Genealogy Website Subscriptions

[SuT]

There's probably been lots of chat on here about which Genealogy Website to take up a subscription to but I'm having difficulty deciding.  I've narrowed it down to ancestry.co.uk or thegenealogist.co.uk (I think).  Most of my research will be for Glamorgan (I live in Berkshire) or Northumberland and County Durham so I need to pick the one which will be of the most use to me.  I can get back to Glamorgan whenever I need (although getting around to visit both the families takes a lot of our weekend) but never never been to Northumberland or County Durham (now there's an idea for a holiday!).

Any suggestions or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

[Skoosh]

 For Scotland Su, which might not be a great help in your case, "Scotfamtree" is superb value, I think a years sub' is currently on offer at £8, non profit-making, all income ploughed back, and very user friendly.    Skoosh.

[HeatherLynne]

Hi Su

I have subscriptions to both those sites.  I started off with The Genealogist and have been very happy with that but when I had a little windfall I took a subscription to Ancestry as well.  My main reason for adding Ancestry was that many of my relatives were in London and their London Deaths and Burials 1813-1980 and  London Marriage Licences 1521-1869 have been helpful as well as the Pallot's Marriage and Baptism indexes.  

I prefer the census records on The Genealogist as I find them more easily navigable (although that may be that I haven't fully explored how to search on Ancestry rather than a failing of the site), although it is useful to check on both sites as often transcriptions can leave a lot to be desired.  I find the hints that Ancestry offers could easily tempt me to go chasing off down the wrong branch of the tree if I didn't check carefully - perhaps it makes it too easy for name hunters to build their trees.

So, in conclusion as you might have guessed, both sites have their advantages and different records available.  If I had to choose between them then I might go with Ancestry - although that's mainly because I've had The Genealogist longer and have exhausted most of the information they have for my family.

Not sure how much help that will be!
Good luck, Heather
p.s. send me a PM if I can help any further.
p.p.s.  The WWI records on Ancestry have also been particularly interesting.

[Plummiegirl]

I believe all the popular Genealogy sites offer a FREE 2 week trial.

Why not do that (remembering to cancel before the 2 weeks are up!!!)

Then you can try Ancestry, The Genealogist and FindMyPast (if only for 1911 census - do not think you get access with free trial)

Then also with Christmas coming up you could ask your family for pay for 6 mths on one site and pay for yourself for 6 mths on another.

[SuT]

Thanks that sounds like the best solution I am already on the free trial for Ancestry but haven't tried the others, will sound them out.

Cheers

 

[SuT]

Thanks to everyone for their helpful suggestions I am going try out the Genealogist before I buy (apparently they don't need credit card details to do so).  As for the Scotland suggestions, I may need them if my Northumberland family wander over the border at any point!

Thanks again

Su 

[Skoosh]

Su, "scotfamtree" are very good with Northumberland also!

skoosh.

[SuT]

Ah excellent I'll check them out too then. Thanks 

[Sloe Gin]

Don't forget that the LDS Family Search site is particularly strong on Northumberland/Durham, with many images of original parish registers or bishop's transcripts.  And it's free 

Durham Records Online is also very useful and adding more records all the time - it's a pay-per-view site, but very user-friendly.