Hi Stephen,
I know it sounds obvious, try working with what you do know. Work backwards from your own birth cert' and speak to family members (if you have any living) to see what they know. I started with just my G/fathers name and where he was buried and then I went to the local Records Office, the staff there helped me find lots of info. You do need rough dates, Have you tried the 1881 census online. Good luck in your search
Bazzer
Clarke family tree, and connecting branches and roots, from Hampshire, UK to the Titanic + beyond. We have links for the name CLARKE obviously, but many others, see the whole list. If you think you have a link into our family tree, or would like to put out a request for genealogy assistance, email pauly @ this domain I will try to help... The site is also home to my blog, with links to all the things I like. All about me, my lovely wife and our amazing boys... Also the usual things, work, TV, running, ect ect, + links to my fun projects.