Hopkins

I would like to try and start to trace my family history, but have no
idea where to start?

Charani...

Start with yourself. No, I'm not being funny. That *is* the place to
start.

Write down all you know about yourself, your siblings, parents and
grandparents, your wife and her siblings, parents and grandparents.
Add your children and grandchildren.

By the time you've done that, you'll have the basis of a 5-generation
family tree :))

From there double check that the information you have is correct by
but I believe the BMDs for England and Wales are still free there).
but not expensive).

but be very cautious about any entries which are patron submissions -
some are completely accurate, but others are complete fictions. The
extractions are generally trustworthy.

Also on familysearch is a transcription of the 1881 census, also free.
1837online has the 1861 and 1891 census. Ancestry has all the
censuses as well as a lot of other information but it's not a site I
use, so I can't advise exactly what they do have.

Have a read through Roy Stockdill's Newbie's Guide:

That should start you off :))

When you're ready to take the next step or have any queries, post back
with as much information as you can and someone will be able to guide
and advise you further. The more specific you can be the easier it'll
be for others to assist :))

Happy hunting

PS: this is an addictive hobby for which there is no known cure ;))

Please take a moment of your time to help an old man try and trace his
family and keep an record to pass onto his children and grandchildren

Dave S...

Start with your self. Record birth, marriage etc. Then details of your
immediate family and most important of all speak with you eldest relatives
and gain as much information from them while you can. You may also wish to
there are of course others.

HTH - Dave
Certo Cita