Internet Resources for Family History Research
Researching your family history often begins online. The internet provides some of the most accessible and convenient genealogy resources available, giving anyone with access to the World Wide Web the opportunity to explore their ancestry from home. Many genealogy websites combine records from a wide range of sources, making it easier than ever to trace family connections and build a detailed family tree.
Popular genealogy websites such as FamilySearch and Ancestry UK allow users to search historical records, discover ancestors, and create online family trees. While many family history websites require a paid subscription to access certain records, FamilySearch offers a vast collection of genealogy resources completely free of charge.
In addition to the major family history websites, there are many specialist online resources that focus on particular types of records, regions, or historical subjects. These can include census records, military archives, parish registers, newspapers, immigration documents, and local history collections. You can explore some of the most useful genealogy websites by visiting our Online Resources page.
Family History Publications and Books
Although online genealogy resources continue to grow in popularity, printed family history books and publications still remain valuable sources of information. Specialist genealogy bookshops often stock a wide range of family history guides, local history books, and archive publications, while also offering expert advice to researchers.
Large online retailers such as Amazon UK and specialist internet bookshops also provide access to a broad selection of genealogy and local history titles.
At the same time, modern technology has enabled libraries, universities, and historical organisations to digitise old books, directories, newspapers, and magazines. Many of these digitised collections can now be searched online either free of charge or at very low cost, making historical research far more accessible.
Resources such as Google Books and the University of Leicester Special Collections can be particularly useful for family history research, local studies, and discovering historical references connected to your ancestors.
And last but not least, public libraries remain an excellent source for both local history and wider family history research. Many libraries provide access to historical newspapers, electoral registers, local archives, maps, parish records, and genealogy reference books. Increasingly, public libraries also offer free access to premium family history websites and digitised archive collections, making them an invaluable resource for anyone researching their ancestry.