Genealogy Chat

12 months ago we did not have computer access to original Census images. We now can access 1851 to 1901 plus a very helpful index, not perfect, how could it be in so short a time. Thankyou for that Ancestry, I am most grateful. Anyone searched BMD index at local library? I have, many times. Getting a reader in the first place was quite an achievement. Loading the film was a work of art. Was I the only one that found the film was wrong way round, upside down etc? And of course it was sods law that someone was working on the very quarter you needed. On my last visit whilst concentrating on such pleasures someone swiped my coat from behind my chair. Now I have my own set, on my computer. Thankyou for that also Ancestry, I am most grateful. And I am a lucky one! If I lived abroad I could not access library images. In my view the two main items mentioned above represent the most significant advance for Family Historians for years. What a boom also for the disabled. I shall not add comments to the odd critical thread that is starting to appear, and anyone who thinks the same as I may like to add their tribute to this thread. A very grateful family historian. Ray Whincup

yes I think Ancestry need praise too, I have just renewed my membership, I use to hear dreadful stories about how Ancestry would just take your monedy without asking when your 12 months exopired, I experienced just the opposite, I had to contact them to renew my membership. When I think of our difficlut it was when I first started my family tree, the internet and particularly Ancestry have made it all so much easier. Thanks Ancestry. June

Couldn´t manage without it - and I think the annual subscription, for what you get, is very reasonable.

Ray I totally agree. Ancestry is the best site on the net. I don't believe you can do genealogy properly without it. Worth every penny and becoming more so every day. So, there are some bad transcriptions. The records aren't going anywhere, you will find them eventually. As for cancelling a sub to Ancestry, would never dream of it. Keep it coming Ancestry!!! Margaret

Hi Ray, I too am very grateful for the indexes on Ancestry. Living in America i have spent a small fortune on pay-per-view sites to find the births, marriages and deaths I've been looking for. Now I can look through as many pages as I want at no extra cost. Sometimes the reason the reason for not being able to find who your looking for is that the index page its self has been typed up wrong..............on my mothers birth index her mothers maiden name was Them--- instead of Shem----. That one wasn't too bad as the error was easier to find. My Aunt however had her surname put on as SheN--- instead of SheM----, might seem a simple error but when looking through pages for a while it never crossed my mind that her name would be farther down the page............thought I had another skeleington in my family for a moment. Turned out the error was made 60 years ago by the person typing the index. It's not a perfect world........everyone makes mistakes, I know I do.

I dont know how anyone could manage without ancestry. I cant understand people complaining it costs a lot. Its brilliant value for money. Just over a pound a week for 24/7 access to all these records - I think its a terrific buy. And dont forget, we are promised 1841 soon. I remember my elderly uncle - when I sent him his line back to Sussex in 1550 - was absolutely astounded. He said Id done in a year more than he had achieved in his younger days in 20 years - having to go to every record office personally. Well done ancestry - dont know how Id managed without you.

Agree with all the above. I started my tree less than 4 years ago and, even in that time, there has been a huge increase in the amount available online (and not just on Ancestry). I made leaps and bounds when I subscribed to Ancestry!

What can I say. I echo everything said so far. When I first took out a yearly subscription to ancestry cant remember if it was 3 or 4 years ago. It cost just under £80. A lot of money I thought. The only census on the site was 1891 but within days I was amazed at how much it helped me. I have renewed each year. Two days ago I renewed and upgraded to the deluxe uk package days for £69.95. So it costs even less now. Well Done Ancestry. Great Work. There I found something to say !!!! Sue

Hey, and they gave us 13 months when we upgraded! Since I first joined they have added the 61, 51 and the bmd. And 1841 due. What would one set of those cost in cds!