Our Favourite Websites
Click on a category below to expand.
Bare Necessities
Ancestry
http://www.ancestry.co.ukPay-per-view site – first to launch the national censuses (1841–1901) and many other digitised record sets.
Find My Past
http://www.findmypast.comFormerly 1837online.com, this site has fully searchable BMD indexes (1837–2006) among other collections.
GenesReunited
http://www.genesreunited.comClassic family tree linking website with 500 million names.
Family Relatives
http://www.familyrelatives.comThis new and improved site is one of the first to combine social networking and millions of records
Origins
http://www.origins.netComprehensive and exclusive British and Irish record collections from 1200s to now.
The Genealogist
http://www.thegenealogist.co.ukVarious useful online databases and transcripts, including censuses.
Family Search
http://www.familysearch.comThe LDS Church run site for free access to records, including the 1881 census and the International Genealogical Index
Scotlands People
http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.ukThe official government source for Scottish genealogical information
Family History Online
http://www.familyhistoryonline.netAccess the online resources from various family history societies, including the National Burial Index
Access to Archives
http://www.a2a.org.ukSearchable indexes to the holdings of over 350 local and national record offices and museums.
Bedfordshire FHS
http://www.bfhs.org.ukA FHS site with lists of indexes of local resource centres, contacts and links to maps of the country as well as other valuable information
Berkshire FHS
http://www.berksfhs.org.ukIncludes all relevant information of resource centres, research services as well as an index of over 30,000 birth briefs
Berwick-Upon-Tweed Record Office
http://www.discovertheborders.co.uk/places/150.htmlThis website basically provides contact details as well as the location for the Berwick-Upon-Tweed Record Office and a resource centre for Family History Research in North Northumberland and the nearby areas
Birmingham & Midland Society for Genealogy and Heraldy
http://www.bmsgh.orgThis site aims to inform new and existing members along with providing them with useful links to other resources
British Genealogy
http://www.british-genealogy.com/An extremely active group of forums with over 17,000 members who will be able to answer your most outlandish query.
Encyclopedia of Genealogy
http://www.eogen.comA project started by Dick Eastman to provide a encyclopaedic reference for genealogy, where registered users post articles, screened for quality. There are already over 1,000 articles, which can be accessed free of charge.
Roots Web
http://www.rootsweb.comOne of the most popular and widely used genealogy websites. it provides a community, forums and mailing lists. it has good search facilities and is completely free.
Archives
The National Archives (TNA)
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.ukTNA’s homepage – get the latest updates on releases or search their DocumentsOnline.
Society of Genealogists
http://www.sog.org.ukJoin the society, learn about future events or search the library catalogue
The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies
http://www.ihgs.ac.ukThe first centre for family history studies in the UK. With extensive library and taught courses.
Federation of Family History Societies
http://www.ffhs.org.ukList of all the member societies that a researcher can consult or join.
General Register Office
http://www.gro.gov.ukAll you need to know about obtaining birth, marriage and death certificates.
London Metropolitan Archives
http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lmaFor research in the capital.
ARCHON
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archonThe definitive list of major British repositories
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
http://www.proni.gov.ukNorthern Ireland’s major archive. Includes names of landholders and Ulster covenant signatories
Guild of One-Name Studies (GOONS)
http://www.one-name.orgIs your surname being researched? Check here and make contact!
Familia
http://www.familia.org.uk/about.htmlA directory helping you to find what you want and where it’s located in archives around the UK.
One Great Family
http://www.onegreatfamily.comThe world’s largest tree building site.
Pedigree Soft
http://www.pedigreesoft.comTree building and information sharing website, now owned by FindMyPast.com.
England's past for everyone
http://www.ExploreEnglandsPast.org.ukThis website provides free access to 1000s of local history resources including images, transcribed wills and documents and town trails. Run by the Victoria County History (VCH), England’s Past for Everyone (EPE) is a Heritage Lottery-funded project. EPE is working with academics and local communities to produce a series of paperback books, resources for schools and an interactive website.
Genealogy gifts
http://www.familytreefolk.co.uk/page_10965.htmlGenealogy gifts, cards, magnifiers and archiving materials. Ideal for Christmas or Birthdays.
AIM25
http://www.aim25.ac.ukA guide to nearly 50 archives in London and within the M25 with searchable access to catalogues of the material
American National Archives
http://www.archives.gov/genealogyThis site offers a large quantity of resources for the American genealogist
Ancestors on Board
http://www.ancestorsonboard.comA great resource for anyone tracing emigrant ancestors with data coming from lists of people leaving Britain from 1890 to 1960.
Archives Canada
http://www.archivescanada.caThis site offers an access to Canada's past with a search facility and details of more than 800 record holders across the country
Archives Hub
http://www.archiveshub.ac.ukThis site offers descriptions of archives in UK universities and colleges
Archives Network Wales
http://www.archivesnetworkwales.infoAn index of all resource collections held by record offices, universities and other bodies across Wales are available through this website
Ancestry.co.uk
http://www.ancestry.co.uk/A key UK records site with a wealth of sources. These include: complete censuses from 1841 to 1901; parish and probate records; searchable birth, marriage and death records from 1837 to 2005; trade directories; military records; British telephone books from 1880 to 1984. It is necessary to subscribe to view the records and this costs from £6.95.
About Genealogy
http://genealogy.about.com/An American-based group of sites and portals dealing with a large variety of topics, some specific to the UK.
Access to Archives
http://www.a2a.org.uk/A research catalogue to assist researchers looking for local archive information from the 8th century to today. It consists of over 10 million entries from 400 record offices throughout England and Wales, including business documents, deeds, police and hospital records.
Archive CD Books
http://www.archivecdbooks.org/A world-wide project aiming to preserve old documents, books and maps and make them available on CD. British content is available from Archive CD Books Ireland.
Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies
http://www.aigs.org.auThe AIGS site is a great resource for anyone delving into Australian roots with a searchable library catalogue and useful links to British and Irish genealogy.
The Borthwick Institute for Historical Research
http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/bihr/A large archive with a searchable index and details of how to access vital records, including parish registers; births, marriages and deaths; women's, racial and homosexual history.
Bradford FHS
http://www.bradfordfhs.org.uk/You can order Census transcriptions from the Bradford FHS site and use a list of research items available at Bradford Central Library.
British Library Family History
http://www.bl.uk/familyhistory.htmlThe British Library advises on how the collections can be useful to genealogists. They can help you find electoral registers, newspapers, and the India Office records can be searched online.
British Telecom Archives
http://www.btplc.com/archivesThe website includes details of how BT customers can use the archive building at Holborn Telephone Exchange, with a user's guide. There is also an interesting chronology of events in telecommunications.
Burke's Peerage
http://www.burkes-peerage.netAn enormous archive collection on royalty, stately homes, heraldry with searchable records online. There are over a million names across 7,000 genealogies. Full access is subscription-only, but short-term subscriptions are avalable from £7.95.
Cemeteries of Australia
http://www.ozgenonline.com/aust_cemeteries/Details of cemeteries across Australia, with addresses as well as some online burial data, photographs of headstones, and links to individual cemetery sites.
Cemetary Transcription Library
http://www.interment.netLibrary containing transcriptions from thousands of cemeteries world-wide. It has records for over 35 counties in the UK, but it is still ongoing and welcomes submissions.
Census of Ireland, 1901 and 1911
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ieThis site is in the process of setting up complete access to the 1901 and 1911 Irish Censuses. Dublin has been completed and Kerry, Antrim and Down are soon to follow. Detailed searches are available for free, as are short histories of the period.
Cornucopia
http://www.cornucopia.org.ukA gateway to UK museums, galleries and archives, with more than 6,000 collections searchable. An excellent means of discovering resources near you.
Family Chest
http://www.familychest.co.ukThis site has a wealth of documents, such as old title deeds, legal documents, all free to search through and gain information, with a charge for having the original document or a full transcription sent to you.
Family History Online
http://www.familyhistoryonline.netBegun by the Federation of Family History Societies, the site has snowballed into a major resource containing over 67 million records of baptisms, marriages, burials, monument inscriptions, censuses and documents recorded by member societies. There is a pay-per-view charge of just a few pence and a free name search.
Family Records
http://www.familyrecords.gov.ukTo assist genealogists in searching for family history details in government records and other sources. A good starting point for beginners learning how to access records and where they are kept, such as where to find birth certificates and military records.
Family Relatives
http://www.familyrelatives.comThere are over 600 million records from various categories of family history information on this site. Some are free, others require subscription through a system of credits.
Family Search
http://www.familysearch.orgA pool of international genealogy databases including the National Genealogical Index, based on parish registers mainly. Enter a surname or whatever information you have into the site and it will give you the information and its source.
Origins
http://www.origins.netA major source of Uk and Irish records.
Tombstones and Monumental Inscriptions
http://www.framland.pwp.blueyonder.co.ukA portal to sites contaiing details, transcriptions and photographs of gravestones and monuments from all over the UK.
Burials in India
http://www.burialsinindia.netA useful website which provides access to the records of European burials in colonial India.
For Free
Free BMD
http://www.freeBMD.org.ukAiming to grant free access to all the GRO’s BMD records, this site still isn't complete but useful nonetheless
FreeCen
http://www.freecen.org.ukFreeBMD’s census-related cousin
1901 Census Online
http://www.1901censusonline.comFree access to the latest census, courtesy of GenesReunited and TNA.
Cyndi’s List
http://www.cyndislist.comOver ten years of online advice for genealogists and 250,000 links for research – impressive.
Curious Fox
http://www.curiousfox.comA wonderful forum, search by place rather than name to find those from the same ancestral village.
British Genealogy
http://www.british-genealogy.comA great basic resource. Especially good guide to taking and using monumental inscriptions
RootsWeb
http://www.rootsweb.comAn excellent forum site with lots to recommend it despite the US bias
Family Tree Forum
http://www.familytreeforum.co.ukWell maintained and democratic forum site with lots to offer a new user
Online Parish Clerks Project
http://www.genuki.org.uk/indexes/OPC.htmlOPC’s provide volunteer transcription of historical records at parish level for various counties.
Tribal Pages
http://www.tribalpages.comThe best tree-hosting and genealogical storage site around, with good privacy controls
Family tree UK
http://www.familyhistory.uk.comA good forum and tree building site for furthering research or knocking down brick walls
Free Christmas events at Museum of London
http://www.museumindocklands.org.ukChristmas themed events for adults, kids and all the family at Museum of London and Museum of London Docklands this December. Choose from walks, craft fairs, and story telling sessions, the Museums have something for everyone this December. Step into the festive season and at the same time explore the history of London and Londoners.
Ancestry Aid
http://www.ancestryaid.co.ukThis site offers more than a million searchable records for free as well as a tree building facility
BMD Share
http://www.bmdshare.com/Share scans of certificates from the General Record Office. So far the site has nearly 1,500 birth, marriage and death certificates and you can search them for free, after registering, which costs just £1.
Family Tree Forum
http://www.familytreeforum.comA dedicated genealogy forum with free membership, places to upload your own files, and an encyclopedia.
Gencircles
http://www.gencircles.comA US site which specialises in 'SmartMatching' ancestors from different family trees. The site is free and consists of over 60 million ancestors submitted by users.
Gendir Genealogy Directory
http://www.gendir.comThe website is a free genealogy resource with forums, surname searches across US portals and UK links.
Genuki
http://www.genuki.orgA non-profit organisation run by volunteers, full of information relating to family history in UK and Ireland. An enormous amount of resources.
The Gravestone Project
http://www.gravestonephotos.comA team of volunteers contributes photos from cemetaries across the world and transcribes the information on them. The information is free to access and fully searchable, and photographs can be requested.
Background
GENUKI
http://www.genuki.org.ukGenealogy for the UK and Ireland: information, news and events – essential for beginners.
British History Online
http://www.british-history.ac.ukAimed at academic historians, there’s still a lot here to interest the family historian.
Wikipedia
http://www.wikipedia.orgThis free people’s encyclopaedia can fill you in on many of the events, organisations and places your ancestor was a part of.
BBC History Pages
http://www.bbc.co.uk/historyVery useful pages on both British history and family history, including more from the Who Do You Think You Are? team.
Vision of Britain
http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/index.jspAn excellent statistics website with historical facts and figures from infant mortality to immigration
The History Channel
http://www.thefamilyhistoryproject.co.ukIncludes lots of information dedicated to family history as well as a tree builder.
Cyndi’s List: Information Pages and Glossary
http://www.cyndislist.com/diction.htmFamily history terms and acronyms.
GEDCOM
http://www.oz.net/~markhow/writing/gedcom.htmA concise definition of what a GEDCOM file actually is, and how it can help you.
Victoria County Histories
http://www.victoriacountyhistory.ac.ukAlthough incomplete, these histories form a detailed record of the country at the end of the Victorian era – some fully digitised and online.
About.com
http://genealogy.about.com/od/basicsA useful site with lots of hints and tips for the beginner.
England's past for everyone
http://www.englandspastforeveryone.org.ukFree access to 1000s of local history resources. Search by location, time period, building type, person or theme and discover images, transcribed documents, audio files and much more.
Aberdeen & NE Scotland FHS
http://www.anesfhs.org.ukGeneral information about the first society to open a keen research centre base in 1987
Ancestral Scotland
http://www.ancestralscotland.comA good starting point for those researching Scottish roots
Ancestry 24
http://www.ancestry24.co.zaA guide to exploring South African genealogy with a variety of books, records, surname interests and family tree available online
Barnardo's Family Connections
http://www.barnardos.org.uk/familyconnections.htmThis site offers a background history for those whose adoption was handled by Barnardo's.
British Home Children
http://www.freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~britishhomechildrenThis site has been dedicated to the 100,000 or more orphaned British children who were sent to Canada between 1870 and the 1940's
Burke's Peerage
http://www.burkes-peerage.netThis site consists of an extensive archive of articles on royalty, heraldry and stately homes
British Postal Museum and Archive
http://www.postalheritage.comThis site is invaluable for researching family who worked for the Post Office. It contains a 360 year history of the Royal Mail, as well as information on using the Royal Mail archives and a catalogue searchable online.
Catholic FHS
http://www.catholic-history.org.ukInformation about the Catholic FHS, hosted by the Catholic History site, which has a great deal of useful details on British Catholicism.
Diseases and Medical terms for Genealogists
http://www.sedgleymanor.com/diseases/diseases_front_page.htmlA useful alphabetical collection of old medical terms, particularly from the nineteenth century, compiled by Ian Beach.
Medieval English Genealogy
http://www.medievalgenealogy.org.ukPrimary sources of information about Medieval family history are explored and detailed on this site.
Explore Genealogy
http://www.exploregenealogy.co.uk/A useful public information site with a free monthly newsletter.
Primary Resources
Historical Directories
http://www.historicaldirectories.orgAlmost 700 fully searchable trade and residential directories from 1750–1919.
Hidden BMDs
http://www.BMDregisters.co.ukThe brand new official service for non-parochial BMDs – find non-conformists here
The Wellcome Library
http://library.wellcome.ac.ukSearch the catalogue here to find all manner of historical medical records
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/wills.aspA vast collection of wills, one of the most useful and underused resources.
Guildhall Library
http://www.history.ac.uk/ghVast archive of documents relating to every aspect of London and national life.
Gazettes Online
http://www.gazettes-online.co.ukScans and indexes to the London, Edinburgh and Belfast Gazettes – the self styled ‘newspapers of record’ for the UK.
British Library Newspapers
http://www.bl.uk/collections/newspapers.htmlCheck the catalogue for relevant holdings; look out for the launch of online content in 2009
Penny Illustrated
http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/collections/pipSearch the complete run of this daily newspaper online (1861–1913)
Newsplan
http://www.newsplan.co.ukResearch into the history and society of Southern England and the West Midlands through local newspapers.
Fairfax Archives
http://www.fairfaxarchives.comSearch back copies of the Sydney Morning Herald from 1955–present
1901 Census Online
http://www.1901censusonline.comBrowse birth, marriage and death indexes and search Census records on this site for free, but charges apply to obtain the details or view images.
Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives
http://www.agra.org.uk/AGRA contains a list of accredited family history researchers, including their specialisms, and their contact details.
Curious Fox
http://www.curiousfox.org.ukNoticeboards and a collection of old maps organised by location in the UK. You can post enquiries on surnames, local or family history and search by town/village for free or pay an optional £5 for subscription.
The Genealogist
http://www.thegenealogist.co.ukOne of the biggest UK family history resources run by volunteers. The site contains a wealth of information including: census records and image, a BMD index. Unlimited access costs £68.95 annually, but there are a range of deals on offer.
Genes Reunited
http://www.genesreunited.comA huge database of shared family tree data. The site has over 9 million members who have added their family trees - more than 250,000 names are added each week.
Worldgenweb Project
http://www.worldgenweb.orgWorld-wide resources for genealogists to link them to localised information. It has every country's key site resources.
Military History
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
http://www.cwgc.orgFind your soldier ancestor’s memorial online at this excellent site.
The Long Long Trail
http://www.1914-1918.netMade by an amateur enthusiast, visit this site for context and information on World War I
Military Genealogy
http://www.military-genealogy.comA pay-per-view site featuring databases for finding soldiers from the two world wars
National Army Museum
http://www.national-army-museum.ac.ukThe museum’s site can help you to get the most out of a visit; has some online content
Finding Naval Records
http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.4330Addresses for easy tracking of naval personnel
RAF Museum
http://www.rafmuseum.org.ukThe RAF museum site has a new ‘navigator’ guide to collections online and research offline
Imperial War Museum
http://www.iwm.org.ukAdvice on tracing your relatives, plus online collections of memorabilia, photographs and documents.
Army Museums Ogilby Trust
http://www.armymuseums.org.ukLots of information on over a 100 British regimental museums and tips on how to trace men
Regiments and Battalions
http://www.army.mod.uk/unitsandorgs/regiments_battalions.htmA full list of British regiments with links to their websites.
Milquest World War II Research Community Forum
http://www.milquest.comFind American servicemen who served during WWII. Also try www.gitrace.com
Army Museums
http://www.armymuseums.co.ukA guide to tracing Army ancestors through museums and TNA
Association of Liberation Children
http://www.liberationchildren.orgThis site offers assistance to the descendants of soldiers from WW2 who are searching for thier fathers or relatives
D-Day Ancestors
http://www.dday.ancestors.comPaul Reed's memorial site to British and Commonwealth servicemen who were killed on D-Day (6th June, 1944). Casualties are listed by Unit and show where each is buried/commemorated.
Imperial War Museum
http://www.iwm.org.ukA brilliant place to start for anyone researching their military family history. The website includes a guide to using the archives.
Naval Biographical Database
http://www.navylist.orgContains data for 13,500 navy staff from 1660 onwards. You can search for free or order information for a small charge.
World War I Cemeteries
http://www.ww1cemeteries.comA good guide to World War I cemeteries and memorials across the world. The site has collected nearly 3,000 photos and has information on the cemeteries themselves.
Photography
The Daguerreian Society
http://www.daguerre.orgA fascinating insight into the early years of photography.
Directory of London Photographers 1841-1908
http://www.photolondon.org.uk/directory.htmOne of the best directories of its type and period and now free online.
Online Photo Fix
http://www.onlinephotofix.comRestoration of your old photos over the internet.
Francis Frith Collection
http://www.frithphotos.com/pageloader.asp?page=/default.aspSearch for old photos of your home or ancestral town.
Date an old photo
http://www.cartes.freeuk.com/time/date.htmLearn how to give Robert Pols a run for his money with this online guide!
Migration
Migration introduction
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/EmeryPaper.html#EmigrantsConcise start for those tracking your ancestors across the globe.
Ancestors on Board
http://www.ancestorsonboard.comDigitised records from TNA’s class BT 27, this site has the records for all passengers leaving the UK 1890–1960
Ellis Island
http://www.ellisislandrecords.orgSearch the USA immigration records for Ellis Island 1892–1924 online for free here.
Moving Here
http://www.movinghere.org.ukThe experiences and photographs of those who migrated here from overseas
National Archives of Australia
http://www.naa.gov.auFor tracing Australian relatives and history
Collections Canada
http://www.collectionscanada.ca/index-e.htmlIndexes to all the major Canadian record sets available, including census and immigration records.
Directory of Archives New Zealand
http://www.archives.govt.nz/docs/pdfs/ArchivesDirectory.pdfSearchable PDF booklet listing the resources available for Kiwi researchers by area.
Child Migrant Information
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4006199Find child migrants who were sent to Australia, Canada and New Zealand between 1920 and the late 1960s.
India Office Family History Search
http://indiafamily.bl.uk/UILook for your ancestors from the British Raj online now.
US Wall of Honour
http://www.wallofhonor.comSearch online for free for immigrants to the US.
The 1718 Migration
http://www.1718migration.org.ukThe site evidently explains the history of migration of the Irish-born and Scot Presbyterians who left the north of Ireland for a new life in America. It provides plenty of guidance on hunting Ulster genealogy.
Anglo-German FHS
http://www.agfhs.org.ukThis site will help those researching relatives from German speaking countries who immigrated to the UK, Ireland and many other surrounding islands.
Australian Family History Compendium
http://www.cohsoft.com.au/afhc/A good source of information on topics relating to Australian genealogy, arranged by state or territory.
Canadian Federation of Genealogical & FHSES
http://www.geocities.com/athens/troy/2274A useful site with information on Camadian FHS groups, which will be helpful for anyone looking to do localised research on Canadian relatives.
Convict Records in Australia
http://www.coraweb.com/au/convict.htmA basic index of Australian convict records, which makes it easy to trace ancestors who may have been transported.
Genealogical Research Library (Canada)
http://www.grl.comAnyone searching for Canadian relatives will find this site invaluable with a nationwide online database to locate people living in Canada from 1600-1900.
Gen Source
http://www.gensource.comTracing your family history into other countries is made easy here by links to nearly 3,000 sites containing census data from world-wide locations.
Passenger Lists on the Internet
http://members.aol.com/rprost/passenger.htmlAn exhaustive list of sites where you can find ships' passenger lists and records.
Old Maps
Old Maps
http://www.old-maps.co.ukFully searchable, downloadable database of old UK maps.
Maps of Scotland
http://www.nls.uk/mapsThe National Library of Scotland site is usefully searchable by time, place or even by map engraver
Surname Profiler
http://www.nationaltrustnames.org.ukFind out the national distribution and statistics for your surname.
Roots Map
http://www.rootsmap.comBuy laminated maps with your surname distribution.
MOTCO
http://www.motco.comA large number of historic prints and maps you can download for use in family histories
Family Atlas Free Trial
http://www.familyatlas.comHave a go at using this excellent family history mapping program.
Bodleian Map Room
http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/guides/maps/maproom.htmSearch the Bodleian’s excellent collection of historic maps.
National Library of Wales – maps
http://www.llgc.org.uk/index.php?id=collections02The guide to the library’s expansive collection.
Booth’s Poverty Maps
http://booth.lse.ac.ukCharles Booth’s maps of London in 1889 show the areas subject to the most poverty and greatest wealth.
Street Map
http:// www.streetmap.co.ukFind places on a modern map.
Alan Godfrey Maps
http://www.alangodfreymaps.co.ukCan get access to cheap reprints of old Ordnance Survey maps mainly from the 19th and early 20th centuries
Charles Booth Online Archive
http://booth.lse.ac.uk/Charles Booth charted London's poor from 1886 to 1903, making colour-coded poverty maps and taking detailed notes. You can view the maps online.
Gen Maps
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~genmaps/The maps available on this site date back to the sixteenth century, and you can view them by location through searching on the site.
MultiMap
http://www.mulitmap.comVery useful for anyone trying to work out a place name on an illegible old map. Simply type in the name or what it seems to be and it will confirm the existence of that place and show you a modern map of the area.
Occupations
The Clergy of the Church of England
http://www.theclergydatabase.org.ukInvaluable for those looking for vicars, documenting the careers of all C of E clergymen 1540–1835.
National Fairground Archive
http://www.nfa.dept.shef.ac.ukThe first stop for anyone looking for theatrical ancestors or forebears in the circus.
Business Archives Council
http://www.businessarchivescouncil.org.ukThis organisation promotes and preserves business records for research purposes in the UK.
The British Postal Museum and Archive
http://postalheritage.org.ukIncludes a partial catalogue of 50,000 items from this invaluable archive.
Royal Bank of Scotland Archives
http://tinyurl.com/2vkyeqFor those with banking ancestors.
All Footballers
http://www.allfootballers.comSearch this database for any British top flight or international footballer.
National Police Roll of Honour
http://www.policememorial.org.uk/NationalRoll/NationalRoll.htmSearch for any officer who died in the line of duty.
Cyndi’s List – Occupations
http://www.cyndislist.com/occupatn.htmContains links to many useful regional transcripts and indexes.
British Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org.uk/standard.asp?id=2623The place to look for tracing the history of anyone involved in this organisation.
Working Class Movement Library
http://www.wcml.org.uk/welcome.htmThe online catalogue of this important Labour-connected collection.
Coal Mining History Resource Centre
http://www.cmhrc.co.uk/site/homeThe site includes an online database of over 166,000 people who were killed or injured while working in coal mines.
Index of Old Occupations
http://www.rmhh.co.uk/occupA useful alphabetical index to out-dated or obscure occupations.
Mariners
http://www.mariners-I.co.ukOffers information to people researching sea-faring ancestors from fishermen to sailors.
Metropolitan Police History
http://www.met.police.uk/historyIncludes a history of the force with details of staff records available and National Archive numbers.
National Fairground Archive
http://www.shef.ac.uk/nfaThe place to go when searching for ancestors who may have worked on fairgrounds.
National Inventory of War Medals
http://www.ukniwm.org.ukA vital source for genealogists looking into an ancestor's military past. It has a huge searchable database of war memorials online.
National Railway Museum
http://www.nrm.org.ukThe place to start researching a family member who may have worked on the railways.
Brick Walls
Missing Ancestors
http://www.missing-ancestors.comFind those sent to industrial or reformatory schools
Strays index
http://www.ffhs.org.uk/projects/strays.phpThe place to look for relatives who disappeared from their birth county.
Online Deeds Index
http://www.durtnall.org.ukA collection of abstract information garnered from a range of documents sold online.
Old Handwriting
http://www.amberskyline.com/treasuremaps/oldhand.htmlExcellent online tutorial for deciphering old handwritten documents.
Elopement
http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/famrec/hlpsrch/sumrmar/runmar.htmlFind the records for those who ran away to Gretna Green.
UK Birth Adoption Register
http://www.ukbirth-adoptionregister.comThe UK Birth Adoption register is a starting point for anyone wishing to contact their adopted child or children wishing to trace their natural parents.
Black Sheep
Criminal Ancestors
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=120TNA’s sources for tracing the black sheep of the family.
Scottish Criminals
http://www.nas.gov.uk/guides/crime.aspYour complete guide to finding them.
The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London 1674 to 1834
http:// www.oldbaileyonline.orgThe records from this central London court are completely free to search.
Black Sheep Ancestors
http://www.blacksheepancestors.com/ukSearch major record sets for your criminal ancestors free of charge.
The Workhouse
http://www.workhouses.orgA detailed resource for those who had relatives consigned to these heinous places.
Black Sheep Index
http://www.blacksheepindex.co.ukLarge collection of records and indexes relating to mainly law and crime occupations
Old Bailey Trials
http://www.oldbaileyonline.orgThis site covers trials from 1674 to 1913 with a searchable database containing information about trials.
Find Living Relatives
Norcap
http://www.norcap.org.ukHelping adults deal with adoption – your first port of call for finding those adopted out.
eRoll
http://www.eroll.co.ukThe official electoral roll site for the UK.
Immigrant Ships Transcribers’ Guild
http://www.immigrantships.netAn American site that seeks to reunite people separated by migration, adoption or distance.
BT Surname Search
http://www.thephonebook.bt.com/publisha.content/en/search/residential/search.publishaYour first port of call for finding a number to match a name.
Lost Cousins
http://www.lostcousins.comFind people who share your Victorian ancestors by inputting individuals from the 1881 census.
192.COM
http://www.192.comSearch for people by name or address through the electrical role or directory enquiries database. BMD indexes and the 1861 Census are also available.
LookUp UK
http://www.lookupuk.comA resource for anyone searching for a friend or relative in the UK.
Pedigrees and Heraldry
Burke’s Peerage and Gentry
http://www.burkes-peerage.netOnline version of reputable guide to gentry, with countless highbrow pedigrees.
Medieval Genealogy
http://www.medievalgenealogy.org.ukUseful tips for people lucky enough to have a family tree stretching back this far.
College of Arms
http://www.college-of-arms.gov.ukOfficial repository of UK coats of arms and pedigrees.
Heraldry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HeraldryUnderstanding this historic art.
A Grammar of Blazon
http://www.sca.org/heraldry/laurel/bruce.htmlA slightly bizarre site that nonetheless gives a good description of how to understand and draw coats of arms.
Courses
Centre for Lifelong Learning, Strathclyde University
http://www.cll.strath.ac.uk/cpd/genealogy/index.htmThe first available post-graduate diploma in genealogy – now taking applications for 2008.
IGHS Correspondence Course
http://www.ihgs.ac.uk/courses/correspondence.phpWell respected and long-established courses available.
National Institute for Genealogical Studies
http://www.genealogicalstudies.comCanadian-based online taught-courses for enthusiasts and beginners.
Genealogy Course and Family History Course Index
http://www.my-history.co.uk/acatalog/Genealogy_Courses.htmlFind a local course near you with this My History sponsored site.
Pharos Online Courses
http://www.pharostutors.comLearn new skills online with this excellent course scheme.
English Handwriting 1500-1700
http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/ceres/ehocAn online course in early modern handwriting with an index of images from manuscripts, transcriptions.
Genetics
Family Tree DNA
http://www.familytreedna.comThe leading American ‘deep ancestry’ company. Order your test online.
Oxford Ancestors
http://www.oxfordancestors.comBrian Sykes’ leading British site.
Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation
http://www.smgf.orgThe foremost collection of DNA results in the world. Where do yours fit?
The International Society of Genetic Genealogy
http://www.isogg.orgLots of information on getting your tests done and where to go next.
DNA Ancestry
http://dna.ancestry.comThe brand new Ancestry.com-affiliated DNA service.
Tourism
Visit Britain
http://www.visitbritain.co.ukThe official site of the UK tourist board – lots of info for the potential ancestral traveller.
Ancestral Roots Travel
http://www.ancestralrootstravel.comLeading tour company specialising in research trips and visits to ancestral homes around the UK.
Leger Battlefield Tours
http://battlefields.leger.co.ukFHM-affiliated couch tour company, specialising in tours of WWI and II battle regions.
Bartletts Battlefield Journeys
http://www.battlefields.co.ukBespoke battlefield tour and research company, for those who prefer the personal touch.
Ancestral Travel
http://ancestraltravel.netA good place to start when looking to plan a research trip outside the UK.
24 Hour Museum
http://www.24hourmuseum.org.ukProvides a guide to over 3,000 museums and galleries across the country
British Empire and Commonwealth Museum
http://www.empiremuseum.co.ukAs well as being the largest resource of images and video on the British Empire, the site has information on accessing the museum's archives, exhibitions, a timeline and map.
Shopping
Buy Certificates
http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificate/index.asp#0Buy your certificates online at the General Register Office site.
Parish Chest
http://www.parishchest.comExcellent one-stop-shopping site for all your genealogical requirements.
FFHS Bookshop
http://www.familyhistorybooks.co.ukThe Federation of Family History Societies’ online store, with a variety of top titles.
A great place to pick up medals, maps, memorabilia and other second-hand excitements
Eneclann
http://www.eneclann.ieBooks, CDs and other resources to help with your Irish research.
S&N Genealogy supplies
http://www.genealogysupplies.comThe first people to stock genealogical software in the UK.
Arcare
http://www.arcare.comHelp you to care for your documents and certificates with storage solutions.
Arrowfile
http://www.genealogyorganiser.comFor all your storage needs.
My History
http://www.my-history.co.ukSelling an array of goodies, including books, maps and software.
Family Traits
http://www.familytraits.co.ukUseful professional research company.
History Direct
http://www.historydirect.co.ukThis site is one of the leading internet booksellers for history and non fiction titles. Their range includes a fantastic selection of DVDs, maps and audio books.
Chrome Audio
http://www.chromeaudio.comChrome Audio produce autobiographical CDs. Their first project was the CD for Julie Summer's 'Stranger in the House' book, as featured in FHM issue 164.
Francis Frith Collection
http://www.francisfrith.comOne of the biggest UK-based collections of old photographs and postcards with a search facility so you can browse by location. Images can be purchased in different formats.
Gen Fair
http://www.genfair.comCreated by the FFHS, as a place to purchase FFHS publications and many other items from UK-based publishers and small FHS groups.
S&N Genealogy Supplies
http://www.genealogysupplies.comOne of the biggest suppliers of family history research equipment in the UK. It sells a variety of softare, data CDs, books, and provides details of FH events.
Your Old Books and Maps
http://www.youroldbooksandmaps.co.ukThis site has lots of old books and maps available to purchase on CD, including Army and Navy lists and general history.
Yesteryear
http://www.yesteryeardirect.co.ukYesteryear create high-quality audio-visual nostalgia products that celebrate Britain's glorious past. Their entire range of scrapbooks, CDs and DVDs is available from the website.
Other Favourites
Dick Eastman’s Blog
http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogyThe leading genealogy blog – keep up to date on all the latest views and reviews.
Family History Fairs
http://www.familyhistoryfairs.comAll the upcoming regional fairs are listed here.
George Cross Database
http://www.gc-database.co.ukA list of all the recipients of this medal – the highest civilian honour.
BMD index; RootsUK
http://www.bmdindex.co.uk; www.rootsuk.comA pair of useful and inexpensive resources.
Origination
http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/O/originationLinks to pages about the history and heritage of Black and Asian peoples in Britain.
Moving History
http://www.movinghistory.ac.ukA guide to finding what you want at Britain’s historic film archives, plus watch over 100 historic film clips.
Office for National Statistics
http://www.statistics.gov.ukKeep an eye on this site for updates relating to the 2011 census.
Nations Memory Bank
http://www.nationsmemorybank.com/editorial/about.htmlUpload your memories at this living history site.
History4U
http://www.history4u.infoFrom our 'What's It For' specialist, a website that offers assistance on all manner of Bristol research...
Gumshoe Genealogy
http://www.gumshoegenealogy.comA new genealogical website which includes old photos, documents, Military, British and Colonial heritage as well as an A-Z search, free bulletin boards and ancestral records. This historical site also has a surnames weekly section.
Benson Genealogy
http://www.bensongenealogy.co.ukA professional genealogy research service, including fixed price packages and a document and archive service. Also features links to free census records, parish records and charts.
Competition
Now in paperback, The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History is an indispensible reference book for family historians. With essential advice for anyone wanting to research their English, Irish, Scottish or Welsh origins, this book is a must have and we have five copies to give away. To be in with a chance of winning just send your answer to the following question to fhm@metropolis.co.uk by 1st May 2010.
Q What year was the first edition of this book published?