Featured Articles

Read about our newest Record Set releases and how they could help further your research, get inspired by our historical articles which show how famous ancestors such as Florence Nightingale, the Brontë sisters or Charles Darwin can be traced online, or enjoy fascinating discoveries about well-known celebrities in our Who Do You Think You Are section.

Who Do You Think You Are?

Every year the popular BBC series Who Do You Think You Are? brings us a host of new and exciting stories. We have taken a look at each celebrity as they journey into their family history, and you can read about their discoveries in our articles.

Series 20 (2023)

Series 19 (2022)

Series 18 (2021)

Series 17 (2020)

Series 16 (2019)

Series 15 (2018)

Series 14 (2017)

Series 13 (2016)

Series 12 (2015)

Series 11 (2014)

Series 10 (2013)

Series 9 (2012)

Series 8 (2011)

Series 7 (2010)

Latest Articles

Drilling down in the Northampton Land Tax Records discovers the home of an Eminent Geologist

7th December 2023

Thompson was the county’s leading geologist, a curator of fossils at Northampton Museum and had prospected for oil in Peru, Angola, Brazil, as well as in the Caribbean. A founder member of the Northamptonshire Natural History Society he had been the first Principal of Northampton College of Science and Technology, and inspired Walter Crick to study science. Crick, a Northampton shoe manufacturer, would jointly publish an article with Charles Darwin in the latter’s last publication thirteen days before his death in 1882.

Rolls of Honour Reveal Unsung Heroes of the Rolling Sea

10th November 2023

During both World Wars, the Merchant Navy was called upon in a time of need. Merchant seamen were the vital crew who ensured the United Kingdom remained supplied with essential raw materials, arms, ammunition, fuel, and sustenance, thus enabling the nation to sustain itself through the trials of war. Their contribution was pivotal, with their valiant efforts supporting the country's defence.

Up before the Justices of the Peace

26th October 2023

The Quarter Session Registers are a treasure trove of historical information that provide insight into the judicial and administrative activities of English counties over several centuries. These records offer a unique window into the social, economic, and legal aspects of the past.

Found in the Welsh Tithe Records: The Cottage Built in One Night

12th October 2023

It was a time of dire poverty in rural West Wales, leading to unrest amongst the farmers and workers when Thomas Rees, also known as Twm Carnabwth, came to the front leading the first Rebecca Riot in an attack on a toll gate in 1839.