The families featured on this site are from modest backgrounds. We know little of their lives, but each has contributed to the communities they lived in.

Written evidence is at the heart of everything we know about our ancestors. I am constantly adding more to the site. Please let me know if you can add more.

Check out the personal histories on this site. They add just a little background to fascinating lives.

It has surprised me to learn how often, and how far, our ancestors sometimes travelled in pursuit of work. Surviving records often track their movements.

Our way of life has changed more quickly in the last century than ever before. This cottage gives a glimpse into a way of life now largely forgotten.

For much of the 20th century, British Pathé News brought world events to local communities. They too, have now passed into history, but the archive remains.