How to research family tree?

first78

My Dad passed away last month and I want to research his family tree but have no idea where to start. I have two names of family members from before 1940 but using free sites that help you trace your family's tree haven't helped and I don't know what else to try. Can anyone with a bit more experience give me any advice please?

Grumpelstiltskin

Which country are you looking at? I ask because it is different in Scotland and Ireland to England and Wales.

Let us know the answer to that then we can advise you.

TonyMMM

Start with a copy of your father's birth certificate and work back methodically from there .... look for his parent's marriage and then their births etc.

first78

Grumpelstiltskin wrote: »

Which country are you looking at? I ask because it is different in Scotland and Ireland to England and Wales.

Let us know the answer to that then we can advise you.

Sorry, I'm in England.

first78

TonyMMM wrote: »

Start with a copy of your father's birth certificate and work back methodically from there .... look for his parent's marriage and then their births etc.

Sorry if this is a silly question, but how do I get a copy of my Dad's birth certificate?

Grumpelstiltskin

OK England then.

Many libraries have free access to Ancestry. Co. Uk.

That plus Find My Past are the most comprehensive family history sites but they are not cheap to subscribe to, so if you can get to the library the free access is the best way to start.


Don't believe the TV adverts where everything just appears as by magic, it isn't that easy.

The birth certificate is easy to obtain but you do have to pay for it.

This is the link.
https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/

TonyMMM

first78 wrote: »

Sorry if this is a silly question, but how do I get a copy of my Dad's birth certificate?

If you can't find one amongst his papers...

Use https://www.freebmd.org.uk/ to find the reference number and then order a copy from here:

https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/default.asp

first78

TonyMMM wrote: »

If you can't find one amongst his papers...

Use https://www.freebmd.org.uk/ to find the reference number and then order a copy from here:

https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/default.asp

I've tried searching on the first link but it doesn't come up with a match.

sheramber

You will probably need to use Ancestry.co.uk.

You can get a free trial but, if you do not wish to take out a subscription , make sure you cancel it before the end of the trial period so that you are not charged.

you may not need his birth certificate.
If you go on the website you will see what information you require and whether you know it or need to get his birth certificate.

Once you get a hit for him you will be able to trace his parents, grandparents etc in the same way. One generation at a time.

Be aware it become addictive.

[Deleted User]

FindMyPast also used to do a free trial. Not sure if they still do. Anyone know?

[Deleted User]

first78 wrote: »

I've tried searching on the first link but it doesn't come up with a match.

Even without a ref. no. you can send a request to the GRO with as much information as possible (place of birth, date of birth and so on) and they should be able to find the certificate. For FreeBMD, try spelling variants of your Dad's Christian name and surname. Sometimes the transcribers make minor spelling errors.