Have you ever wondered how your ancestors ended up where they did? Maybe they sailed across oceans for a new life, moved within the UK for work. Migration is a key piece of a family’s history and often links to historical events that shaped the journeys. Tracing these steps brings you closer to understanding where we come from and the incredible individuals who came before us .
In this blog, let’s explore some of the best ways to uncover your migrating ancestors, including the records that can help you find and understand their journey.
Why Might Our Ancestors Have Moved?
There are many reasons why your ancestors may have moved or migrated. Between 1788 and 1868, thousands of Britons were sent to Australia as convicts. This affected many British families. Many were convicted of minor crimes such as theft or political dissent. Despite their forced migration, many convicts integrated into society after serving their sentences, obtaining land grants and starting families. Today, millions of Australians can trace their ancestry back to the UK.
Groups like the Jews and Catholics had to move to escape discrimination. Catholics, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries, faced legal restrictions and often emigrated to Catholic-friendly regions like France, Spain, or the American colonies.
Not only this, but many people were posted overseas during their military service. Many British soldiers and sailors were sent to India, Canada, and Australia. Some remained permanently after retirement, married local women, or were given land as rewards for their service. British regiments stationed overseas often had significant numbers of soldiers who chose to stay rather than return to the UK.
Where to Find Your Migrant Ancestors?
The UK census is an excellent starting point for tracing migration patterns, offering a detailed look at where ancestors were born and where they lived. Taken every ten years from 1841 to 1911 (with the newly available 1921 Census), these records help pinpoint changes in location across generations. A missing ancestor from a census might indicate a move abroad or a shift to a different part of the country.
You can explore these records through websites like FindMyPast and Ancestry for full scans with birthplace details.
Passenger Lists & Emigration Records
If your ancestors ventured beyond Britain, ship passenger lists can be a goldmine of information. These records, especially after 1890, often include names, ages, occupations, and final destinations, providing insight into when and where they set off on their journey.
For British ancestors who emigrated, UK Outbound Passenger Lists (1890–1960) can be accessed via Ancestry and FindMyPast. For those who moved within the former ‘British Empire’, the National Archives UK holds Colonial Office migration records.
Convict & Transportation Records
If you discover an ancestor was sent to Australia as a convict, transportation records can help paint a vivid picture of their fate. Many convicts, once freed, built new lives, received land grants, and became respected members of their communities.
You can explore criminal trial records at Old Bailey Online (1674–1913) and convict transport lists via Ancestry. These records often include physical descriptions, making them a fascinating way to visualise your ancestor.
Parish & Church Records: Tracing Early Movements
Before civil registration began in 1837, parish records were the primary means of recording births, marriages, and burials. If an ancestor seemingly vanished from a parish, it may indicate they moved to a new area or emigrated.
You can search global church records for free on FamilySearch, or browse British and Irish parish records on FindMyPast. Baptism records of children are particularly useful, as they often indicate where the family was living at different points in time.
Military & Colonial Records: Serving and Settling Abroad
The British Army and Royal Navy played a major role in migration, with many personnel choosing to settle in the lands they were stationed in. The British East India Company employed thousands of soldiers, administrators, and merchants, leading to a strong British presence in India. Similarly, Canada, Australia, and South Africa became home to former servicemen who were granted land as an incentive to stay.
To track ancestors with military ties, you can check Forces War Records for military personnel files, explore the British Newspaper Archive for reports on soldiers and emigrants, and search the UK National Archives for colonial service records. Army discharge papers sometimes list where a soldier chose to settle, making them a valuable resource.
Top Tips for Tracing Your Ancestors Who May Have Migrated
- Army discharge papers – They sometimes list where a soldier chose to settle after service.
- Check for baptism records of children – They often reveal where the family was living at different times.
- Follow their last known location – Have a look to see where they were last recorded. Check census, military or marriage records for clues!
- Look at family connections – It wasn’t uncommon for ancestors to move with relatives!
- Check name variations – Spelling of names often changed, especially after migration; for example, it was common for the German surname Schmidt to become Smith.
- Check newspapers – Emigration notices, ship departures, and obituaries provide extra details when it comes to tracing your ancestors who may have migrated.
Migration is at the heart of so many family histories. Whether your ancestors were adventurers, settlers, or forced migrants, their journeys shaped who you are today. By using historical records and a little detective work, you can uncover their incredible stories and honour their legacy!
If you’d like to learn more about your background and your ancestor’s movements, then don’t be hesitant to get in contact today for your non-obligation quote.
