It’s a basic human trait that people have a need to know who and where they come from. Family history research can give a fascinating insight and helps people answer some, if maybe not all, of these questions. 

Ever wondered if you are related to royalty? Or if there is someone famous in your family tree? These are all valid questions and they make the search exciting, but most of us will find we are related to everyday normal people just like us. Take me for an instance, I’m a big horse racing fan, or to be more precise a National Hunt racing fan. 

I was hoping when I started my family research that I would find that I was related to a famous Grand National trainer or jockey, sadly no such luck, however thanks to the internet I was still able to trace my family back into the 1700’s without too much difficulty. I found out there was a horse connection of sorts – my ancestors were bargemen on the canals, not quite what I was expecting or hoping for! (more…)