A Family History of...
Ordinary lives at extraordinary moments. Uncover hidden stories from the archives, revealing the human side of history. Each month, follow one story across several gripping episodes, and experience history through the eyes of those who lived it.
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A childhood shaped by industry. A Navy on the brink of change.
Nelson Langsford grows up at National Trust’s Cotehele Mill, as part of a family rooted for generations in skilled work. Beyond the mill, Britain is entering a new industrial age, and the Royal Navy is transforming with it.
Explore the records featured in A Family History of Gallipoli
1881 England, Wales & Scotland Census
We find the Langsford family living at Cotehele Mill in the 1881 Census. Nelson is aged three, and his father works as a miller.
Admiralty: Royal Navy Registers Of Seamen's Services
Nelson’s naval record reveals his enlistment in 1900. We see that he trained at three locations.
1901 England, Wales & Scotland Census
By 1901, the 24-year-old Nelson is living with his parents, Charles and Mary, and his eight siblings.
1921 Census of England and Wales
In 1921, Nelson worked in a skilled naval engineering role. His household’s census return reveals that his son Ralph followed in his footsteps.
The Sphere
News clippings from the 1930s reveal the Navy Weeks that bridged generations and celebrated the contributions of servicemen like Nelson.
1939 Register
By 1939, Nelson is retired on a naval pension. We find him living in Callington with his wife Charlotte.
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Meet your host
Jen Baldwin, genealogist and research specialist
Jen Baldwin has worked professionally in genealogy since 2010 and is the Research Specialist for Findmypast, focusing on British social history and the value of UK collections for global researchers. She lectures internationally and has spoken at major events across North America and the UK, including regular appearances at Rootstech. In 2025, she delivered the keynote at the Guild of One-Name Studies Conference in Liverpool.
In 2024, she taught Everyday Life in England for the British Institute and presented at The Public Country House Conference in London. She co-hosts the historical true crime podcast Was Justice Served? and is a Trustee of the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History.
Discover your family’s story
Delve deeper into the archives to really understand the part your family played in history's extraordinary moments.
Jen's top tips for getting started:
Start your search with who you know. Search for family members like parents and grandparents.
Locations can make all the difference. If you don't know when someone was born, where can help narrow down results.
Check the original source. Once your search is completed, look out for the view original records button to see a HD scan and get extra details, clues and context.
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