Alex Wood Genealogy

10/11/2025

The Edinburgh launch of my book, SCOTTISH BASTARDS, Perceptions of Illegitimacy in Scotland, will take place in the Scottish Genealogy Society premises, 15 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, at 6:00 pm on Thursday 20 November. There will be copies for sale. Look forward to seeing you there.

04/11/2025

My book, SCOTTISH BASTARDS, a historical view of illegitimacy, in Scotland will be launched at Far From The Madding Crowd bookshop, High Street, Linlithgow, at 6:30 pm on Wednesday 5 November. See: https://www.maddingcrowdlinlithgow.com/collections/event-tickets/products/book-launch-with-alex-wood-scottish-b-stards-wednesday-5th-november
The Edinburgh launch will be in the Scottish Genealogy Society rooms, 15 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, on Thursday 20 November at 6:00 pm. Hope to see lots of you at one or other of the launch events!

BOOK LAUNCH: ALEX WOOD WEDNESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER, 6.30PM FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD BOOKSHOP Local legend Alex Wood has a brand new book out, a history of illegitimacy in Scotland spanning the 18th-20th century and examining how changing views on the subject have affected our society. Alex will be join...

22/10/2025

My book, Scottish Bastards, will be published and on the bookshop shelves by the end of October. There will be a launch event in the FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD bookshop, High Street, Linlithgow at 6:30 pm on Wednesday 5 November: see below.
https://www.maddingcrowdlinlithgow.com/products/book-launch-with-alex-wood-scottish-b-stards-wednesday-5th-november
There will be a further launch event later in November in Edinburgh.

BOOK LAUNCH: ALEX WOOD WEDNESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER, 6.30PM FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD BOOKSHOP Local legend Alex Wood has a brand new book out, a history of illegitimacy in Scotland spanning the 18th-20th century and examining how changing views on the subject have affected our society. Alex will be join...

06/10/2025

My book, SCOTTISH BASTARDS, Exploring the lives of Scotland’s illegitimate children through history, is about to be published by Luath.
The book examines a subject which has intrigued me throughout my life and starts with my grandmother whose character was shaped by her illegitimacy. The book uncovers the often-overlooked stories of Scotland’s illegitimate children, including Keir Hardie, Ramsay MacDonald, Sir George McCrae and George Douglas Brown, and provides illuminating case-studies of many more individuals.
Order it from your local bookshop.

23/07/2025

May 2025 was the 80th anniversary of VE day. I made a presentation on the lifes and deaths of the war dead of my new home, Winchburgh. I'd be delighted to hear from anyone who can provide me with more information on any of these men: https://alexwood.org.uk/2025/07/23/2745/

12/06/2025

New programme on ITV tonight on DNA Journey. A great insight into new developments in family history. If you want to discover your ancestors and have a narrative of their lives,check out my web-site:

As well as being fortunate enough to teach genealogy, I am also a regular contributor to genealogy magazines and publications which I often upload here.

19/11/2024

Looking for a VERY special Christmas gift for a friend or family member? I can produce a family history, with dates, places, charts and narrative, back to the 1850s, for £250…but there are only 5 weeks left. Contact me soon!

01/11/2024

Anyone been watching the BBC programme DNA FAMILY SECRETS? It centres on the fascinating capacity of modern DNA databases to trace relatives. I've recently had a client asked me to research living relatives of a family of which she believes her grandfather was a member and I've succeeded in identifying a couple of living members with whom, hopefully, she can compare DNA samples. As well as tracing your ancestors I'm always happy to seek to trace living relatives.

Stacey Dooley helps people find answers to life-changing questions using the power of DNA.

14/08/2024

I'm reaching out to all my friends and acaquaintances on Facebook to remind you of my genealogical research. I can complete a history of your family, usually getting back to the early 19th century. Have a look at web site: https://alexwood.org.uk/genealogy/

Would you be interested in my completing some research for you? My normal rate is £240 (240 UK pounds) for a full day's research plus the creation of a report on that research. For you, my friends, I am offering a full day's research plus write-up for £200 providing you come back to me by the 23 of August.

You may also wish to consider having me create a family history of a friend. It's a great birthday gift and one that is always appreciated.

I hope to hear from soon - and I'd also be delighted if you shared this!

As well as being fortunate enough to teach genealogy, I am also a regular contributor to genealogy magazines and publications which I often upload here.

23/05/2024

ASGRA Probationers are new members who are undergoing a probationary period of up to 2 years, in order to gain appropriate experience for the transition to Full Member.

21/03/2024

Alexander Wood, BA (Hons), MLitt, Med, MSc

Alex is a Family History Researcher covering all areas of Scotland but with particular interest in Glasgow, Angus, Kincardineshire and Dumfries; special interests in illegitimacy. Poor Law records, military history and records in Irish ancestry.

Alex can be contacted through the members page on the ASGRA website https://www.asgra.co.uk/memberdetails.php?id=5487

21/02/2024

ROBERT BURNS and WHITBURN? Here's an article I wrote a few years ago, tracing Burns's daughter, Elizabeth, and her Whitburn family: https://alexwood.org.uk/.../whitburn-the-burns-connection/

Happy to trace your family and check your ancestors. Contact me at info@alexwood.org.uk