Thousands from Britain and Ireland answered the challenge of seeking a better life overseas, and many of them went to the United States.

Were to start?

The Migration Histories section of the National Archives website provides fascinating information and assistance with tracing ancestors from Caribbean, Irish, Jewish and South Asian Communities.

Ireland, Index to Griffith’s Valuation, 1848-1864This database, an index to one of Ireland’s premier genealogical resources, Griffith’s Valuation, references approximately one million individuals who occupied property in Ireland between 1848 and 1864.

To trace ancestors in Church of Ireland records you need to know the name of the townland or parish where they lived. More than half of all Church of Ireland registers were destroyed in the 1922 fire at the Public Records Office in Dublin. Although most of the records are not specifically related to British ancestors, so you can use it to trace your ancestors throughout the world, there are some categories of information which are for ancestors in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

To search for ancestors living in Scotland go to Scotland's People or for Ireland try Irish National Archives.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission contains records of the British and Commonwealth personnel who died in the two World Wars, often with details of the battle or location they died in, regiment and the cemetery where they are buried.

You can also find an expert personal service to help you trace ancestors and build a fascinating picture of your family history.