The internet has brought about a great number of conveniences. Today, you can buy just about anything under the sun from the comfort of your home, you can find local businesses or services without picking up a phone or a phone book, and you can stay in touch with loved ones, wherever they live, with the touch of a button. The conveniences and benefits of the internet do not stop at allowing you to communicate and buy things, however — these advances have opened up a whole new world when it comes to researching your family’s history. Here are a few ways that the internet has improved your ability to research your own family tree.

Perform a genealogy search from home, easily

In the past, trying to put together your family tree was a painstakingly monotonous undertaking. While you might have been able to find out some names, birth dates, and other important information from living relatives — there’s a good chance that you would have to head out to the library, scour through Census Bureau records, graveyards, or contact a local LDS Family History Center to obtain even limited information about your ancestors.

By using the internet to research your family and lineage, however — there is a good chance that you could put together a comprehensive family tree without ever leaving your home. Sure, you may have to talk to a few relatives, but by using genealogy software, or an ancestry search website, you can trace a large portion of your family’s roots without all of the physical legwork.

Search multiple family-history resources simultaneously

One of the biggest benefits of performing genealogy research on the internet is that you have the ability to search through multiple resources at the same time. If you were to head out to your local library to try to find information about your ancestors, you would only be able to compile information as fast as your mind and body would permit you. However, because computers can process and sort information faster than we can, and they can store data, even as it is being accessed, the internet really has given us previously unheard of access to a wealth of one-click information about our family members — current and former.

Genealogy research is now easy enough for anybody to do

Not too long ago, you either had to have an analytical mind and quite a bit of free time on your hands, or you had to have some money stashed away, along with the name of a good genealogy researcher, mixed with some hope, if you wanted to piece together your family tree. Today, these former requisites for genealogy research are as outdated as cassette tape players for new automobiles — they are no longer applicable. Nowadays, you can use genealogy software, family crest finder services, and ancestry search websites to help you put together your family tree — no special skills, or large sums of money required.

The internet has greatly improved one’s ability to research their genealogy. While putting together your family tree used to be a time consuming, and possibly expensive endeavour in years past — today, anybody with an internet connection can research their family history, and all you really need is a working internet connection and a little bit of free time.

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Probably the best way to lessen the danger of conflicting genealogy records and erroneous mistakes is to have at least 2 documents supporting one another. This is all right if the documents state the same information like the dates being the same, also the names being the same, plus the places are the same.

However what if the information retrieved from one document or record gives different info from the other? Does this imply that the older data is correct and the new data, incorrect, or visa versa?

Not really, it just means you will have to check out all the information available and decide which one is the accurate piece of information. In fact sorting out conflicting genealogy records is really not that difficult. Because all you are required to do is pay attention to the information and ask the following questions.

How accurate is the source compared to the original information? The vicinity of the original information could differ from one database to another, and this is definitely the case with some genealogy websites. However, one should work with the possibility that some of the genealogy records offered me be from the original source, because some sites have definitely got their information from original records. So as a rule of thumb the information at is closest to the original records is usually the most accurate.

What do other individuals say about the source of genealogy records? Probably the official records are the most accurate and credible source of information. On the other hand, if you are getting your information from a book or database you may want to check fire the Internet see what other users have written about the accuracy and validity of the material.

Does the document look to have been edited? The editing or changing of official documents is very rare, however it is a possibility. When checking a document, be sure to look for any differences in handwriting, because this can be an indication that information has been added to an original document.

Is there a time discrepancy between the actual event and the time where the conflicting genealogy records was created? For instance a record of a birth may have been created several months or years after the actual birth took place, or maybe a gravestone was added to a grave some years after the burial. These are just some of the things you should look out for when doing your research, because often times when genealogy records are created some time after an event took place this can lead to possible inaccuracies.

By Malc Moore

Genealogy is a fascinating subject to get envolved in, and you will be able to get more great tips and information about conflicting genealogy records and The Ultimate Genealogy Guide book at our website and blog genealogyforu.com.

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Wills and Some Useful Information They Can Contain

Always keep in mind that Wills can be a useful place to look for information when researching family history. To look at the original wills you need to visit a Record Office, and you usually [at least you do in the UK] have to order them to be brought out of storage. Always do your homework before you go, have your list sorted out so that you can fill out the request slips straight away and you will not waste your time. By that I am talking about the time that you have booked to be in the Record Office, with the use of a fiche or film reader.

Because of the fragility of the old wills, you will only be allowed to write in pencil, and you must always, always be very careful in your handling of the wills – they are irreplaceable.

In the UK you will find that all the old wills come bound between two hard covers with fabric ties. They can be about a foot thick sometimes and very heavy, but the contents are numbered so its easy to find the one you want.

I mentioned wills being useful and they can be because of the people who are mentioned there. Sometimes family members are mentioned, perhaps by their married names, and also you could learn the names of children who you didn’t know about. You also learn by the bequests just how much property your ancestor owned. The wills can be a big help when trying to locate ancestors.

A good part of my research was connected with farming families in a rural area of Lincolnshire in the UK. When there is land involved, it is usually divided up between family members, plus they usually bequeathed the animals, the hay, dairy equipment and all sorts of farming equipment.

I was always pleased to see an inventory attached to the will because this showed me what the person had in his house. You would find one person inheriting the pewter from the parlour say, somebody else would be getting the beds, bedding and bed furniture [yes, they even left their bedding!!]. Another person would inherit all that was in the hall [what we would probably describe as a dining room now], the table and chairs, or sometimes benches. Then somebody else would be getting all that was in the dairy. Plus of course there is always the family home and any money.

Usually debts and monies owed to the deceased are mentioned in the will, with directions as to how they should be handled.

Men especially seemed to leave their clothing, one of my ancestors left one son his best hat and whip, another got his boots, somebody else got his clothing.

Women did leave wills sometimes, but most often you would find that it was the men.

One difficulty with the wills from the 1500′s and 1600′s would be the writing style. Elizabethan English and what was known as ‘Secretary Hand’ were the styles usually found. At first sight you think to yourself that you will never be able to decipher any of it, but don’t panic, take it slowly. The beginning of the wills usually follow a set format, you will get the persons name, where they lived and the date and they would talk about committing their body to God etc.etc. Most often they specify the place they want to be buried, and then come the bequests.

There are books available which will help you to understand the old English writing, some of the letters were formed differently in the ‘good old days’. When you have looked at a number of the old wills in your bid to trace your family history, you become more able to make out words. Almost always family names seem to jump out and hit you in the eye!

Some of course could even be in Latin, and this can be a bit daunting. You soon learn the word for son [filius] and daughter [fillia] etc. It’s all a matter of learning as you go.

Even the names of the executors can be useful, they may be members of the deceased’s family, or in-laws. Another thing to keep in mind is that you can often find that a son-in-law is called ‘son’. This can throw you off a little, but when you see the surname you realize that it means in-law.

Apart from the information to be gleaned from the will, you get a rather odd sensation when you realize that your ancestor from all that time ago, actually handled the document and signed their name to it. very strange but a good feeling, a sort of contact with the deceased.

There will be two workshops on palaeography at the forthcoming Open the Door International Family History Conference. One will be part of the Society of Genealogists sponsored workshops and the otehr a more advanced skills workshop. Whatever your level of expertise, you will beneift from attending at least one of tehse workshops. So much choice at the genealogy conference.

By Jean Carrick

Jean is passionate about family history and genealogy and has a blog related to these topics. If you would like to take a look at her blog and maybe ask a question, she will do her utmost to give you a solution to any problem you may have. Click here http://familytreetrace.com

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Anyone who has utilized the internet for any kind of research surely knows that there is an unbelievable amount of information available online. The number of web pages that can be viewed is enormous and even more are being added every day. This means that the amount of data that can be acquired online grows at the same fast rate. Air Force and other military records are just examples of the type of information that can be found online.

One fascinating journey that many families have embarked on is that of tracing their family tree and documenting the story of their ancestors. For those families, having access to these Air Force records may mean the difference between whether or not they can complete this family history to share with their children and grandchildren. Many veterans, whether from World War I, World War II, Korea, or Vietnam, tend to be forgotten as time goes by. Having a copy of a relatives Air Force record, or an Air Force ring can be a great way to permanently document this ancestors service to their country so that none of their descendants will forget the sacrifices that they made for their freedom.

Air Force records are also of great interest to historians. Museums often use these records to create interactive learning experiences for children and students. Combining these records with uniforms and other artifacts just has a way of bringing a story to life. In fact, original records are often the basis for many museum exhibits, both permanent and traveling.

Air Force records can also be a big help to those who might be organizing a military reunion. The chance to reconnect and spend time with military friends can be a great benefit and enjoyment for many veterans. Much time must be spent online researching their Air Force records in order to find them all and send out invitations.

It is not easy to plan a reunion. In fact, because it has been so long since the veterans were discharged from service, locating all of them may be next to impossible. Veterans are renowned for moving to remote locations, some of them overseas. Finding a current phone number or address can, at best, be difficult, even for those who are experienced in the hunt.

Fortunately, it is a lot easier to locate a veteran now because of the availability of Air Force records online. Planners can now locate them and notify them of the reunion being planned. Online Air Force records are responsible for the success of many military reunions.

Many Air Force veterans also use the information found online to determine their eligibility for certain types of benefits. Some of the benefits available may include education incentive, housing loans, and burial benefits.

Employers also have the option of researching a potential employee’s military record on the internet. If this person claims to be an Air Force veteran, the employer can easily found out the truth online.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/locating-air-force-records-online-630874.html

Author: diane hamments

About the Author:

Diane Hamments is a freelance author who writes on various subjects
including Collectables and Memorabilia. Visit www.societygifts.com for more information.retired navy rings, Collectables and Memorabilia. Visit American navy rings for more information.
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Looking into our past is how we humans gain insight into our present and our future. It is how we learn our lessons and prepare for the things that are yet to appear over the horizon. The same wisdom holds true not just to understanding why or how things happen, but also to understanding ourselves – who we are, how we came to be, the things that define us, limit us or by the same token, free us, can be grasped by tracing our lineage and ancestry through the intricate web woven by our family and the varied connections and interconnections our relations have made throughout the years.

Human nature dictates the necessity of relationships. No man, after all, is an island. It is this natural need that has allowed groups of people to build and strengthen bonds and ties – ones that are lasting and captured by genealogy.

1851 Census Online Click Here

In the past, it wasn’t easy to find your relatives. Records weren’t updated and documents were easily destroyed. Most genealogists found then that the best way to find information on your family tree was through microfilm. The most comprehensive bank of genealogical data, however, belonged to the Mormons. The members of the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints believed in keeping detailed records of their family trees as part of their religion, and as such, many people back in the day sought their help in building their family trees.

Other sources for genealogy researchers include newspapers, funeral cards, and personal interviews. Newspapers, are understandably, easy to gain access to and are reliable sources of information. However, back then, search isn’t automated and there were no computers to assist you in going through thousands of volumes of newspaper editions that could possibly hold the information you need. Funeral cards, although more exact to the data you need, are only good sources if your relatives were able to keep them, and if they did, if you’re able to find them.

Personal interviews are good data mines. Interviewing living relatives often yield information that is of a personal level and holds more detail than newspaper articles or funeral cards contain, as it is more often than not a first-hand account whose reliability depends on the memory and honesty of the interviewee.

All these methods, though effective when combined, can be exhausting, time-consuming and expensive. They require significant investment in time, money and effort and can be a daunting task to a beginning genealogist, something that can easily discourage or beat neophytes off the track.

In today’s world, however, technology has made the search for our family’s lineage an easier task. Online genealogy systems are up and running, collecting records and files from primary documents to newspapers including obituaries and funeral cards, which are constantly kept updated, allowing researchers easier access to the data that they need in order to build their family trees.

Free genealogy search engines assist in helping people locate correct data by inputting names and known locations of relatives. These search engines also have forums where people who have signed up can post messages with their queries or comments, allowing other genealogists to help them where the automation cannot. Often, other genealogists who are working on the same name may come up and help, thus, easing the burden of the search by pooling common resources.

In this day and age, the way information is freely and easily exchanged has helped along the cause of genealogists. Through the constantly advancing technology of the internet as well as database collection and management, people have improved chances of finding their family and consequently in knowing more about themselves.

Indeed, the road to self-discovery may very well begin with that PC sitting on your desk, or that laptop you’re taking everywhere with you. You don’t need to start with a lot. Just a core of information and an internet connection, and you’re off on a journey to the past.

By Bill Turnbull

Bill Turnbull has been studying genealogy for 15 years and in that time has discovered the secrets to building family trees effortlessly online. For more great information on Genealogy visit Build Family Tree Online

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Turnbull
http://EzineArticles.com/?Understanding-Family-History-With-the-Help-of-Online-Genealogical-Research&id=2412245

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Ignore Coat of Arms Rules at Your Own Risk

Heraldry, as a science, is almost totally ignored by most of our educated classes in the United States. Many family history researchers dig into heraldry to some extent, but even they are not as versed in it as they should be. If a genealogist is asked to do some research for a client or friend, many times the question of "Do I have a coat of arms?" will arise. Family history researchers should learn some background of heraldry in order to tackle such questions.

The Coat-of-Arms business is very popular and there is a lot of interest among family history researchers in knowing various Coats of Arms. But there is not a lot of information propagated around dealing with the regulations of Coat of Arms. United States laws do not recognize heraldic emblems and so they are not regulated in the United States, and many have been allowed to do as they please with a traditional family coat-of-arms that they falsely claim.

Some authorities might declare that heraldry is an essential aid to the student of medieval history and medieval architecture. As a science, therefore, it should have a certain place in our systems of education. But beyond this necessity, there is a more urgent reason for a greater familiarity with the subject. Our social relations with Europe are important. It is well known abroad that we have no titles of nobility in the United States, and there is, consequently, no inducement for any American to claim such a distinction.

But, in all parts of Europe, there is still in existence a system of honorary insignia which is supposed to bestow upon the possessors a certain social position. These decorations are usually coat-of-arms, and the rules regulating their use are defined by well-known authorities. In fact, arms are the remaining traces of the old social division of gentle and ignoble birth. Every one who uses a coat-of-arms proclaims his involvement among the gentlemen of the land, and is supposed to be able to furnish satisfactory proof of his right to the position. This right may be obtained by grant from the sovereign through the duly constituted officials, a process that is expensive, or it may be acquired by inheritance. Inherited arms are usually most prized, and their value is estimated by their antiquity. Theoretically, however, they are all of equal value.

Family history researchers should be aware that the use of heraldic emblems as a system cannot be traced much earlier than A. D. 1200. Probably at that date and for around two centuries following, every knight adopted such a design, always in accordance with a certain design plan, to his choosing. But soon after A. D. 1400, in England, the right to grant arms was reserved to the Crown, and then a way was adopted to determine or record the names of all persons entitled to a coat-of-arms.

The College of Heralds was to become the repository of heraldry proof, and with physical
visits to the different counties of England, they were to figure out who were the gentlemen at that time. While doing this, all grants of arms were to be recorded, and any one falsely pretending to arms was to be severely punished. The plan was successfully carried out in Scotland, but in England it failed. Many visitations were made, and many coat-of-arms recorded, but the lack of power to enforce the punishment for false arms prevented recording a complete or fully accurate register. Many people just simply refused to comply.

Even today in England grants are made to families of education and wealth based many times on assumptions, but no arms is recognized by Heralds unless it is recorded in the Herald’s college. Still, family history researchers may recognize any coat-of-arms in use before the sixteenth century, even if not recorded, but they should be aware of rules of heraldry.

Officially, the right to use a coat-of-arms by inheritance is dependent entirely upon a well documented pedigree which can be researched by a genealogist. A coat-of-arms, whether obtained by grant or officially recognized by the Heralds is actually property, with some value. It is inherited by the descendants of the first true and verified possessor only. When someone seeks to establish a claim on the grounds of inheritance, they must prove descent precisely as they would in claiming a piece of land.In the United States there is a common mistake among some novice family history researchers that certain coats-of-arms belong to certain families. It is supposed that all of the same surname constitute one family, and are hence entitled to the arms. This is simply not true since we know matching surnames does not mean matching origin. It is very important for family history researchers just starting out to be aware of these heraldry issues.

If you would like to learn more about heraldry and find out if your family has a cpoat of arms, why not come along to the genealogical conference in Nottingham later this year. There will be a specific workshop on heraldry led by Derek Palgrave who is a trustee of the Halsted Trust and President of the Guild of One-Name Studies

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/history-articles/genealogy-and-heraldryignore-coat-of-arms-rules-at-your-own-risk-625335.html

Author: Mark Jordan

About the Author:

Mark D. Jordan is a writer and researcher living in Pennsylvania. More heraldry and genealogy material can be read at Family Genealogy Blog and Medieval Time Line

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Britain’s Victorian “Doomsday Book” released online by Familyrelatives.com

The first ever complete collection of fully searchable Landowner returns is published online for England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

A record of who owned land in Britain and Ireland was created over a hundred years ago by the Victorians as a response to the great outcry about what was described as the monopoly of land. The wildest and most reckless exaggerations and mis-statements of fact were uttered about the number of individuals who were actual owners of the soil.

In the House of Lords it had been said that according to the Census of 1861 in the United Kingdom, there were no more than 30,000 landowners and although this estimate arose from a misreading of the figures, its accuracy had never been disputed, the true status was a matter of conjecture but it was believed to have been nearer 300,000 landowners.

In these circumstances a comprehensive “Return” was called for and termed the “Doomsday Book”. It was published in 1873 almost a thousand years after William the Conqueror commissioned the original Domesday Book in 1086.

These fascinating Returns provide the name and address of every Owner and their holding in acres, rods and poles, with the estimated yearly rental valuation of all holdings over 1 acre. Interestingly lease holders at the commencement of their term were considered as owners also, however those at the end of their term were not so considered.

As a result over 320,000 landowners of one acre or more can be searched online representing 1% of the entire population of the United Kingdom. The number of owners with less than one acre was nearly 850,000. London the “Great Metropolis” was excluded from the Returns as was waste land if it yielded no profit.

Among the landowning aristocracy were the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry who owned 432,373 acres in the Scottish Highlands and the Duke of Norfolk with 44,638 acres mostly around Arundel Castle in Sussex. The Prince of Wales’ estate at Sandringham is listed with 6,724 acres, as are Charles Dickens and Alfred Tennyson with more modest holdings.

The Victorians with their conviction for detail and orderliness even counted asylums, hospitals, colleges, school trustees, railway companies, navigation companies, sewer commissioners, War department, water works and river commissioners as a vital part of their record keeping.

Kate Williams wil be speaking at the forthcoming conference on Young Victoria, the first Royal Rebel as well as John Hanson who will be discussing the census, two related subjects to the Domesday project. There will also be speakers on medieval genealogy including well known historian Nick Barratt.

At just £369 including accommodation, meals and refreshments for a four day conference there has never been a better time (or better price) to attend a genealogy conference that is supported by many sponsors including Hague-Lambert Solicitors and the Society of Genealogists.

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Why is it Important to Understand About Your Family Roots and History?

You looked in the mirror and your luscious “pillow-lips”, as some authors have coined the word, resemble hers; your facial features, your figure and even how you walk closely mimic hers – what is the chance she could be your relative, too?

Ms. Hillary Clinton would not have known until Christopher Child of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, a leading ancestor search company, disclosed his group’s findings, after three years of research that Ms. Clinton and Angelina Jolie are related on the 9th degree and linked by an ancestor who died in Quebec on the 17th century.

Genealogy websites have taken the front seat on the internet today – not just as a hobby of doing surname search or creating genealogy charts, but as a meaningful pursuit of meaning (or excuse?) within the family ancestry.

Free genealogy sites make the study of family history easier for everyone today than what it was a decade ago. It includes the discovery of your family’s legacy, your ancestors and who made up your immediate family tree. The motive is not superficial as in knowing if Madonna is in your bloodline, or if you could be another distant relative of Barack Obama, but in establishing your connection to your roots. It is something personal; as part of who you are today, is your past.

This is the enchantment people find in the study of genealogy with the aid of various genealogy websites. More and more people have grown interest in uncovering how their forefathers had lived; their accomplishments, as well as their defeats. Most people believe that it is only through understanding where they came from they would acquire the clearer vantage point of where they could be heading to. If the past makes up a percentage of who they are, they believe it is important to understand how far and to what extent their legacy family tree, family roots and history can still influence their decisions today.

While growing up, how many times have you heard comments that you laugh like your Grandpa Joe, or you are as good as your Aunt Jackie in Math? If your clan is a jigsaw puzzle and your ancestors the bits and pieces that make it up, would it not help you to understand how one piece connects to another?

Availing the services of free genealogy websites in conducting your genealogy search and setting up your genealogy chart can help you in ways you could not fully imagine.

And as a piece yourself of that giant puzzle, understanding how you belong and who you connect to will give you the assurance that you are not an accident in the scheme of things, but an important piece; as important as all the other pieces that complete the giant puzzle.

Understanding your family history through a genealogy search will give you insights as to your family’s traits, strengths and weaknesses, common choices that shaped them and the mistakes that could have been avoided.

Recent medical findings also revealed a genetic connection among family members that explains their predisposition to certain ailments. This is one reason why the study of your family roots is important.

You would not only possess a journal of dates and facts, but a lamp post that can steer you away from the danger zones where your forefathers once treaded and lost. As Henry Ward Beecher once said, “What we call wisdom is the result of all the wisdom of past ages. Our best institutions are like young trees growing upon the roots of the old trunks that have crumbled away.”

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/ancestor-search-why-is-it-important-to-understand-about-your-family-roots-and-history-719310.html

Author: Christiene Villanueva

About the Author:

Mary Ann Eble shares with you creative ways on how you can connect with your past and preserve your family’s heritage stories with her FREE e-book entitled “12 Gifts”.

Mary has a Master’s Degree in Social Work–while in school, she developed a strong interest in understanding family ancestry history and relationships and dynamics. She believes that by exploring family stories from the past, we will come to understand ourselves and create a stronger future for the next generation.

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Birth Records as Tools for Genealogical Research

Birth records are public records and as such, are kept by the government offices in each state in the country. A birth record serves as a document or proof about a child’s birth and contains information such as the name, gender, height, and weight of a child. It also includes important information surrounding the child’s birth such as the date, time, and location of birth. For genealogy enthusiasts, precious information worth checking out includes the name of the father, the maiden name of the mother, and in some instances, information about the parent’s occupation. Names of the siblings, if any, are also usually listed in birth records.

Doctors, after verifying the information and signing it, sends these records to the proper government office. These records, aside from being a proof of a child’s birth, also serve as sources for historical and demographical statistical studies.

Instantly Search Millions of Public Records & Resources Using Public Record Databases

Most birth records are handled by the registrar in the county where the birth took place. In the early days, these records were also copied and compiled in microfilms and microfiches to avoid the wear-and-tear of the original records. Thankfully, most birth records can now be accessed online for a faster and less tedious birth record search. The government has encouraged and made an effort in having electronic versions of these essential records to make it more easily accessible to more people.

Use Public Records Pro now and get copies of birth records even faster. Whether you are trying to replace a damaged birth certificate or trying to get information about your ancestors through a relative’s certificate, why not search for it at PublicRecords.com?

After all, PublicRecords.com has a database that holds more than 2 billion public records. We have extensively compiled public records from county, state, and federal databases across the country and then placed it all in our site to help you get more significant results for your birth record search.
Visit our website, use our services and find your birth records – now!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/human-resources-articles/birth-records-as-tools-for-genealogical-research-356887.html

Author: Laica Baker

About the Author:

Laica Baker
Public Records | Record Search

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As the first national online database dedicated to burial and cremation records, Deceased Online is delighted to be a sponsor and exhibitor at Open the Door and Here are the People. Following our launch at London Olympia s Who Do You Think You Are Live in February, we ve been on the road meeting family historians and genealogists around the country and we re delighted to have received such a big thumbs-up for the new website, www.deceasedonline.com.

Deceased Online obtains burial and cremation data going back to the early 1800s from burial and cremation authorities, and we will shorty have records from over 10 councils around the UK. We will be building the database over the next few years, adding millions of records from hundreds of councils and other sources.

A whole range of records and images is available, including: Computerised burial and cremation records; transcripts of burial and cremation registers, containing a variety of information. All records kept since computerisation will be available in this form; some authorities have also transcribed some or all of their historical records.

High quality digital scans of burial and cremation registers; these vary by local authority and the type of information recorded in addition to statutory requirements. The most comprehensive hold great detail, including name, age, address and, sometimes, occupation of deceased; spouse s name; grave location reference and type (paupers, private etc); date of death; details of undertaker; details of clergy, religion and church or venue of bereavement service.

Scans are held on the website for most burials and cremations up to within three or four years of the present day. Details of all occupants of a grave; individual graves may have a number of interments (we ve seen as many as 15) and here you can see all the names of other people interred in the same grave as the sought-after person. This can be extremely useful in discovering relatives and other family links ..and often provides some real surprises!

Deceased Online is one of the few resources where you can get this information. Digital scans of books of remembrance; these crematorium memorial books contain decorative commemorative entries, sometimes with useful dates and informative emblems, such as regimental or professional insignia.

Deceased Online is aiming to be able to display digital scans held by the calligraphy companies who maintain these books. Photographs of grave headstones and memorials; these have started to be introduced to the website, and local authorities are keen to supply where they can. Older headstones can provide a range of information, even entire genealogies for several generations within a family.

Cemetery maps showing exact grave locations; these include a cemetery overview, an intermediate map indicating grave location and a detailed close-up indicating the exact location of the grave plot. This is extremely useful in locating a grave in larger cemeteries even if it has no headstone. The high quality images are presented using a flexible viewer, allowing maps, scans and photographs to be manipulated, printed and downloaded. Images and transcripts are accessed by spending credits bought on the website. The photographs cost £2 each and the cemetery maps cost between £5 and £10, depending on whether they are subject to Ordnance Survey royalties. All other data available costs £1.50 to access. Users search on names, dates and locations free of charge, and only purchase what they need. The revenue generated is shared with the contributor supplying the data.

You can find out more about burial and cremation records in conference F-09, Burial records for family historians presented by Alec Tritton on Friday 28 August just before lunch. We look forward to meeting you at the conference.

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