Genealogy Chat

Where do I start..... I've been told the best way to get a direct line to my family is by applying for marriage certificates etc... But please where and how do I start..???

they need to be looked up to find the ref numbers - which are essential for ordering the correct certs. before about 1910 people will look them up for you on ancestry if you dont have access. after 1910 you can look them up yourself,as the resource is free at the moment use this address , replace * with usual dots births= http://content*ancestry*co*uk/iexec/?htx=List&dbid=8964&offerid=0%3a679%3a0 deaths = http://content*ancestry*co*uk/iexec/?htx=List&dbid=8966&offerid=0%3a679%3a0 marriages http://content*ancestry*co*uk/iexec/?htx=List&dbid=8965&offerid=0%3a679%3a0 Give me a date, and info that you know is correct (perhaps one of your parents) and i'll find the ref so you can see what i mean.

So if i start with my parents Marriage certificate... From that will i get the correct date of birth for their parents?

Hi Tracy On a marriage certificate it shows the groom and brides names and ages and where they were living at the time of marriage and their father's names and occupations. It doesn't have their mothers names on. Do you know rough years of birth and places of birth for your grandparents?? Tammy

Hi Tracey Your parents marriage cert should give you the names of both of their fathers,as well as a guide to your parentages wheb they married as well as your mothers maiden name. A birth certificate gives you the mothers name (and maiden/former names) and should(depending on circumstances) the name of the father. Each certificate allows you to confirm at least one or both parents,and allow you to progress through the generations with the right family. Each certificate casts £7 with the reference number,more without. Glen

Tracey, start from what you know to be fact and then see what you need to find. Read the getting started info on the home page and I will bump up tips for newbies. Write down what you know is definitely correct and work backwards.

I know the names and dates of birth of my grandparents, would thier birth certificates be more use than marriage certificate?

Well their birth certificates will give their mums maiden name and their dads name and occupation and where your grandparents were born - so that would help you trace mum aswell as dad. You could then search for their marriage which would give you both their dads names and occupations and so on backwards.

Tracy, what dates are we talking?

yes they would. Suzanne

Born 1914/1915

Well thats good, because its a short jump to the 1901 census where you could then look up their parents. If you are going to do this seriously, think about a sub to ancestry - it works out about a pound a week and will give you census info back to 1841 plus all the birth, marriage and death references you will need to order certificates from GRO online for £7.

Thanks everyone for the help... Now the fun begins!!

Tracy And do bear in mind that information on certificates can be wrong. nell