At the risk of teaching grandmothers to suck eggs, I am putting here some links to useful sites if you are busy researching your family.
Some of these are British-based, with the Vanstones clearly originating in Devon, but if you know of useful genealogical websites based on other areas of the world-wide Vanstone territory, let me know and I'll add them.
Familysearch |
The Mormon research site includes the IGI (International Genealogical Index) which has transcribed a huge number of parish registers in England. Not every Devon parish is covered, but many are. It's an invaluable source, but checking the original sources is advisable before taking it as Gospel. |
FreeBMD |
Indexed search of British births, marriages and deaths from 1837 onwards. An ongoing project that has reached the 1920s/30s so far. |
General Register Office |
For ordering British birth, marriage and death certificates (1837- present day). Free site but the certificates cost. |
Ancestry |
Subscription site, but absolutely essential for serious research. Access to national or international records, according to which subscription you buy, including, in Britain, all census records 1841-1901. This is the link to the British site. |
Find My Past |
Another subscription site, also with British census records, including the 1911 census, which has been published early via this site. My experience of it has been abysmal. Half the entries I've found (and paid for) have been incorrectly transcribed, so it might be better to wait for 2011, when other sites will be free to offer it and hopefully do a better job. |
Genes Reunited |
You can upload your tree here, and cross-reference it with other people's trees. A modest subscription allows you to contact them to exchange information. |
National Archives |
The site of the British National Archives, held at Kew, including court, military and government records.. The index can be consulted on-line but most records can only be viewed by visiting Kew. However some can be bought and downloaded through Documents Online(usually £3 each), including wills, and medal records. |
Genuki |
Guide to UK and Irish records, arranged by county. Some counties have very spartan coverage, but Devon is very well served on Genuki. Nearly every parish has a page, which gives information on parish registers, trade directories, local histories, taxes etc. and some have links to complete transcribed records. There is also an On-line parish clerk scheme, with volunteers who hold copies of parish registers and will check entries for you (within limits). |
Devon Heritage |
Assorted records for a limited number of Devon parishes. A useful additional resource. |
Cyndi's List |
Rather more complete than this page. Cyndi's list provides a host of links to every conceivable genealogical website. (Allegedly 270,000+ links). Very useful if you don't know where to go next. |