"This book provides practical, expert, insider-knowledge. It includes a full guide to current websites. It offers many tips, short-cuts and helps to access the evidence you need and to understandings of what this means. It is rooted in the many years of day-to-day enquiries in family history by the noted international expert Lady Teviot. It will be invaluable to the beginner and of great value to the more knowledgeable. It will help you rapidly to become `street-wise' in what will be a complex but fascinating personal endeavour." -- Back cover.

Introduction "One day I will", or how I began as a family historian -- Establishing the General Register Office -- UK Census returns. -- From the parish registers -- The parish chest -- Underused sources for genealogical research -- Kill or cure: medicine and health in the 19th century -- Baby farming -- Workhouses -- Lunatic asylums -- Hospital and their records -- Sight unseen. Using the web and site there -- Key websites.