Sometimes the simplest objects can bring our ancestors' lives to life as much as anything. Medicines, recipes and household furnishings are all subjects we've covered in our articles.
Perhaps your ancestor took 'the King's shilling', or was 'taken' by a press gang – or indeed 'joined the colours' by choice. Discover Your Ancestors has articles on exploring military history over several centuries.
Our two print editions have recommended almost 100 places to visit in the UK and around the world to help get a flavour of what your ancestors were like, and our Periodical features more.
Most of our forebears will have started work between the ages of 12 and 14, or even younger, and their trade will have shaped their lives. Discover Your Ancestors includes regular features on trades in times past and how to research them.
Many of our ancestors have migrated to far-flung lands, and they came from across the social spectrum: land-hungry nobles, eager missionaries, aspiring farmers, desperate criminals and unwanted orphans. We'll help you follow their journeys.
From the mid-18th century, many of our forebears flocked from the fields to the factories – the Industrial Revolution was just as much a social one. We'll help you explore the changes your ancestors experienced.
The pillory at Charing Cross. Many punishments for criminals became public spectacles. Hangings were only confined to prison courtyards from 1868. We'll help you trace the black sheep among your ancestors.
Visiting the doctor in the past was very much a last resort for ordinary people – many turned to apothecaries or herbalists instead. We've got articles exploring a trip to the dentist, doctor or apothecary – not for the faint of heart!
What were your ancestors' childhoods like? Not everyone went to school – we've got articles covering both child workers and the beginnings of the modern education system to help you picture their early years.
Many marriages were driven by social pressures and parental interference – and 'no sex before marriage' was a rule seldom upheld. Every family has a story to tell...
Discover your ancestors for just £3 a month
Launched in May 2013 Discover Your Ancestors Periodical is a high quality monthly digital magazine delivered to your own personalised online account every month. This beautifully designed 30+ page online magazine is packed full of stories, case studies, social history articles and research advice. This regular and affordable service is a must have for anyone starting out in family history research or for those with more experience but who have reached brick walls.
We have two critically acclaimed publications available to family history researchers – the annual print magazine, Discover Your Ancestors and the monthly online magazine, Discover Your Ancestors Periodical. These publications have been designed and written by our team of best in class journalists to support and guide you through your family history journey.
In this issue:
A warm welcome to the March issue of Discover Your Ancestors Periodical, your regular mix of family and social history stories, explorations and advice.
Everyone knows the headlines about Jack the Ripper – but did the headlines of the late Victorian era in a sense create him? In this issue we look into the sensationalist media and social prejudices of the time which fed into the narratives around the crimes – author Richard Walker wonders if the obsession with identifying the killer (or killers?) is perhaps asking the wrong question.
Still on the crime theme, we also follow the history of York's various gaols and their inmates in this issue – but on a lighter note Ruth Symes takes on a tour of the quirks of early 20th-century house naming. All that and more inside!
And of course don't forget the DYA team will be on hand at the first of this year's live Family History Shows for the Midlands one at Malvern on 14 March. Grab your tickets now! Don't forget our print editions too, packed with different articles: complete your set at the DYA website or at the show.
I hope you enjoy this issue.
Andrew Chapman, Editor.
We run several events across the country throughout the year in the Midlands, London, Liverpool and Online. Our aim is to offer engaging events that bring family historians, societies and genealogical organisations together, making the search for your family history educating and enjoyable with captivating events accessible for people of all ages. Each show features:
Our next show is The Family History Show, Midlands 2026 on 14th March 2026.
Issue 11 of the critically acclaimed annual printed magazine Discover Your Ancestors is now available, featuring more than 140 pages of beautifully illustrated content to move your family history research on at pace. Read stunning features about life in the past, celebrity genealogies, Belfast roots, Scots marriages, trade unions, Catholic ancestors, and much more, delivered straight to your door.
Issue 11 is now available at this website and at more than 4,000 newsagents worldwide including WHSmith in the UK, Barnes & Noble in the USA and Chapters in Canada. While stocks last you can also purchase copies of back issues direct from this website.
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