how can i find out about my father's family?

Question

I am looking to find out about my father's mother. I would like advice on how to search that will not cost me a fortune in time and money that I do not have. It is a long story but there are events that occurred (apparently) some 60+ years ago which ultimately mean I have very little information about my heritage. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

Do you know any of his relatives? Would be a good point to start there.

I don't know where you e but I would start by trying to get a copy of his birth certificate, there you should find the names of his parents.

Answer 2

If you don't have the time and money then don't bother. It is nowhere near as easy as the BBCs "Who Do You Think You Are?" program seems to imply - you cannot simply walk into any random records office and library and be presented with the things you want, free gratis and for nothing. It is like detective work. It takes time to acquire the evidence (in the forms of birth marriage and death certificates) and money, so if you're not prepared to put in one or both of the above then you might as well not bother.

Aside from asking any known family members their own recollections there is not a lot you can do. Genes Reunited is NOT free - not if you actually want to actively contact anyone who might share your names, though if you want to ride on the back of someone elses research rather than look for things yourself then why not join the band-wagon and try them. Just don't believe everything you are told is true - check it for yourself - but that of course costs time and money. A vicious circle...

Answer 3

BBC have a link on their website to help with searching for family tree info...

Try this:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/familyhistory/

Answer 4

genes reunited is free and contacts with other people