Starting Points

To start searching for your ancestors, you need at least one definite name and approximate date for a birth, marriage or death. If you also know the location, searching is likely to be quicker and easier. The more information the better, as it gives the search a head start, allowing more time for delving deeper.

The ideal is to be able to produce an old birth or marriage certificate, as these contain information about two generations of a family.

Don't worry if you don't have old certificates. These can be ordered for you if you have enough detail to identify the people in question.

You may have old notes or family trees from parents or grandparents, or perhaps a Family Bible. These are certainly useful treasure troves of family history, although details will have to be cross-checked with the records. People don't always remember accurately, especially when stories are handed down by word of mouth. It may even be that someone had something to hide!

Old pictures can tell stories as well - like this one from around 1880, showing four generations of my family.

What's in your attic?