Researching19th-century merchant seamen

If your ancestors lived in the UK in the 19th and 20th centuries, the chances are that one or more of them saw some sort of military service. When we think of our ancestors serving in the British mili

Britain’s neglect of its maritime heritage has led to shuttered shipyards, ailing fishing fleets and impoverished coastal towns

Mary Wade stood trial at the Old Bailey in 1789 for stealing a few items of clothing. She was only 10 years old, but London’s central criminal court condemned her to hang. Her sentence was commuted to

A collection of educational records that are of great use to family historians is exclusively available on Findmypast (findmypast. co.uk). ‘National School Admission Registers & Log-Books 1870–1914’ (

Technology has transformed sailing, but was the past better or worse? Andy Du Port shares his views

The uniforms of the British Armed Forces and those of the Empire, Commonwealth and dominions across the sea all looked alike with subtle differences. This same rule can be applied to the other branche