Every family has a history. Most of us know something about our parents and
our grandparents. But there is usually much more information that could be
discovered. That information can be fascinating, and often explains why things
were the way they were in our childhood.
Family history has become much easier to research in the last few years. Some
of the most important sources are now available at the click of a mouse on the
internet.
However, a basic understanding of these sources is still needed if you are to
trace your family tree. This book meets that need.
The author provides the basic guidance needed to begin your investigation
into family history. He explains what sources of information are available,
where to find them, and how to use them. He tells you how to trace your
pedigree, and encourages you to understand your ancestors' lives against the
background of the society they lived in.
Contents:
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1. Begin as you mean to go on
Chapter 2. Where to go, who to ask, what to read
- Finding Information
- The Internet
- Books
- Libraries
- Archives
- Record Offices
- Family History Societies
Chapter 3. The Major Sources
- Memories
- Civil Registration
- Parish Registers and Associated Sources
- Engraved on Stone
- Census Returns
- Being Sick and Grieved in Body
Chapter 4. Filling in the Detail
- Official Lists of Names
- Land Surveys and Estate Records
- Local Government Records: Parish, County, Diocese, Poor Law
- Occupational Sources
- Army Ancestors
- Educational Records
- Contemporary Printed Sources: Newspapers, Trade Directories,
Parliamentary Papers
- Migration: Immigration and Emigration
Chapter 5. Things You Need to Know
- Where Was That? And Why Does it Matter?
- Surnames
- Reading and Dating Records
Chapter 6. Other Kingdoms and Dependencies
- Introduction and Wales
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Offshore Islands: the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man
Appendix 1. Abbreviations and Acronyms
Appendix 2. Chapman County Codes
Subject Index
