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
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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
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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:
Welcome to the July issue of Discover Your Ancestors Periodical, your regular mix of family and social history stories, explorations and advice.
It's astonishing that London's Newgate Prison existed in one form or another for seven centuries – in this issue Dene Bebbington tells stories of this institution and its inmates. For another dark tale from a different kind of institution, the workhouse, we also have Denise Bates's investigations into her own family. On a lighter note, Ruth Symes returns with a look at what we can learn from traditions and trends around first names – all that and more inside!
Don't forget our print editions too, packed with different articles: complete your set at the DYA website.
I hope you enjoy this issue.
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, London 2025 on 4th October 2025.
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 including 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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