Genealogy, the study of individuals' descent and relationships, is the starting point when researching family history. Available now in a completely revised edition which takes account of many of the changes in the field since it was first published in 1997, this is the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to tracing British ancestry. Ancestral Trails guides the researcher through the voluminous British archives, extending back to medieval times, and provides a detailed view of the records and published sources available. From newspapers and directories, civil, legal and religious records to personal recollections, photographs and other memorabilia, every kind of record is analysed, and the researcher is guided to the many detailed finding aids or indexes. Suitable for both beginners and more experienced researchers, the book has a wide-ranging scope. It is the essential companion and guide for all family historians.