Commentary by David J Morris: UK Research Team

The reasons why people set out on the family history trail are many and varied. For some, it may be that family stories handed down through the generations will have provided the motivation, or the discovery of an old photograph, family letters, a diary or a family bible.Others are simply driven by curiosity or a need to know at least something about their roots. The subject fascinates people from all walks of life. We can be as different as chalk from cheese, and yet have this one common, all-absorbing need to discover where, when and how our ancestors lived. The art of tracing the history of any family lies in the researcher's ability to locate and to read the appropriate records, and then to make an interpretation of them which is both intelligent and imaginative. The amount of official and unofficial documentation concerning individuals has grown steadily throughout the centuries. From birth to death the average person nowadays leaves behind a trail of clues as to his or her life. The first most important record in a person's life is, of course, their birth certificate. From this we can learn where a person was born, the names of the parents, the maiden name of the mother, and the occupation of the father. This gives the researcher several clues with which to step back to a previous generation. As life progresses, other written records may be made: of baptism, school attendance, marriage, the births of children, sporting achievements, occupation or profession - and ultimately death and the probate of a will. Many records may have survived as unofficial documentation in a private family archive: apprenticeship indentures, diaries, photographs, records of divorce proceedings, criminal files, armed service or merchant navy records - and, if you're lucky, a family bible. As you pursue your family history, you'll find that old leads eventually peter out, only to be replaced by a whole new set of exciting possibilities. Many of our ancestors lead such eventful lifes that it seems wrong to leave their stories hidden in the archives; others had a more ordinary existence without seemingly making their mark on society. If you are considering starting your own family tree, or have reached a stage where your current research in being hampered by lack of relevant information, perhaps I can help. Why not mail me with a brief outline of your requirements; it may be the first step on the road in getting to know your ancestors. UK & British Isles only.