How to research your family tree

The ultimate novice's guide to researching your family tree

Many people want to research their family tree but don't know where or how to start. Join Dr Nick Barratt, former genealogical consultant on the BBC's Who Do You Think You Are?, to find out how it's really done. The truth? It's easier and more compelling than you might think. This is a unique opportunity to learn from one of the UK's leading experts in genealogy.

Dr Barratt will not just show you how to dig up the names and locations of your ancestors, but how to fill in rich biographical detail to give you a complete insight into your family's place in history, and even trace lost heirlooms.

The price of this course also includes individual follow-up support from genealogy specialists Sticks Research Agency.

Course description

This course shows attendees how to create a family tree, mixing theoretical advice on research within your family and accessing public records, alongside practical exercises, illustrated with real-life case studies. Previous experience isn't necessary, and the price of the course includes individual follow-up advice from Sticks Research Agency, responsible for compiling genealogies which have featured in Who Do You Think You Are?.

Topics covered include:

• Getting started – what do you want to find out?
• Ask the family – interviewing the relatives to gather basic information
• Secrets in the attic – looking for heirlooms and other treasures
• Build your family tree – how to construct a family tree to organise your research results
• Finding your roots – sources and techniques to expand your family tree back in time, including civil registration records, census returns, parish registers, probate records
• Where next? Putting flesh on the bones of the family tree

This course is for you if…

You have an interest in researching your family history, but have little or no knowledge of the methodology involved. You are not required to have undertaken any previous research, although some existing knowledge of your family is an advantage.

Tutor profile

Dr Nick Barratt is a leading broadcaster, author and medieval historian, best known for his work on BBC's Who Do You Think You Are, as well as appearing on and presenting programmes such as So You Think You're Royal, Secrets from the Attic, and Missing Millions. His published works include Who Do You Think You Are Encyclopaedia of Genealogy, Lost Voices from the Titanic and Greater London: the Story of the Suburbs. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, President of the Federation of Family History Societies and a Trustee of the Society of Genealogists. He is an international lecturer, regularly giving presentations on a wide range of historical topics.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website