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 December issue of Discover Your Ancestors Periodical, your regular mix of family and social history stories, explorations and advice.
The stories of Dickens are almost a Christmas cliché, but the fact that we enjoy them over 150 years after he died is a testament to the power of his imagination – in this issue, we celebrate that, his life and the influence he had upon the season.
Many of us also take the time over Christmas to burrow into our family history research – in this issue, I share a little adventure into 'microhistory' with an old friend, as a challenge to see how much local (and related family) history we could find out about a small settlement in just a couple of days. Perhaps you might like to take up a microhistory challenge for your area or a branch of your family too! (Let me know how it goes.) All that and more in another varied issue to keep you occupied over the winter period.
Don't forget our print editions too, packed with different articles: complete your set at the DYA website. And do start planning for next year's Family History Shows!
I hope you enjoy this issue, and have a wonderful Christmas.
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, Online 2026 on 7th February 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.
Order Your Copy Today!You will be taken to our partner site GenealogySupplies.com to complete your order.
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