[Carruthers]

My mother died last summer and a few of her papers have come to light. As a consequence, I've started to take an interest in family history research but, as yet, haven't pursued the matter with any dedication.
DNA analysis seems to be the 'next big thing' but of course it won't tell you if Obadiah Ephraim Carruthers was sentenced to seven years transportation to the colonies (with forfeiture of livestock) for the 18th Century equivalent of parking on a double yellow line.

Being the UK, it's ruinously expensive, but I just wondered if anyone here had taken the plunge and it considered worthwhile?