Getting Started With Your Family History

The first rule is always start in the present with what you already know.

Jot down your parents full names, their dates of birth, place of birth, and your Mother's maiden name, also where and when they were married if you have this information to hand.  In short, as much information as you know about them.

Then move on to their parents (your Grandparents) and try to find out exactly the same information as for your parents.

Try to get your family together to chat about the family - make notes.  Get out the family photographs, these can be a good way to jog memories.

If you have any birth, marriage or death certificates these will help fill in this information.  If you haven't they can be ordered from the Family Records Centre.

For instance, if you have a birth certificate it will show the Mother's maiden name.  Also, a marriage certificate will show both Father's names and their occupations. 

Once you have found out the index reference you can order the certificate from the General Register Office, either in person or on the internet General Register Office ordering service.