Most people at some time have wondered about the history of their families, and how the lives of their ancestors, their relationships, their travels and their fortunes, have resulted in the family of today.

This book shows how tracing your personal genealogy can become a fascinating piece of detective work through time, an adventure that is wholly absorbing. Step by step, the lines of research in Great Britain and abroad are clearly explained, with advice on using sources such as government and parish records, the use of archives, census records, wills, land deeds, military lists and official registers. The family historian is shown how to make the best use of expert knowledge, and how to recognize unusual or unexpected clues from the past. With its many illustrations and authoritative text this book will draw the family historian into the excitement ot discovery and answers the question everyone asks: 'Where did I come from?'