Britain

History

British History Online, is the digital library containing some of the core printed primary and secondary sources for the medieval and modern history of the British Isles. Created by the Institute of Historical Research and the History of Parliament Trust, we aim to support academic and personal users around the world in their learning, teaching and research.

Census Returns

Census Records - what they are and where to find them

1911 Census, newly released. The National Archives in association with a company called FiindMyPast, the online version is, as yet, very expensive. One has to buy credits and, quoting from the web site: Viewing the images of the household pages uses 30 credits, which costs from £2.50 to £3.48, depending on the package of credits that you buy. The returns can be viewed without charge by visiting the National Archives at Kew, near London.

1881 census can be consulted free at FamilySearch.org, web site of the Church of the Latter Day Saints.

other censuses, 1841 to 1901, can be viewed through using the online facilities of various companies, among others, for a fee: Ancestry.co.uk, FindMyPast.com, UKCensusOnline.com, BritishOrigins.com (not all censuses)

British National Archives - an enormous collecton of documents, indexes and articles.

Wills - a guide to the Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills (1384 - 1858), searchable and orderable on this site, and also a comprehensive explanation and guide to wills stored elsewhere.

Research guides - an enormous collection of information, on specific records as well as general guides such as Family History, Beginners' Latin, and Palaeography.

The National Archives Podcast Series - various talks, no pictures - includes family history, for instance Tracing pre-1914 army ancestors and Emigration records

Research Tools - information to help research with documents of various types, wills, WW1 records and other collections, as well as some general information about using the site.

Naturalisation and Citizenship: Grants of British Nationality

Equity Pleadings Database - A rich source of information, particularly legal, social and economic history as well as genealogical sources.

1911 Census returns,

Gazettes - Official Newspaper of Record for the UK, including the London, Edinburgh and Belfast Gazettes. Searchable. The London Gazette has over 350 years published a diverse range of official information such as: change of name by deed poll, naturalisation, military, judicial, and ecclesiastical appointments, honours and medals, bankruptcy/insolvency, death.

Yesterday's Journeys - by Mike Spencer. Records of people on the move in Britain who had dealings with documents and Officials. The Records come from Derbyshire, but often deal with many people from other regions passing through. Do read the Information Page.

England and Wales:

General Register Office, for birth, marriage and death certificates

Records held, what records you can find there

Information to be found on Birth Certifcates, Marriage Certificates, Death Certificates

Ordering Certificates

Frequently asked questions about ordering certificates

Births and Deaths Registration Act 1836 - a brief summary

The Marriage Act 1836 - a brief summary

Civil Registration - a useful page of facts about the registration of births, marriages and deaths in England.

England and Wales Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificate Information, by Barbara Dixon

FreeBMD, maintained by the Trustees of FreeBMD. Online searchable transcription of the England and Wales index to births, marriages and deaths 1837 to 1949 - very nearly complete. With this information one can apply for a copy of the certificate from the General Register Office (see above).

Church Registers

FreeReg, provides free Internet searches of baptism, marriage, and burial records, that have been transcribed from parish and non-conformist registers of the U.K.

UK Online Parish Clerks, provide genealogy information and transcriptions of parish registers of a number of English Counties free of charge.

Scotland:

Scotland's People, for Births, Marriages, Deaths, Wills and Census returns.