Ancestry reveals UK's French heritage

Ancestry.co.uk has launched a collection of documents covering over 200 years of Parisian history in the Paris, France & Vicinity Vitals, 1700-1907.

The new collection features 16.3 million records of births, marriages and deaths from the dawn of the 18th Century.

Ancestry said that though 45 per cent of Brits consider Parisians to be arrogant, aloof and unhelpful, French ancestry is common in the UK, with one in 20 of us having roots on the other side of the English channel.

Harry Potter star and Burberry model Emma Watson is just one of the UK celebs revealed to have French roots by documents in the new collection.

Documents relating to the families of Davina McCall, Mighty Boosh star Noel Fielding and documentary-maker Louis Theroux are also in the collection.

"Paris is an enchanting city with a rich history that Brits have been drawn to for centuries, so for many it will be a thrill to discover that they may have close ancestral ties to France," Ancestry.co.uk's international content director Dan Jones said.

"Making these Parisian records available will help many British people out there with French heritage trace their continental roots," Jones continued.

Ancestry.co.uk costs 10.95 per month to access or 83.40 for a year's membership.