Genealogy

                                                                                             
The 1939 Register: A Snapshot of Britain on the Eve of War

The 1939 Register is one of the most valuable resources available to family historians. Discover what information it contains, why some records remain closed and how it can help bridge the gap between the 1921 and 1951 censuses.

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The Boy in the Workhouse

A thirteen-year-old boy in the 1881 census appears in the Oswestry workhouse at Morda, while his siblings were placed elsewhere. His story, and a visit to Llanfyllin, reveal how close this history really is.

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What Census Records Can Reveal About Your Ancestors’ Lives

Census records offer one of the richest windows into the lives of our ancestors. Taken every ten years, they reveal households, occupations, and changing family lives across generations. This article explores what the UK censuses from 1841 to 1921 can tell us, and how a single return can help bring family history to life.

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How to Start Your Family History Journey in 2026

A practical introduction to family history research, focused on taking the first step, where to begin, and how to start building your family story step by step.

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How AI Tools Can Support Family History Research

A reflective post about the role AI tools can play in family history research. Used thoughtfully, they can help us plan next steps, explore historical context, organise notes, and shape family stories. They don’t replace original records or careful research — but they can offer guidance, inspiration, and a fresh way of thinking along the research journey.

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First Cousins and Pedigree Collapse: The Story of John Lee and Margaret Maddocks

When researching family history, you sometimes come across surprises that make you stop and double-check the records. One such moment came when I realized that a couple in my family tree—John Lee (1805–1853) and Margaret Maddocks (1804–1883)—were not just husband and wife, but also first cousins. This discovery was one of those classic genealogy research […]

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Russell Crowe's Grandad was born in Wrexham!

The actor and singer Russell Crowe has roots in North Wales. His Grandad was born in Wrexham, he later emigrated to New Zealand

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Wrexham Workhouse or “Panton Place”?

While researching a family tree, I stumbled on “Panton Place” in Wrexham—a name hiding the harsh truth of workhouse births. What I found next was a surprising tale of rural morality and Victorian euphemisms.

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Exploring St Hilary's Church, Erbistock, Wrexham

We found Erbistock’s St Hilary’s Church by chance—and walked into red sandstone arches, Victorian memorials, and centuries‑old gravestones by the Dee. Here’s why it deserves a return visit.

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Wrexham AFC

The snow on the pitch at The Racecourse this weekend, took me back to when I first watched a Wrexham match in 1960 aged 13 with my dad, John Lee Hinton. I remember that match because I remember seeing close family friend Ron Hewitt completing a great tackle right in front of me. Another match […]

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