Our editor writes:
Have you always wanted to trace your ancestors? Would you like to join the growing number of people who are finding Family History an absorbing hobby? Above all,do you want to become a really good family historian? I started out on my own quest over thirty years ago, when progress was often slow and difficult but today access to sources is greatly improved and far more people are getting involved. I would like to offer you a simple step step by step guide.

First Step: Ask yourself some questions!

Will you enjoy the hobby?
If you are fascinated by history and by social history particularly you will probably make a good family historian. Bare pedigree charts are very boring but a narrative which covers occupations, housing, local history and a few mysteries solved or otherwise is compelling. You'll enjoy the hobby even more if you like being a detective, pitting your wits to uncover history from whatever surviving evidence you can track down!

Don't judge your ancestors and don't be squeamish about crime, poverty, illegitimacy and insanity! Skeletons are more often found in cupboards than treasure on dessert islands! It also helps if you can weather a few frustrations. Patience is an essential virtue whilst jumping to hasty conclusions can ruin the project!

Will I find all need on the Internet?
You will certainly find it very helpful but the short answer is "No"! It will get better but you won't find everything you need and there's some material which can mislead. A good new site is provided by the BBC and we will mention others in later "steps".

How far back can I go?
Most people can make good progress back through the Victorian period but beyond that there is much less certainty. Parish registers have sometimes survived from the reign of Elizabeth I so you may strike lucky! We often have to use words like "probable" and "possibly" while hoping for more evidence. Family historians are usually generous and will share results, but never claim research as your own if it isn't and always ask people to give their sources so you can check yourself. This is very important when you write your reports because we have the responsibility that all historians share, to help and not mislead your readers. Make your mind up to be a good family historian and you'll enjoy it more!

Surnames
Many British surnames are indicative of occupation (Cooper, Baker etc) or place (e.g. Preston, Newbury) or relate to an ancestor (e.g. Johnson, Williams, Pugh, McDonald). Others are more complex or of uncertain origin. Watch out for lots of variations in the way your name was spelt over the generations, you may like to know how common or rare your name is. Just for fun look here.

Multiply your count by 3.5 and this will estimate the number of those of your name since parish registers began in the sixteenth century! We all have hundreds of surnames in our ancestry, doubling for each generation we go back!

Ready for the Next Steps?