Step 1: Gather What You Already Know

Before diving into records and websites, start by collecting what you already know about your family. Begin with yourself and work backward, noting down the names, birthdates, and places of birth of your immediate family: parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and any other relatives you can gather information on.

Tip: Write down any stories, oral histories, or family heirlooms that might give you clues about your ancestors. Photos, letters, and even old family Bibles can hold hidden gems!

Step 2: Ask Family Members for Help

Genealogy isn’t just about searching databases—it’s about piecing together stories passed down through generations. Your family members, especially older relatives, are invaluable sources of information. Ask them about names, dates, places, and anything else they know about your ancestors. Even seemingly small details can make a big difference in your research.

Tip: Record your interviews with family members. Their memories might lead you to new research paths or help clarify information that might be difficult to track down online.

Step 3: Start with the Basics: Birth, Marriage, and Death Records

Once you’ve gathered everything you know, it’s time to dive into the records. In the UK and Ireland, the key to unlocking your family history often begins with civil registration records. These include:

• Birth Records (from 1837 in England and Wales)
• Marriage Records (from 1837 in England and Wales, and earlier for Ireland)
• Death Records (from 1837 in England and Wales)

These records are essential because they provide concrete details about your ancestors, such as dates, locations, and family members. The best part? Many of these records are freely available online!

Where to Start:

• FreeBMD (www.freebmd.org.uk): A free resource for England and Wales civil registration records.
• FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org): Offers free access to UK and Irish records, including birth, marriage, and death certificates.
• Ireland’s National Archives (www.nationalarchives.ie): For Irish civil records, including births, marriages, and deaths, available free online.

Step 4: Dive into the Census Records

Census records are some of the most valuable tools in genealogy. In the UK and Ireland, censuses were taken every ten years starting in 1801 (with full records available from 1841 onwards). These documents provide a snapshot of your ancestors’ lives, including their names, ages, occupations, relationships, and where they lived at the time.

Where to Start:

• UK Census Records: You can access the UK censuses from 1841-1911 for free on Ancestry (via your local library) or Findmypast (also available through libraries).
• Ireland’s 1901 & 1911 Censuses: Available for free on the National Archives of Ireland website (www.census.nationalarchives.ie).

Tip: Pay attention to spelling variations in surnames, as names were often recorded phonetically or inaccurately.

Step 5: Explore Parish Records and Church Documents

Before civil registration started in the UK and Ireland, many birth, marriage, and death events were recorded by the church in parish registers. These records are especially helpful for researching ancestors who lived before the 1830s.

In the UK: Parish records vary by county, but many have been transcribed and made available online. Check sites like FamilySearch and FreeReg for free access to church records.

In Ireland: Church records (both Catholic and Protestant) are crucial, especially for those with roots going back before civil registration. The National Library of Ireland offers free access to Roman Catholic parish registers, covering baptisms and marriages.

Tip: For Irish ancestors, check the Irish Genealogical Research Society for links to specific parish records and other resources.

Step 6: Use Free Online Tools for Extra Help

Once you’ve gathered the basic records, it’s time to start expanding your search. There are several free tools and websites that can help you dig deeper into your family’s history:

• FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org): A free resource with a vast collection of records from both the UK and Ireland, along with helpful family tree-building tools.
• FindMyPast (www.findmypast.co.uk): Although primarily a paid resource, FindMyPast offers free access to certain UK records (such as some parish records) and provides a free trial.
• The National Archives (www.nationalarchives.gov.uk): A treasure trove of UK records, including wills, military service records, and much more.

Step 7: Keep Track of Your Findings

As you begin collecting records, it’s important to stay organised. Use genealogy software or online tools like Ancestry, MyHeritage, or FamilySearch to build your family tree and track your progress. You can also create a simple spreadsheet to keep a list of sources and the information you’ve found.

Tip: Make sure to note down where each piece of information came from (e.g., a website or a record) so you can refer back to it later if needed.

Step 8: Keep Searching, Keep Learning

Genealogy is a lifelong adventure! Once you’ve traced your immediate family back a few generations, don’t stop there. There’s always more to discover—whether it’s uncovering old family stories, tracing even further back into the past, or expanding into new branches of your family tree.

Tip: Join online genealogy forums or groups (like Genealogy UK & Ireland on Facebook) to exchange tips, share your findings, and get advice from fellow family history enthusiasts.

Wrapping Up

Starting your family tree can feel like a daunting task, but with these tips, you’re well on your way to discovering the stories of your ancestors. Remember, genealogy is a journey, not a race. Each new record you find is a piece of a fascinating puzzle, and with each discovery, you’re building a connection to your family’s past that could last generations.

Have you started your family tree yet? What tips or challenges have you encountered along the way? Share your thoughts in the comments below!