Your questions answered

In this age of algorithms and ‘artificial intelligence’, when the major commercial genealogical websites are all trying to persuade us that the best way to trace our family trees is to follow their hi

Q I’m researching my Howell/Willington ancestors. In the 1891 census, Hannah Howell, 50, widow lived at 77 Leabrook Road, Wednesbury, with her granddaughter Hannah Howell, seven. In 1901, Hannah is at

As many of my roots are in Suffolk I was interested to read your recent article on Suffolk resources. I was not previously aware of the Suffolk Records Society so will look into their holdings with in

How do you research your family history when you’re adopted? Do you follow the lines of your biological parents, assuming you know who they are, or do you investigate your adopted parents’ families? K

The Penal Laws of the 1690s restricted the ability of Irish Catholics to access education by prohibiting the establishment of Catholic schools. Catholic children were instead taught in informal school

I was pleased to see you included the Irish Genealogical Research Society (IGRS) (www. irishancestors.ie/) in your Family History Handbook 2026. However you have categorised us as only covering the Re