Starting again after a while....

[plack150]

Hello everyone.
I did a lot of family history research some years ago and used Ancestry for a while as well as our local records office.
I've decided to start again over the winter months to give me s hobby and relax.
Has anyone got any tips please s out a good place to start again. For example, has much been added to Ancsstry since 2008 or are there cheaper or better alternatives?
Many thanks for your help.
Philip

[clairec666]

Yes, a lot has been added to Ancestry since then. If your ancestors are in England/Wales, you'll probably want to look at Ancestry and FindMyPast and decide which is best for you. They both have complete England & Wales censuses 1841-1911, but the parish records on the two sites differ greatly. For example, most London records on Ancestry but good coverage of Staffordshire and Shropshire on FindMyPast.

Both sites offer free trials, and might be available in your local library, so there's plenty of chance to try them out.

[crisane]

There is also FreeCEN, FreeREG,
family search.org
ScotlandsPeople -pay per view
The new UK GRO index which now gives mother's maiden name for birth registrations. 1837 -1914
Look at Cyndi's list which gives links to resources for many countries, some free and some pay per view.
Others will have more suggestions.

[plack150]

Thank you both for your suggestions.
Are there online censuses available for after 1911 somewhere?
I'm doing a free trial with Ancestry since I first posted and I find that it's changed lots. One thing is that it seems so much easier - the hint links easily access other family trees and I have to be very careful that they contain the correct information. I far prefer researching myself and not relying on others trees but it's difficult to ignore them.
I'll try the FreeCEN and FreeREG next and see how I get on.
Thanks again.

[KGarrad]

The 1921 census may be released - in 2021

Until then, FindMyPast have the 1939 National Register.
This was used to issue Identity Cards in 1939, and Ration Books. And was later used by the NHS, who kept it updated until 1991.

The Index is free to search, but to see details you have to pay.

[clairec666]

Thank you both for your suggestions.
Are there online censuses available for after 1911 somewhere?
I'm doing a free trial with Ancestry since I first posted and I find that it's changed lots. One thing is that it seems so much easier - the hint links easily access other family trees and I have to be very careful that they contain the correct information. I far prefer researching myself and not relying on others trees but it's difficult to ignore them.
I'll try the FreeCEN and FreeREG next and see how I get on.
Thanks again.

Check the coverage pages on FreeREG (http://www.freereg.org.uk/freereg_contents/new). Since it's transcribed by volunteers, coverage is a bit hit-and-miss - some areas are really well covered though and there are more transcriptions being added by the day, so it's worth looking to see if the places you're interested in are covered. If so, it'll be one of your most used sites, as it is for me!

[Ruskie]

Philip, I think many of the sites you used to know are still there but have been updated. It probably depends whereabouts your research is as to what is available. I think some records have come online in leaps and bounds, whereas others not so much. If you need specific help with any areas of your research, just start a thread on the appropriate board and ask away. There will be plenty willing to give you a helping hand.

[dawnsh]

Hi Philip

This topic has been edited to remove replies and comments that were off topic and of no use to you.

Dawn