Family Research - what comes before the parish records in UK?

Question

We have traced one of our lines to 1585 - which is the beginning of that parish's records. Is there any other resource that we can use to trace back any further

Answer 1

Unless you have found a link to a family that held property or a title, it is very difficult to trace further back than the parish registers, wills can sometimes gain you another generation,if you are lucky enough to source one. It is very occasionally possible to find a link in an adjoining parish, otherwise I'm afraid you have probably gone as far as it is possible for you to go.