FAMILY HISTORY IS NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED.

Anyone who intends researching their family's history needs to consider a few points before they start.

First and foremost, are they properly prepared for what they may find ? While most of us today have little concern about illegitimacy, it can come as bit of a shock to discover that granny wasn't only illegitimate, she was abandoned at birth and brought up in the local workhouse. Worse still, her mother went on to have another 8 or 9 children and never married any of the fathers; she may even have worked as a prostitute and was probably an alcoholic.

If any part of the above shocks you, don't even think of starting to invetsigate; if it intrigues you, then carry on. In my own tree, I have evidence of most of the situations outlined, plus the likelihood of a murder or 2, armed robbers, instances of bigamy, lots of adultery and so on, and so on. Far from being horrified, I find it all quite fascinating, but not everyone does. Some people find such situations, even when backed up by solid evidence, wholly unpalatable and will go as far as to deny the truth and cut off communication with the perpetrator of what they see as 'wicked lies'.

Secondly, do they understand that family history is not something that can be 'done' in a few hours or days; it is an all-consuming passion that can take over your life. If you're prepared to spend hours, days, weeks and years researching, then get on with it; if your idea of constructing a family tree is to copy the unsourced work of others, don't bother.

Finally, while researching family history is cheaper than some hobbies, it does have its costs, which can be significant. Joining websites such as 'Ancestry' , 'Find My Past'  and 'The Genealogist' can cost up to £150 per year for each, copies of birth, marriage and death certificates cost £9.25 each and other documents, such as parish register extracts or Wills also have a cost attached. Incurring all of these costs isn't essential but without the help that can be gained from these sources, the research process is made much more difficult.

For those who are not put off by any of these issues, carry on ! For those who find the potential hurdles a little daunting, perhaps they should stick to gardening.