Nick Barratt. Historian and genealogist, and devisor of the competition. Firm but fair.
The competitors
Henrietta Harrison BBC reporter Lives: London Known family origins: Leicestershire (farmers?) and Scotland
Geoff Bird BBC reporter Lives: Chester Known family: Irish (stonemason) and Shropshire (domestic servants?)
Rules of engagement …
1. Competitors will have two 24 hour periods for research – not necessarily consecutive. 2. Competitors will have a budget of £50 for any travel, internet credits, bourbon biscuits. 3. Competitors have two phone-a-friend phonecalls to Nick, one during each day – or can be rolled over to have two in the second day. Phonecall 5 minutes max. 4. No cheating! The judging criteria
The winner of the Trace Race will be decided by two criteria:
1. How far back in the past the competitor can trace. 2. How much detail and colour they are able to provide. Important to remember the aim of family history is that you are trying to tell a story, not just come up with a list of names and dates. Competitors are required to nominate a favourite ancestor to describe to Nick.
NB the judge’s decision is final.
Nick's advice:
Day 1 – basic research
Before you start your research, think carefully: what do you know already and what do you want to find out. Start with what you know already - names, dates, and places relating to your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc.
When you’re doing your advance preparation find out about jobs your ancestors might have had, as if you hit a brick wall in terms of going back in time, you could spend more time finding out about the stories and social histories of your ancestors.
Focus on one particular line. A less common surname if possible will help you get further back and uncover more.
Remember, this is not just a linear exercise about going back in time – you want to put flesh on the bones of your ancestors. So if you can get hold of photos, family heirlooms, etc you will get bonus points.
Day 2 – delving deeper in the records
When you’re doing your second day of research online/in the records office, you need to verify what you’ve been told with official sources, e.g. Civil registrations documents, BMD, census returns (address and occupation). You will also be using these resources to plot further back.
Remember, you have limited time, so if you find that you are getting bogged down at any particular stage, go back to a fact that you know is correct and try approaching it from a different angle.
Don’t make the mistake of assuming a link if you can’t prove it. Your research will be put under scrutiny by the judge and sloppy work will be detected immediately!
During the coming week, Henrietta and Geoff will complete their Day 1 background research, and get another briefing from Nick as to what to do next. Hear them on next week’s programme.
If you want to join the Trace Race, feel free – and keep us posted on your progres by emailing tracingyourroots@bbc.co.uk
The judge
