Tracing Your Family Tree for Beginners
If you are just starting to research your family's history you might be wondering just where to begin. We hope that our seven step guide will help you on your way.

1: Start with what you know

Start in the present and work from what you know - the full names and dates of birth of your immediate family.

You might have copies of birth, marriage or death certificates, which will help you to trace your family tree back further. If, for example, you have the birth certificate of one of your parents, it will give you the maiden name of his or her mother too.

2: Talk to your family

Talk to your family. Perhaps one of your ancestors or a relative has done some genealogical research before - this could save you a lot of time, especially if they have already obtained official certificates etc.

Ask elderly relatives about their memories - you will find out all sorts of useful information this way. You might find it useful to compile a list of questions before you start to help you focus on what you are trying to find out.

Remember to take notes during your talk and share new information you discover with your relatives - this might spark off more memories.

You might also find old family photographs, letters, diaries or a family bible which can also give you clues to the past. It is worth asking your relatives if you can poke around in the attic.

3: Keeping your own records

You will want to start formally recording the information you have unearthed. You will need files to store your certificates, photocopies and letters. You will probably want to start charting a family tree and using a computer to help you. Get started now by downloading a free family tree chart.

4: Looking at official records

Don't be daunted by the number of records available or worry about visiting a record office. Some records are available on the web but in the end you will need to visit a record office, library or family history centre where you can view copies of the records on microfilm or fiche.

You will eventually learn how to access each type of official record such as certificates of birth, marriage or death, census returns, military records, tax records and probate records (wills).

5: Life Events

Births, marriages and deaths only started being recorded by the government in the late 1830s - this is known as civil registration. To find out how to use these records, read about the topic Births, Marriages and Deaths. To trace your family back into previous centuries you will need to look at Parish records. For more information see our Religious Records topic.

6: Using the Internet

As you are on this website you are clearly using the internet to help you in your family history research already, however, many genealogiests have devoted whole guides to using the internet for genealogical research. They may includes useful links, tips to help you and advice on pitfalls to avoid.

7: You're not alone

Remember, you are not alone. You can join a local family history society and sign-up to email mailing lists on the family history topics that interest you. Usually, you can join a society or list in the area where you live and/or the area where your research interests are (even if you live 1000s of miles away).

For a list of Family History Societies go to the Federation of Family History Societies' website www.ffhs.org.uk. Scotland has a separate organisation, the Scottish Association of Family History Societies www.safhs.org.uk. You might also want to join the Society of Genealogists www.sog.org.uk. For useful mailing lists see http://lists.rootsweb.com.