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 online?
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

Yorkshire surnames: How to tell if your surname comes from Yorkshire
If you have one of these unusual surnames in your family tree, it's a sign that your family came from God's own country
Toby Jones discovers the truth behind 'romantic' family story on Who Do You Think You Are?
Actor Toby Jones discovered a theatrical ancestor and family connections to India on Who Do You Think You Are?

Irish census records and census substitutes: Where to find them
Although many have been destroyed, Irish census records and their substitutes are still essential tools for anyone researching their Irish roots

How to find the father of an illegitimate child
Do you have an illegitimate child in your family tree? Find out how you can use family history techniques to find their father

Where does my surname come from?
Ever wondered where your surname comes from? Discover the origins of some common British surnames - and the best websites for researching surnames

How to view Ancestry records for free
We explain how you can use family history website Ancestry, and view some of their most popular records, for free

100 cool British last names: From Anguish to Wildblood
Look no further for 100 cool British last names and their sometimes surprising origins from Alefounder and Sexey to Twelvetrees and Wildblood
From a hidden Harry Potter role to a Notting Hill cut scene, five things you didn't know about acclaimed actor Toby Jones
Five things you didn't know about Mr Bates vs The Post Office actor Toby Jones ahead of his appearance on Who Do You Think You Are?

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