Finding a way into the sources for British and Irish family history can be a daunting task. That is why this introductory book will be so valuable for anyone who is trying to trace their British and Irish ancestors and gain an understanding of their lives and the world they knew.

In a clear and easily accessible fashion Jonathan Scott takes the reader through the key stages of research. He describes the principal sources and gives advice on how best to explore them. His handbook provides the building blocks for anyone who is entering this fascinating and rewarding field.

He guides the newcomer through the first steps of research, then focuses on the national, regional and local archives and other sources in Britain and Ireland. He outlines their history, giving advice on how to get precise and revealing information from them. Parish records and the records left by nonconformists, Jews and Catholics are covered as well as wills and probate, migration, working lives, poverty, crime, debt, divorce and adoption.