discover how you can use the surviving records of Ireland's Court of Chancery in family history
What is a lunatic asylum?
We look at the history of lunatic asylums, and how to trace records of your ancestors who were held in them
Tribunal upholds ‘catastrophic’ Ancestry request to access Scottish family history records
The General Regulatory Chamber has upheld efforts by Ancestry to access National Records of Scotland family history records
The birth of Britain's railways 200 years on
To mark the 200th anniversary of Britain's railways, we look at the experiences of our ancestors who worked and travelled on the railway
Getting started
How to start a family tree
Who Do You Think You Are? family history expert Laura Berry shares her tips on how to start a family tree
How to find birth, marriage and death records
We explain how to easily find birth, marriage and death records in the UK for family history research
What UK census records are available?
UK census records are a crucial family history resource, but when was the census taken and where can you find census records including free census websites?
Trending articles
What is a lunatic asylum?
We look at the history of lunatic asylums, and how to trace records of your ancestors who were held in them
Find old photos of your house online
Jonathan Scott shares some of the best websites for finding old photographs of your house or street including aerial photographs
What are tithe maps?
Tithe maps are an invaluable family history resource if your ancestors owned land – here’s how to find the old maps online
18th century history: What was life like in Britain in the 18th century?
Trace your family in 18th century England and discover what their lives were like with these history websites
Irish Chancery bill books: How to use them in family history
Discover how you can use the surviving records of Ireland's Court of Chancery in family history
Gypsy surnames: How to tell if you have Gypsy ancestry
What are the most common Gypsy surnames and first names, and how can you tell if you have Gypsy ancestry? Find out with our guide
What is the best UK family history software?
We consider the advantages of using family history software to start your family tree, and the pros and cons of RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker, Family Historian, Heredis, Legacy 10 and MacFamily Tree 10
How to find Boer War service records
Jonathan Scott picks the best websites for finding Boer War service records in your family history research
Tribunal upholds ‘catastrophic’ Ancestry request to access Scottish family history records
The General Regulatory Chamber has upheld efforts by Ancestry to access National Records of Scotland family history records