October 2025 Family Tree Magazine

5 reasons to buy this issue:

• 200 years of the railway – Discover your ancestors’ railway connections with expert insights from Dr Esbester.

• Early census records – Find out what pre-1841 censuses can reveal about your family with pro researcher David Annal

• DNA made simple – Get started with DNA and learn how to make the most of your test results.

• Expert research guides – From Army ancestors to Crown records spanning a millennium.

• Regular features you love – Twiglets, Photo Corner, Dear Paul, and much more.

Here's the full listing of the reads to look forward to in the latest issue of Family Tree magazine:

Celebrating 200 years of the modern railway
An interview with Dr Mike Esbester on why this is such significant news, what sorts of jobs our ancestors may have had, and the free database that can help you learn more about your ancestors employed by the railways

Explore the pre-1841 censuses – yes some do exist!
David Annal examines the history of the early UK censuses, and discusses the information to be gleaned from the ones that survived

What are our responsibilities as family historians?
Genealogist and writer Chris Paton discusses the responsibilities we should all bear in mind when embarking on our research journeys

TreeView – how can this software help you?
Continuing the series of articles reviewing family tree programs, Jude Rhodes looks at TreeView

‘Other’ records created by the Crown
Discover the record collections that will enable you to take your research into people and places up to 1,000 years ago with Richard Tolson

Getting started with British Army research (part 1)
Graham Bandy provides a potted guide to tracing ancestors in the British Army

Spotlight on ... Railway philately
Terry Davies gives us a beginners’ guide to the fascinating world of railway-related stamp collecting

Thinking of taking a DNA test?
DNA Detective Michelle Leonard shares advice and insights on getting started with DNA

Making the most of your DNA test
Karen Evans gives us a handy guide to the reasons for taking a test, and how to get the best from your test

PLUS all your regular reads:

Twiglets – and the record Gill almost forgot!
Retracing her steps, Gill Shaw finds a new name to investigate – and a cracking conundrum to solve

Photo Corner
Jayne Shrimpton shares advice to help you date your unidentified pictures

Dear Paul
Paul Chiddicks brings us an entertaining mix of rich personal stories from the records, along with another fine selection of transcription misadventures

Family history news
Read up on new family history-related projects & developments

Your questions
Our experts pit their wits to solve reader puzzles

Ancestry tree-building tips
How can you use Ancestry to help to learn more about your ancestors’ old occupations

Diary dates
Genealogy events in October

& Thoughts on…

Who do you call ‘family’? muses Diane Lindsay...