This is a step-by-step guide to using the wealth of online records to trace your family tree from your own computer, without the need to travel to national and regional record offices. Whether you are a novice or an experienced genealogist, and whether you plan to devote just a few hours of your time or embark on a life-time hobby, this book will guide you through the mass of records available - birth, marriage and death, the census, and much, much more - so that you can trace your line back hundreds of years. You will also learn how to upload your results to the internet, both to preserve your family's heritage and to connect with relatives, so that you can exchange photos and reminiscences. Contents: Welcome!; 1. What the internet offers the genealogist; 2. How to start; 3. Finding records of birth, marriage and death; 4. Using census records; 5. Other major sources; 6. Military; 7. Wills and where to find them online; 8. Migration; 9. Newspapers; 10. Occupations; 11. The poor and workhouse records; 12. Noble ancestors; 13. Directories; 14. School and university records; 15. Working with the wider context; 16. Family medical history; 17. DNA; 18. Working with names; 19. Recording your family tree; 20. Online recording options; 21. Problems of online trees; 22. Finding living relatives; 23. Genealogical miscellany; 24. Accent and dialect; 25. Final; Key websites; Index

This is a complete history and visual guide to over 400 famous tartans. It is a comprehensive and informative visual directory of tartans, both ancient and modern. It contains a fascinating account of how tartan is woven into every aspect of the story of the Scottish nation, examining its history, origins, and contemporary uses. It shows how Scotland's heritage now extends far beyond her shores, and how tartan is used to unite and identify a diverse ancestral tradition. It is lavishly illustrated throughout with evocative fine art images and a complete directory of major tartan setts, from the Bruce clan to the Stewarts. It includes corporate and international tartans as well as family and associated tartans. This illustrated guide provides a detailed insight into the origins and history of tartan, from the very earliest samples, through those worn by the warring clans in the Stuart rebellions, to the Katsushika Japanese Dancers. The first section details the story of tartan, with information on the way the fabric and weaves developed and how it became a symbol of resistance. The main part of the book is a directory illustrating the major clan tartans followed by international and modern tartans, with a wealth of history and background to each. From the ancient Bruce family to Neil Armstrong, who took his family tartan to the moon, tartan is one of the most enduring symbols of national price and individual reputation. It is also a peculiarly inclusive, adapatable way of proclaiming allegiance and belonging.

Tracing your family history has become a very popular area thanks to the high profile TV programmes such as "Who Do you think you are". This book provides an excellent introductory guide to tracing your family history and all of the databases that will help.

Every surname has its own story to tell, and a surname study is a natural complement to family history research. The study of surnames has been revolutionised in the last decade with the increasing availability of online resources, and it is now easier than ever before to explore the history, evolution, distribution and meaning of your family name. The Surnames Handbook provides a comprehensive guide to researching your surname using genealogical methods in conjunction with the latest advances in DNA testing and surname mapping. The book explores the key resources that are used to study a surname and is packed with links to relevant websites giving you everything you need to research your surname in one compact volume.

This fully revised paperback edition of the complete chronological record of VC holders is an essential work of reference for every student of military history. All the British and Commonwealth servicemen who have been awarded the highest honour for exceptional acts of bravery and self-sacrifice are commemorated here. The first VCs awarded for the Crimean War and in the nineteenth-century colonial wars are described, as are the VCs awarded in the world wars of the twentieth century and the most recent VCs awarded during present-day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The extraordinary exploits recounted in this fascinating book make unforgettable reading. 'A fascinating new book, by historian Kevin Brazier, lays out the best evidence to date. The Complete Victoria Cross lists for the first time in chronological order every VC, with an account of the action(s) for which it was won, the location of every medal where known, and likewise the last resting place of the VC holder.' ...The Times 'A wealth of information, all of which makes this a valuable reference source. Everyone, whether they have an interest or not in military history, would find this book thoroughly absorbing.'...Britain at War 'The chronological arrangement of this book is very effective, weaving together the individual VC stories to produce a picture of the changing nature of warfare since 1956 and the unchanging nature of bravery. ' ...History of War 'This book is a must for anyone interested in the Victoria Cross, whether they have a recent interest in the VC or have been interested in the long term.'...Victoria Cross Forum

In the present volume, the third selection of his articles to be published, Professor Mayer deals with questions of royal authority and power in the Crusader kingdom of Jerusalem. He first examines the relationship between the monarchy and the Church, questions of royal succession, and aspects of the royal chancery, but is also concerned to trace the king's efforts to create a new clientele of loyal vassals. The second group of studies reverses the perspective, and looks at the origins and development of the lordships of the kingdom, notably at the important county of Jaffa and at the role of the Ibelin, the most significant family in the land.