Tracing your British ancestry has never been more accessible.
Thanks to digitization, online communities, and global outreach, millions of
records are now at your fingertips—whether you’re just beginning or diving into
advanced research.
ESSENTIAL ONLINE RESOURCES:
·
FamilySearch.org – Free access to
millions of records, including census, vital, probate, and military
collections.
·
FindMyPast – A subscription site specializing in
British and Irish records, with exclusive parish registers and newspapers.
·
Ancestry – Extensive databases and digitized
collections, plus a growing library of free
online instructional videos.
·
MyHeritage – A powerful platform offering DNA
testing and a wide range of digitized records, including many collections
relevant to English ancestors.
·
TheGenealogist.co.uk & British Newspaper
Archive
– Perfect for niche records, newspapers, and contextual research.
·
Archive.org – A hidden gem with
thousands of digitized parish registers, books, and historical resources freely
available online.
·
YouTube – A surprisingly rich resource, with
genealogy channels, conference recordings, and tutorials on British research.
RESEARCH SUPPORT & COMMUNITY:
·
FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City and Family
History Centers worldwide provide expert assistance and access to
subscription databases.
·
FamilySearch Community Pages and Facebook
genealogy groups connect you with fellow researchers who share tips and
answer questions.
·
FamilySearch Research Wiki offers
country, county, and parish-level guidance, helping you understand what records
exist and how to use them effectively.
LEARNING TOOLS:
Digitization has transformed access, but don’t forget the
treasures still in archives, libraries, and local repositories. Parish
registers, probate files, and newspapers continue to be digitized, yet many
gems remain in physical collections waiting to be discovered.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Researching at the FamilySearch Library is an unforgettable
experience, but technology now allows us to explore, share, and connect from
anywhere in the world. Whether you’re uncovering a census record, watching a
free instructional video, or browsing parish registers on Archive.org, the
resources available today make British genealogy more exciting than ever.
Start exploring your British roots today—visit FamilySearch,
FindMyPast, Ancestry, MyHeritage, Archive.org, or YouTube, connect with the
genealogy community online, and share the stories you uncover.
Learning Spotlight: Ongoing Education
Researching family history is more than just accessing
records—it’s about learning how to interpret them, connect the dots, and tell
the stories. Two standout platforms for ongoing education are:
Ancestry Family History Learning Hub – A dedicated space with free tutorials, guides, and videos to help researchers of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or refining advanced techniques, the hub offers structured learning that complements their record collections.
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TheGenealogist ($) |
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FindMyPast ($) |
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Ancestry ($) |
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MyHeritage ($) |
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