Introduction to United Kingdom Genealogical Research

In this and the following pages we've attempted to provide basic information about the
geneaological resources available to the genealogist in the U.K. These pages are primarily aimed
at those living abroad who either have British ancestry (and many people round the world have)
or who are new to research in the U.K. British genealogists will probably find these information
pages of little use, for they give basic information on the geography of the British Isles and
other facts and figures which are well known to British citizens. However, for those who are
strangers to the United Kingdom, we hope this information will prove interesting and useful.

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Structure of the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom consists of four separate nations, each with their own individual heritage, culture and history.
Indeed it is the individuality of the member nations which makes the United Kingdom such a unique country.


The four member nations are ...


England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland = United Kingdom





The U.K. is an island, but it's surrounded by smaller islands too, the most well known
being the Shetland Isles, the Orkney Isles, the Western Isles (formerly the Outer Hebrides),
the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Scilly and the Channel Islands.

Guernsey Jersey Isle of Man


(not to scale)


Folk have emigrated from the United Kingdom for hundreds of years, but especially during the 16th, 17th
and 18th centuries ... the most popular (or enforced) destinations being Australia, New Zealand, the U.S.A.,
Canada, India and South Africa. Other prime emigration destinations include Bermuda, British Honduras,
Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Barbados, India, the Carribbean, Malaysia, the Middle East and the Far East ... indeed,
wherever trade and commerce has taken the British people. Today, like most countries in the world, Britain
is made up of Scots, Welsh, English and Irish people mixed together with a number of ethnic minorities.

The United Kingdom is divided into administrative Counties & Regions , and it's important when conducting
ancestral research in Britain to be familiar with their geographical locations, as well as the major towns and cities.


U.K. Counties and Regions N.Ireland and London mapsEnglish Major Towns and Cities
Welsh Major Towns and CitiesScottish Major Towns and CitiesNorthern Irish Major Towns and Cities

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GeneaNet U.K. 14 Tod's Green, Crail, Fife KY10 3UU Scotland Tel : 01333 450234

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