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. Click here to subscribe to our Periodical for a mere £2.08 a month
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. Click here to subscribe for just £2.08 a month
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. Click here to subscribe for only £2.08 a month
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. Click here to subscribe
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 – click to subscribe
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 – click to subscribe for £2.08 a month
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 – click to subscribe for just £2.08 a month
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! Click to subscribe
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. Click to subscribe for £2.08 a month
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: we'll help you find yours for just £2.08 a month – click to subscribe
Discover your ancestors for just over £2 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 October issue of Discover Your Ancestors Periodical, your regular mix of family and social history stories, explorations and advice. It's quite a milestone, too: our 150th monthly issue!
As usual, we have a great variety of subjects explored inside – from the history of the button-making industry (of great importance in Birmingham) to profiles of three very different late 19th/early 20th-century figures, pioneering suffragist Lydia Becker, television inventor John Logie Baird and troubled cat artist Louis Wain – and of course plenty more besides.
Don't forget our print editions too, packed with different articles: complete your set at the DYA website. And if you're reading this at the start of October, there's still just time to plan your day out at the London Family History Show on Saturday 4th!
It's been a real joy to be at the helm of DYA for all 150 of these issues, month by month since 2013. And I hope you enjoy this latest one!
Andrew Chapman, Editor.
We run several events across the country throughout the year in London, York 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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