Ancestors

Curiosity about our ancestors is only natural
- we want to know who we're descended from and what happened to those people.

Here at findmypast.com, we have a vast array of tools and information to help you research
your ancestors and build your family tree.

With access to census returns, birth, marriage and death registers, employment and services records
and passenger lists, you'll have everything you need to get your genealogy project underway.

So where do you start when looking for your ancestors? The first step should always be to document what you already know, starting with yourself. Work backwards from there and speak to living relatives to find out what they know about your ancestors - you may be surprised how much they can tell you.

Then decide which branch of your ancestors you want to explore. Do you want to look deeper or wider into your family's history? Some people choose to delve as far back into the past as possible, tracing their ancestors' roots back to the earliest possible date. Others prefer to explore their uncles', aunts' and cousins' branches of the family tree.

Whichever route you wish to pursue, we have tools and information to help you get underway here at findmypast.com. For example, why not try looking at our top ten tips for tracing your ancestors?

Studying UK census records can also offer an insight into your ancestors' lives and you can use the information as a keystone for further investigation.