Genealogy Chat

I am coming over to England in June and intend to visit the Family History Centre/National Archives Office at Kew. The only problem is that I don't know which one I want, and where it is!! I have a German gt- grandfather who came to U.K. from Germany around 1850-1865 and I want to find out if he came alone and/or with family. He settled in London and married an English girl. Can someone tell me which office I should go to, and if I would be able to get this sort of information?? Any assistance would be gratefully received. Many thanks, Aussie Expat.

Have you located the family on any censuses? Have you got the marriage cert? Reg

As Reg says, he should be on the census info and of course there would be his marriage certificate giving his fathers name. Give us some details to see if we can narrow your search. Re National Archives, if you google and get their website you can see exactly what is kept there and the ref nos for them.

Hello Reggie and Heather, Yes, I've got him on 1881 and 1901 C of P's, plus marriage certificate, so have his father's name too. But can't find the father on any census. What I want to find out is how and when he came over to England, and if he came with parents and/or siblings. I thought there must be immigration records somewhere - he/they couldn't have just walked into England. Any ideas - appreciate the input. Aussie Expat

You could try googling German immigrants to England. There are a few sites for that. I have one myself but he gives his town name on the census info. Cant find him with any parents, assumed he came over in the big rush to employ German sugar bakers in London!