Newsletter – 9th January 2025
Early British censuses going online FREE
1921 Census now at Ancestry NEW
Can YOU save 50% on an Ancestry subscription? ENDS SUNDAY
A fantastic range of prizes in this year’s competition ENDS 31 JAN
How to enter, how to choose your prizes
Ancient bones could rewrite British history
Stop Press UPDATED
The LostCousins newsletter is usually published 2 or 3 times a month. To access the previous issue (dated 21st December) click here; to find earlier articles use the customised Google search between this paragraph and the next (it searches ALL of the newsletters since February 2009, so you don't need to keep copies):
To go to the main LostCousins website click the logo at the top of this newsletter. If you're not already a member, do join - it's FREE, and you'll get an email to alert you whenever there's a new edition of this newsletter available!
Do you have enough time for your family history research? I certainly don’t, and I’d be surprised if it’s any different for you.
When we’re so short of time, the last thing we should be doing is wasting it – and yet most people reading this newsletter are doing just that.
For example, if you haven’t connected with your ‘lost cousins’, the chances are that you’re duplicating research that they’ve already done. Even worse, you might be banging your head against a ‘brick wall’ that a distant cousin has comprehensively demolished.
Of course, you can’t make those connections just by snapping your fingers – you do have to put in a little bit of effort. But isn’t it worth investing 40 minutes to make a connection that will last a lifetime, and could save you hundreds of hours of wasted effort?
Make 2025 the year when you connect with a ‘lost cousin’ – you won’t regret it!
Early British censuses going online FREE
Although the 1841 Census is the earliest British census to have survived, as well as the first to list every member of every household, censuses were also conducted in 1801, 1811, 1821, and 1831.
Only scraps of these earlier censuses have survived, but if one of your ancestors is mentioned it could well fil a gap or knock down a ‘brick wall’. Up to now transcriptions of some of the surviving census records have been available at various sites, but others have yet to be transcribed or put online.
The Early British Census project hosted on the website of Brigham Young University aims to bring together transcripts of all the surviving census fragments. It is estimated that when complete there will be information on as many as 500,000 households (though the information will vary considerably).
Over 172,000 households have already been transcribed: you can search and view them free when you follow this link.
WARNING: the site is VERY slow.
For the past three years Findmypast have offered exclusive access to the 1921 Census of England & Wales – and rightly so, because they had to fund the scanning and digitisation of millions of census pages.
But now Ancestry also have the 1921 Census which, if you have an Ancestry tree, means that you’ll start getting hints related to this census: in fact, I know from the discussion on the LostCousins Forum that some members are already receiving hints.
Can you save 50% on an Ancestry subscription?
To celebrate the launch of the 1921 Census Ancestry are offering half price memberships to new and returning subscribers – but only until Sunday (12th January). Please use the relevant link below so that there’s a chance of your purchase benefiting LostCousins.
The 1921 Census is included in both Premium and Worldwide memberships, but it's worth considering the Worldwide subscription even if all of your ancestors came from the British Isles, given how many of your relatives will have emigrated.
Tip: if the link doesn’t work first time, log-out from Ancestry, then click the link again. Whatever you do, DON'T click the word SUBSCRIBE at the top right of the landing page - instead look for the SAVE NOW button (you might have to scroll down). If you have an existing membership you won’t be able to take advantage of this offer, which is designed to attract NEW subscribers.
A fantastic range of prizes in this year’s competition
You’ve got until the end of January to enter my annual competition: all you need to do is add some relatives to your My Ancestors page, which is something you ought to be doing anyway (see the leading article in this newsletter).
Every direct ancestor or blood relative you add will count as an entry, with a bonus entry for relatives from the 1881 Census.
Note: the 1881 Census is the one most likely to connect you with the ‘lost cousins’ who can help you knock down your ‘brick walls, in the 1600s and 1700s.
TOP PRIZE – 12 MONTH ‘EVERYTHING’ SUBSCRIPTION TO FINDMYPAST WORTH £199.99
With an Everything subscription the world is your oyster – you can log into any of Findmypast’s sites worldwide and access ANY of the billions of records and historical newspaper articles in their collection. Though Findmypast are best-known for their British records, thanks to their close relationships with The National Archives and the British Library, they have massive collections of Irish and Australian records, and unique access to Catholic records.
You might think, I don’t have any Irish, Australian, or Catholic ancestors – well, that’s what I used to think. But thanks to Findmypast’s Catholic baptism records (and some clues from my DNA matches at other sites) I was able to break down one of my oldest ‘brick walls’, proving that my great-great grandmother was of Irish Catholic stock, even though she married in the parish church and all of her children were baptised in the Church of England. In the process I also discovered an Australian branch that I’d previously known nothing about.
STAR PRIZE – 12 MONTH DIAMOND SUBSCRIPTION TO THE GENEALOGIST WORTH £139.95
If you’re looking for records that the other big sites have missed, mistranscribed, or ignored, The Genealogist is a great choice: they have the most complete collection of tithe records and tithe maps that you’ll find anywhere online, and many of the tithe maps are in colour, which makes them easier to interpret. Map Explorer now includes all of the England & Wales censuses from 1841-1911, as well as the 1939 Register, tithe maps, and the 1910 Land Valuation – which is exclusive to The Genealogist (the coverage is fast-expanding, but is currently focused mainly on London and the Home Counties).
Looking for someone with an unusual occupation who is proving elusive in the censuses? The keyword search at The Genealogist is one that I’ve used time and time again.
STAR PRIZE – 12 MONTH UK SUBSCRIPTION TO WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? MAGAZINE
The TV programme Who Do You Think You Are? began when LostCousins was just a few months old, and for a long time it was required viewing in our household. Nowadays I don’t see it nearly as often, but I do read Who Do You Think You Are? magazine every single month – as I have done since the very first issue!
Tip: click the banner above to discover a very special offer – for Christmas only
SPECIAL PRIZE – ANCESTRY DNA TEST (UK ONLY)
If
you’ve yet to take a DNA test, or tested with a different company – as I did
back in 2012, long before Ancestry began selling their test in the UK – this is
a chance to discover just how much difference it can make. Whether your aim is
to knock down ‘brick
walls’, or simply to verify your records-based research using evidence that
cannot be falsified, you will be amazed by the results – provided, of course,
you follow the advice in my DNA
Masterclass.
Or perhaps you’ve taken the test yourself, but would like to enlist the help of one of your cousins. With DNA the real challenge is figuring out which of your matches share each of your ‘brick walls’, and comparing your matches with those of a cousin who shares a particular ‘brick wall’ helps enormously. But don’t make it a close cousin as they share too many of your ancestral lines – 3rd and 4th cousins are ideal (and they’re the cousins you’re most likely to find through LostCousins).
Note: If you live outside the UK please nominate a cousin in the UK – should you be lucky enough to win.
SPECIAL
PRIZE – CAMBRIDGESHIRE BAPTISM, MARRIAGE, AND BURIAL INDEXES
Donated by Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire Family History Society, these indexes are likely to prove invaluable to anyone who has ancestors from Cambridgeshire. At some point the registers will be going online at Ancestry – possibly in 2025 or 2026 – but whenever it is, these downloads will allow you to “hit the ground running”.
EXCLUSIVE ZOOM PRESENTATIONS
PROFESSOR
REBECCA PROBERT - BIGAMY
A great supporter of LostCousins, and the closest thing to a superstar in the academic world, Professor Probert first came to my notice when she published Marriage Law for Genealogists – a book that should be on the bookshelves of every serious family historian (you can read my review here). Her next book will be on the subject of bigamy, so I’m delighted that she has agreed to give a sneak preview to LostCousins members.
There will be two presentations at different times so that nobody need be prevented from attending in person on account of their time zone: the first will be on Saturday 15th February 2025 at 10am (London time), and the second will be at 5pm the following week (Saturday 22nd February). Please put these dates in your diary in case you’re lucky enough to be invited to one or the other.
SIMON
FOWLER – VISITING THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
The National Archives, love it or loathe it: at some stage in your family history research you are probably going to have to use it. Whether it is their online resources or by paying a visit. All this can be very daunting even for the expert, but in this presentation Simon Fowler will demystify the Archives. Whether you are confused by the catalogue or puzzled about parking this session will be for you. And based on his experience of being a researcher for over forty years and having worked there on and off for nearly thirty, he will provide tips and shortcuts that even the staff don’t know about!
Simon Fowler is one of Britain’s most experienced family history teachers, writers and researchers. Until recently he made his living from professional research, mainly on military topics and the records of central government. He has also written for Family Tree magazine and Who Do You Think You Are? magazine and has authored two dozen books, mainly genealogical help guides. Simon also runs courses for Pharos Tutors and is a regular lecturer at the Society of Genealogists.
Simon will be speaking at 9am on Thursday 13th February, but don’t worry if that time doesn’t work for you: this talk will be recorded and made available to all those who win a place, whether or not you are able to attend on the day.
DJ
WISEMAN – NOVELIST
For years I’ve been hoping to interview the author DJ Wiseman, whose genealogical mystery novels are not just great stories, but great pieces of writing. At last I’ve managed to persuade him to talk to LostCousins members about his writing and his interest in family history – I’m looking forward to it just as much as you are!
The date of this session has now been fixed: it will be at 7pm (London time) on Monday 17th February – put it in your diary now!
MARK BAYLEY FROM THE GENEALOGIST
In this new presentation Mark will explore a diverse set of record collections that can tell you more about your ancestors' lives – discover records that can help trace elusive ancestors and uncover hidden family histories. There will also be an opportunity to look at Map Explorer.
Mark will be speaking at 9.30am (London time) on Monday 24th February – put the date in your diary and remember to fill out your My Prizes page!
TALKS ON DNA
I will be giving two exclusive talks on the subject of genetic genealogy: one will be for those who have yet to test, and will look at what you can and can’t find out using DNA. The second talk will be for those who have already tested, and will focus on how to make the best use of your DNA results. The dates will be announced shortly (I’m just waiting for confirmation of the date of my eye operation – the right eye this time).
SIAN
LLOYD – GARDENING HOUR
As most of you will know my wife writes occasional gardening article for this newsletter. Last year she fielded questions from members round the world, but this year she’s going for a rather different format which she’s yet to reveal to me. Suffice it to say that every time I look out of the window I’m reminded of her love of flowers and trees.
This session will be at 6pm (London time) on Tuesday 5th February, and will be recorded for the benefit of those who are invited but cannot attend on the day, whether because of the timing or other commitments.
PRIZES DONATED BY AUTHORS
This year there’s something for everyone:
GSI
Superstition Mountains (donated by Nathan Dylan Goodwin) provides a chance for
you to solve three murders using the latest techniques in investigative
genetic genealogy. You’ll be able to work through the case at your own speed
with expert video guidance from Diahan Southard, a DNA guru with 20 years
experience, and Nathan Dylan Goodwin, author of the Venator series of genetic
genealogy mysteries (as well as the incredibly popular Morton Farrier series of
genealogy mystery novels). You can find out more about this intriguing
opportunity here.
The latest book in the Venator Cold Case series is out now – please use these links if you’d like to find out more:
Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.com.au
The
Mourning Brooch is
a trilogy of historical novels by the author Jean Renwick, inspired by a
mourning brooch inherited from her godmother. The first book in the series was
recently the subject of discussion by the Society of Genealogists Book Club,
and it has received high praise from reviewers since its release in 2021. The
author has kindly agreed to donate a signed copy of Book One to the
lucky prize-winner.
Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.com.au
Blood-Tied was the first book
in the Esme Quentin series of genealogy mysteries from Wendy Percival and if,
like me, you have problems with your sight (or simply want to give your eyes a
rest) you’ll be glad to know that it is now available as an audio book. Many years
ago I used to buy audio books on cassette, but I gather it’s a little more
sophisticated these days. Wendy has generously donated two certificates, each
of which entitles the holder to a free audiobook version from Audiobooks.com
If you’ve yet to discover the Esme Quentin series, they’re also available as paperbacks and as Kindle books: please follow the relevant link below:
Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.com.au
How to enter, how to choose your prizes
It’s easy to enter, and you can enter as often as you like – every direct ancestor or blood relative you enter on your My Ancestors page before 31st January 2025 counts as an entry (relatives from the 1881 Census count double). You can see how many entries you’ve already made by looking for the red number on your My Summary page. Winners will be chosen at random in the days after the competition closes, and the more times you enter the more prizes you’re likely to win – but you could win the top prize with a single entry if you’re really, really lucky.
This year we’re once again using the My Prizes page to allow you to tell me which prizes you’d most like to win. Don’t forget because “those who don’t ask, don’t get”.
Log into your LostCousins account, click My Prizes in the menu, then give each prize that interests you a rating, which can be anything from 1 (not very interested) to 10 (very interested indeed). There’s no need to do anything for prizes that don’t interest you in the slightest, but don’t make the mistake someone did last year of giving their most coveted prize just one point! You can give the same number of points to more than one prize – it’s entirely up to you – but if you don’t enter a score at all you won’t be considered for that prize, no matter how many entries you’ve made.
Should there be a Zoom presentation which interests you, but is at a inconvenient time, or on a day when you know that you have other commitments, please note that the Zoom presentations will be recorded, and a link to the recording will be circulated to all those who were invited, whether or not they were unable to attend. Links are usually sent out a few days afterwards, to allow for the recording to be reviewed and edited if necessary.
If you are invited to a Zoom presentation you will have the opportunity to submit a (short) question in advance using the Comments field. This often enables the presenter to adapt their presentation to cover the point raised, and it always increases the chances that your question will be answered, one way or another!
Ancient bones could rewrite British history
A new way of analysing DNA found in ancient remains could rewrite British history – according to this BBC News article.
This time last year we were all concerned about the possible destruction of original wills. The good news is that the Government's response to the consultation has now been published: "In the light of the responses to the consultation and the concerns raised, the Government has decided that it will not pursue any reform that involves the destruction of original will documents and will look at other means to offset the costs of storing this vast archive."
Finally, my apologies for the lateness and shortness of this issue, the first of 2025. Since Christmas two friends who I’ve known for over 60 years have passed away, and this understandably caused a rearrangement of priorities.
I know that many of you have also lost friends and loved ones. Like our ancestors, they live on in our hearts and minds.
Peter Calver
Founder, LostCousins
© Copyright 2025 Peter Calver
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