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

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

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

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.

Yesterday's Journey - 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

Read the Frequently asked questions about ordering certificates - this will answer most of your questions.

Civil Registration - 1837 - a brief summary

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

The Marriage Act 1836 - a brief summary

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.

Scotland:

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