First Steps
Both the Manchester Room@City Library & the Greater Manchester County Record Office has a wide range of resources available for those who wish to trace their family history.
These include free access to both Ancestry.co.uk and Findmypast.co.uk at the Manchester Room@City Library. These web sites contain digitised versions of the census and much more. Findmypast includes the Manchester Collection - a rich series of records that give details about how Manchester ancestors lived, particularly in the Victorian period. Records of baptisms, marriages and burials for Anglican churches in the Diocese of Manchester, including Manchester Cathedral, are now available online at Ancestry.co.uk. Ancestry.co.uk and the Manchester Collection can be accessed in any Manchester City Council library.
Visitors are advised to gather as much information from older members of their family before coming, as any clues such as dates, addresses, areas or trades can be helpful in identifying the right family. It is a good idea to read one or two books on the subject of genealogy for beginners (at City Library we have a number of these available in our lending stock), and joining a family history society such as the Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society is also recommended.
Family History Helpdesk
Want to trace your family history, but not sure where to start? Free, expert advice from the Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society every Thursday 11am until 2pm at the Manchester Room, City Library.