Family History

There is tremendous interest in finding out more about our ancestors. It's not surprising when we see so many examples in the media of how our DNA appears to affect our whole lives.

The Alnwick Branch of the Northumberland and Durham Family History Society is based in Bailiffgate. They can help you in many ways. For example you can attend their monthly meetings to see examples of best practice, plus stories about fascinating families and their history.   

If you are anywhere in the UK, or the world and want to know more about ancestors from the Alnwick area, just use the family history  email address to the right.

Note: The Alnwick Branch of the NDFHS is based at, but not a part of Bailiffgate. 

Autumn talks -all by Zoom. (Talks begin 7.30pm, Zoom opens for a chat 7.15pm): 

Tue 5th Oct  “The Amazing Lady Emma Tankerville” -June Watson  Lady Emma ( of Chillingham Castle) was a pioneering botanist and artist, whose extensive collection of paintings is now held in the Royal Botanical Gardens. Her Phaius Tankerville was the first tropical orchid to flower in England 

STOP PRESS : June now has an exhibition of Emma’s paintings in Alnwick Gardens 18th-25th Sept.

Tue 2nd Nov “Northumberland in WW2” - Neil Storey  Neil is a popular speaker to Family History groups UK-wide and also appears on “Who Do You Think You Are Live”. 

Tuesday 7th Dec “Crossing the Border” - David Welsh . How England-Scotland migration affected the lives of families

To join in these free Zoom talks, just email familyhistory@bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk and ask to be sent the Zoom links.