Family Tree UK

Learn how to trace your family tree! Every issue is packed with: family history research advice hands-on learning experiences to help you become an ancestor super-sleuth & step-by-step guides to show you the path to tracing the past. From vintage documents to the latest in DNA, we’re here to help you discover more! Get the latest in genealogy news, software, books, archives and expert answers. Plus enjoy those reader stories that remind what it means to trace your family story. Research & remember your roots with Family Tree!

Is it time to go right back to the start and take a new look at your research…?

MORE FROM US…

Family Tree Live returns with two-day celebration

Suffragette’s chief nurse long-lost medal on display • For the first time, the silver medal awarded to Nurse Catherine Pine – who treated the hunger-striking Emmeline Pankhurst and helped sisters Christabel and Sylvia Pankhurst escape arrest – is on display

New fees introduced at The National Archives, Kew • The increased fees will apply to some services from TNA, including the MOD historic service personnel records. TNA is keen to emphasise that the services are not-for-profit

DNA Club news • DNA Club news reporter Karen Evans shares news from the genealogy scene

Bona Vacantia reinstated • The list of unclaimed estates – Bona Vacantia – has been reinstated from January 2026

View the RootsTech 2026 class preview • Whether you’re travelling to Utah, USA, or attending RootsTech virtually, study the programme and time-table a tailormade genealogy experience

BACK TO BASICS: making the most of the record sets • This month, Family Tree Academy tutor David Annal shows us how taking a systematic and flexible approach to our family history research can pay dividends in helping to break down brick walls

CONFIRMATION BIAS in Theory • In this fascinating article, genealogist Dr Sophie Kay explains the concept of confirmation bias – and how it can introduce serious flaws into our family history research – as well as giving us some useful tips on how to avoid it

CASE to prove • Gill Shaw turns detective to see whether her theory about her 4x great-grandfather George Grindle fits the facts

Our ultimate offer. The ultimate family history subscription

Photo corner • Costume historian and photo dating expert Jayne Shrimpton shares advice to help you date your unidentified pictures and so put names to the faces of the past

PHOTO-DATING ADVICE

FAITHFULLY RESTORED The Dudden Hill School War Memorial project • Rescued from a builder’s skip in the mid 1960s, a school war memorial languished for many decades, until recent dedicated efforts have seen it rightfully restored. Paul Mitchell now hopes to make connections with the families of the former pupils who gave their lives over a century ago…

How to trace A REGIMENT • Discover how to research the regiment in which your ancestor served, with Graham Bandy’s sound military family history advice, and learn so much more about their time in the Army.

THE LIFE OF BRYAN a Family Perspective • Family Tree reader Eleanor Hart re-visits the story of Bryan Dean, who was featured in our September 2025 issue, and enlarges on the life of her sometimes elusive 2x great-grandfather

Your views on DNA TESTING • Ahead of our DNA Discoveries webinars in March, we asked Family Tree newsletter recipients to share their views on using DNA for family history research, so we can better understand where the community is on its DNA journey and how best to support everyone. The results revealed some fascinating insights into how DNA is being used

WHICH BRANCH OF THE HOUSTOUNS WENT TO ULSTER? • Was it possible to work out which branch of the Renfrewshire Houstoun family went to Ulster?...