Inside the April 2021 issue:

• Changing surnames

A guide to surname research with One-Name Study expert Wayne Shepheard, reflecting on how and why someone may wish to change their name

• Discovering DNA: a starter guide

Professional Genealogist Michelle Patient introduces the basics of DNA for family history research

• Finding facts in fiction

Genealogist and fiction fan, Kim Cook, shows how a well-chosen novel can teach us much about our ancestors' worlds

• My ancestors were all ‘Ag Labs’... or were they?

Christine Jackson digs deeper into her family history to investigate the real nature of her forebears’ lives and occupations

• Spotlight on...

Rob White reports on the Family & Community Historical Research Society

• Cricketer ancestors

At the start of the cricket season, Dr Simon Wills harks back to professional cricketing ancestors or times past

• Family Tree Academy

This month Family Tree Academy tutor takes a look at the many other probate records that exist beyond wills

• Books

Helen Tovey & Rachel Bellerby share a round-up of useful family history related tomes to take in

• Dear Paul

Ever on the look out for genealogical curiosities, Paul Chiddicks is here to entertain us with his discoveries

• Your DNA Workshop

Karen Evans helps a reader who is perplexed by her DNA ethnicity estimates

• Your questions

Our experts help to solve some puzzling research predicaments

• Diary dates

Essential family history dates for your diary coming up this Spring

• The lunchhour genealogist

Rachel Bellerby’s snack-size learning helps you feast on genealogy in just a few minutes

• The story behind the pictures

Jonas Sjoberg sheds light on his unusual collection of pictures, and the stories from the past that they reveal

• Twiglets

Gill Shaw’s genealogy trail continues apace…

• Letters

A few gems from the FT mailbag

• Getting started

A miniature guide to starting your family history

• Subs Club

Exclusive subscriber offers and how to join the Family Tree Study Club

• Thoughts on…

Diane Lindsay has been tinkering with her precious family photos