Free websites to learn about Victorian lives

Ancestors living in Victorian times are more visible in our family trees than in other eras because we can follow them fairly easily in census records and historical directories, view their sombre studio portraits and trace them using birth, marriage and death certificates. But you should explore their culture if you really want to flesh out their lives. 

Today’s family historians have reason to be thankful for the Victorians. Efficient and dedicated recordkeeping between 1837 and 1901 led to the creation of the most regularly used documents in genealogy – among them, the census and certificates of civil registration. Although we have to pay to explore some of these essential records, luckily the web holds a plethora of free resources to help with background research into the everyday world of our 19th century forebears. Before diving into the free websites, it is sensible to begin your Victorian research by establishing some basic facts on your ancestors of the period. Establish where and when they were born, where they resided through the period, and where they were married and died. Discovering these details will provide the essential foundation for your online investigations.

To find out more about searching for your ancestors’ birth, marriage and death records and census records, plus discover our recommended free websites, grab your copy of Family Tree Christmas 2016!