England Family History Records

England Genealogical Records

Birth & Baptism

England Birth & Baptism Records

Finding aid
England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Searchable database
British Army Birth Index (1761-2005)

An index to births registered to British Army personal at home and abroad.

Searchable database
Birth Notices from The Times (1983-2003)

An index to over 100,000 birth and christening notices from The London Times.

Searchable database
Non-conformist Baptisms (1567-1858)

An index connected to original images of non-conformist (other than Church of England) baptism registers from throughout England & Wales. If you cannot find your ancestors in Anglican baptism registers, you may find them among these records.

Finding aid
British Maritime Births (1867-1960)

An index to children born to British parents at sea. The index contains the name of both parents, child's name, date of birth and other details. Provides a reference to order a birth certificate.

Marriage & Divorce

England Marriage & Divorce Records

Finding aid
England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2005)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Searchable database
British Army Marriage Index (1796-2005)

An index to marriages registered for British Army personal at home and abroad.

Searchable database
Marriage Notices from The Times (1982-2004)

An index to over 80,000 marriage and engagement notices from The London Times.

Searchable database
Gretna Green Marriage Registers (1794-1895)

A full name index connected to original images of the marriage registers of Gretna Green, Scotland. These registers contain thousands of records for couples from England and Wales who interloped to the Scottish borders to circumvent laws governing marriages in England and Wales.

Searchable database
Faculty Office Marriage Index (1701-1850)

The Faculty Office granted licences to those betrothed who resided in different ecclesiastical provinces, viz. York & Canterbury. An index to over 320,000 licences.

Death & Burial

England Death & Burial Records

Finding aid
England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Searchable database
British Army Death Index (1796-2005)

An index to deaths of British Army personal at home and abroad.

Searchable database
Jewish Online Worldwide Burial Registry (1550-Present)

A searchable database of over 1 million Jewish burials with photographs of the matzevot.

Searchable database
Death Notices from The Times (1982-1988)

An index to over 54,000 death notices and obituaries from The London Times.

Searchable database
Maritime Deaths (1794-1964)

A name index linked to images of original documents detailing around 950,000 deaths of those who worked on the seas and related industries.

Church

England Church Records

Searchable database
Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

Searchable database
Crockford's Clerical Directory (1929)

A directory listing Anglican parishes and other divisions of the Church or England hierarchy and their various religious officers. The directory covers the UK and Anglican churches throughout the world.

Searchable database
Clergy List 1896 (1896)

Brief biographical details on all Anglican clergy in Britain & the Episcopal Church in Scotland.

Searchable database
Clergy List (1852-1911)

A collection of directories covering various years from 1852 to 1911 that contain short biographies for Anglican clergy, with particular attention to education and ecclesiastical career. The directories also contain information on topics such as pensions, charities and church societies.

Searchable database
Index Ecclesiasticus (1800-1840)

An alphabetical list of ecclesiastical dignitaries in England & Wales since the Reformation. Contains over 150,000 entries.

Census & Population Lists

England Census & Population Lists

Searchable database
England 1911 Census Index & Images (1911)

The 1911 census gives details on over 30 million people living in England in 1911. Details include, age, birthplace, occupation, relationships to others, disabilities and more. Each person is indexed and linked to images of the original schedules.

Searchable database
England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Searchable database
England 1901 Census Index & Images (1901)

Provides details on age, place of birth, occupation, residence and relations of over 30 million people living in England in 1901.

Searchable database
1901 British Census (1901)

The 1901 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Searchable database
England 1891 Census Index & Images (1891)

Provides details on age, place of birth, occupation, residence and relations of over 27 million people living in England in 1891.

Wills & Probate

England Wills & Probate Records

Searchable database
England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

Searchable database
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills (PPV) (1384-1858)

A index to testators whose will was proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. They principally cover those who lived in the lower two thirds of Britain, but contain wills for residents of Scotland, Ireland, British India and other countries. A copy of each will may be purchased for digital download.

Searchable database
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills (Subscription) (1384-1858)

An index and digital images of PCC wills, available on a subscription basis.

Finding aid
Index to Death Duty Registers (1796-1903)

An index to wills and administrations that incurred a death duty tax. The index can be used to order documents that give a brief abstract of the will and details on the duty. It can be used as a make-shift probate index.

Finding aid
Bank of England Wills Extracts Index (1717-1845)

An index to over 60,000 wills of people who died with money in public funds. Useful when researching counties where wills have been destroyed. Also contains wills for citizens of British colonies.

Newspapers

Newspapers Covering England

Searchable database
Pall Mall Gazette (1865-1900)

A gentleman's magazine published in London, but covering news from all England, Wales and further afield.

Searchable database
London Daily News (1846-1900)

A 'radical' newspaper founded and initially edited by Charles Dickens. Regularly published birth, marriage and death announcements.

Searchable database
The Examiner (1808-1881)

A 'radical' national newspaper that focused on politics, the economy and the theatre

Searchable database
Cobbett's Weekly Political Register (1802-1836)

Essentially a collection of lengthy, early political columns on any number of topics. The columns have a focus on political reforms.

The London Gazette (1667-Present)

An index connected to pages of the the official newspaper of record of England and Wales. It contains numerous official notices from government, ecclesiastical bodies, legal firms, businesses and individuals. Contains many probate and insolvency notices.

Obituaries

England Obituaries

Searchable database
iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

Finding aid
United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Searchable database
Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Searchable database
Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

Cemeteries

England Cemeteries

Searchable database
Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Directories & Gazetteers

England Directories & Gazetteers

Searchable database
Thom's British Directory (1873)

A directory of the court, parliament, aristocracy, mayors, civil service, military, militia and banks in the British Empire.

Searchable database
A Topographical Dictionary of England (1831)

A dictionary containing description, statistics and lists of important inhabitants of over 30,000 places in England, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Searchable database
Holden's Annual London and Country Directory (1811)

An alphabetical directory to London & county town's businesses & private residents, with occupation and residence. Also includes brief descriptions of hundreds of towns supplemented by lists of leading private and commercial residents.

Searchable database
A Vision of Britain (1190-Present)

A sprawling website setting out and describing the historical divisions of Britain. Also contains countless maps of various sorts. Covers the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man & has fleeting details of other localities.

Searchable database
Kelly's Directory of Printers etc (1904)

A directory of stationers, printers, booksellers, publishers, paper makers and others connected with books. It covers Britain, Ireland, the Channel Islands & the Isle of Man.

Court & Legal
Searchable database
Prison Hulk Registers (1802-1849)

From the late 18th century many prisoners in Britain were kept on decommissioned ships known as hulks. This collection contains nearly 50 years of registers for various ships. Details given include: prisoner's name, date received, age, year of birth and conviction details.

Searchable database
England & Wales Criminal Registers (1791-1892)

This collection lists brief details on 1.55 million criminal cases in England and Wales between 1791 and 1892. Its primary use is to locate specific legal records, which may give further details on the crime and the accused. Details may include the accused's age, nature of crime, location of trial and sentence. Early records can contain a place of birth.

Searchable database
Red Book of the Exchequer (1066-1230)

A compilation of records from the Court of the Exchequer primarily dealing with taxes and land. These records are in Latin.

Searchable database
Licences of Parole for Female Convicts (1853-1887)

Details on the parole and revocation thereof, of over 4,400 female prisoners.

Searchable database
Perry's Bankrupt Gazette (1828-1867)

A publication giving brief details of bankruptcies, including the names of parties and companies involed.

Taxation

England Taxation Records

Searchable database
Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Searchable database
Duties Paid for Apprentices' Indentures (1710-1811)

An index linked to original images of registers recording apprenticeship indentures. Details are given on the trade and nature of apprenticeship. Many records list the parents of the apprentice.

Searchable database
Red Book of the Exchequer (1066-1230)

A compilation of records from the Court of the Exchequer primarily dealing with taxes and land. These records are in Latin.

Finding aid
Index to Death Duty Registers (1796-1903)

An index to wills and administrations that incurred a death duty tax. The index can be used to order documents that give a brief abstract of the will and details on the duty. It can be used as a make-shift probate index.

Finding aid
Index to the Royalist Composition Papers (A-F) (1646-1656)

Index to personal names listed in the Royalist Composition Papers that dealt with the estates of royalists.

Land & Property

England Land & Property Records

Searchable database
Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Searchable database
UK Poll Books and Electoral Rolls (1538-1893)

Poll books record the names of voters and the direction of their vote. Until 1872 only landholders could vote, so not everyone will be listed. Useful for discerning an ancestor's political leanings and landholdings. The collection is supplemented with other records relating to the vote.

Searchable database
Red Book of the Exchequer (1066-1230)

A compilation of records from the Court of the Exchequer primarily dealing with taxes and land. These records are in Latin.

Searchable database
Return of Owners of Land England (1873)

A list of landowners in England giving their primary residence, extent of their land and estimated yearly rental.

Searchable database
Landowners of England & Wales (1873)

A list of owners of above one acre of land in England & Wales. Lists a landowner's residence, acreage and estimated gross yearly rental.

Occupations & Business

England Occupation & Business Records

Searchable database
Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Searchable database
UK Medical Registers (1859-1959)

Books listing doctors who were licensed to operate in Britain and abroad. Contains doctor's residencies, qualification and date of registration.

Searchable database
Railway Employment Records (1833-1963)

A rich collection of records documenting those who worked for railway companies that were later absorbed by the government. Records include: staff registers, station transfers, pensions, accident records, apprentice records, caution books, and memos. Records may include date of birth, date of death and name of father.

Searchable database
Royal Navy Medical Journals (1817-1857)

Indexed medical journals from British ships containing personal and medical details of patients. The journals list names, ages, rank/status, diseases, illness duration and notes on symptoms and treatment. Contains details on military men as well as people immigrating or being deported to colonies.

Searchable database
British Postal Service Appointment Books (1737-1969)

This collection gives brief details on the appointment of over 1.4 million people who worked for the Post Office. Includes references to corresponding data in the Postmaster General’s minute books and is a starting point for research in the rich archive of the British Postal Museum.

Schools & Education

England School & Education Records

Searchable database
Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Searchable database
Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Searchable database
Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Searchable database
Official List of Registered Teachers (1917)

A directory of registered teachers – their current school and date of registration. Also contains details on officers and operations of the Teachers Registration Council.

Searchable database
Beeton's Dictionary of Universal Biography (6000 BC-1879)

A collection of biographies (some with portraits) from throughout the world.

Pedigrees & Family Trees

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering England

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

Searchable database
FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Searchable database
Visitation of England and Wales (1700-1899)

Over 600 pedigrees for English and Welsh families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

Searchable database
Ancestry Member Family Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A compilation of lineage-linked family trees submitted by Ancestry users. The database contains over 2 billion individuals and is searchable by numerous metrics.

Searchable database
Plantagenet Roll of the Blood Royal (1312-1899)

A lengthy working charting the descendants of Edward III, of England by the esteemed genealogist, The Marquis of Ruvigny. Contains much information from family archives.

Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry

England Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

Searchable database
FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Searchable database
Visitation of England and Wales (1700-1899)

Over 600 pedigrees for English and Welsh families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

Searchable database
Knights of England (1127-1904)

The most comprehensive listing of Knights of the Crown, listing details where known to the order, date, place and reason for elevation.

Searchable database
The General Armory of Britain and Ireland (1884)

A dictionary of British & Irish coats of arms.

Military

England Military Records

Searchable database
Prisoners of War of British Army (1939-1945)

A searchable list of over 100,000 British Army POWs. Records contains details on the captured, their military career and where they were held prisoner.

Searchable database
British Prisoners of World War II (1939-1945)

Details on around 165,000 men serving in the British Army, Navy and Air Force who were held as prisoners during WWII.

Searchable database
British Army WWI Medal Rolls (1914-1920)

Index and original images of over 5 million medal index cards for British soldiers It can be searched by individual's name, Coprs, Unit and Regiment. Due to the loss of many WWI service records, this is the most complete source for British WWI soldiers

Searchable database
British Army WWI Service Records (1914-1920)

This rich collection contains contains records for 1.9 million non-commissioned officers and other ranks who fought in WWI. Due to bomb damage in WWI, around 60% of service records were lost. Documents cover: enlistment, medical status, injuries, conduct, awards and discharge. A great deal of genealogical and biographical documentation can be found in these documents, including details on entire families, physical descriptions and place of birth.

Searchable database
Silver War Badges (1914-1920)

An index to nearly 900,000 military personnel who were awarded the Silver War Badge for sustaining injures. Records include rank, regimental number, unit, dates of enlistment and discharge, and reason for discharge.

Immigration & Travel

England Immigration & Travel Records

Searchable database
Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

Searchable database
UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Searchable database
Alien Arrivals in England (1810-1869)

Details on over 600,000 non-British citizens arriving in England. Often includes age and professions. Useful for discerning the origin of immigrants.

Searchable database
17th Century British Emigrants to the U.S. (1600-1700)

Details on thousands of 17th century British immigrants to the U.S., detailing their origins and nature of their immigration.

Searchable database
Migration from North America to Britain & Ireland (1858-1870)

A list of over 40,000 passengers traveling from North America to the British Isles. Details of passengers may include: occupation, nationality, gender, age, martial status, class, destination, and details of the vessel they sailed on.

Histories

England Histories & Books

Searchable database
Geograph: Photos of the UK and Ireland (2005-Present)

A growing database including millions of photographs of the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Ireland catalogued by latitude & longitude and OS grid reference.

Searchable database
UK & Ireland Historical Postcards (1885-1950)

Over 19,000 postcards depicting places in the UK & Ireland.

Searchable database
A Vision of Britain (1190-Present)

A sprawling website setting out and describing the historical divisions of Britain. Also contains countless maps of various sorts. Covers the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man & has fleeting details of other localities.

Searchable database
Ancestry Member Stories (6000 BC-Present)

Over 7 million remembrances and historic details submitted by Ancestry members. Useful for local historians.

Searchable database
Ancestry Member Photos & Documents (6000 BC-Present)

Over 60 million historic photographs and documents submitted to Ancestry. This rich collection contains many rare sources of interest to local historians and will be relevant to most genealogical research.

Biographies

Biographical Directories Covering England

Searchable database
Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Searchable database
Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Searchable database
Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

Searchable database
The Concise Dictionary of National Biography (1654-1930)

A directory containing lengthy biographies of noted British figures. The work took over two decades to compile. Biographies can be searched by name and are linked to images of the original publication.

Searchable database
Chalmers' General Biographical Dictionary (1013-1812)

Detailed biographies of thousands of notable Europeans with details on ancestry.

Maps

England Maps

Searchable database
A Vision of Britain (1190-Present)

A sprawling website setting out and describing the historical divisions of Britain. Also contains countless maps of various sorts. Covers the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man & has fleeting details of other localities.

Maps of England (1360-1922)

Digital images of maps covering the country.

Old Maps Online (1497-2010)

An interactive index to thousands of maps covering the world, continents, countries and regions. The majority of maps cover Britain and Ireland.

Reference

England Reference Works

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Wages in England & Wales (1264-1980)

A comprehensive overview of wages in England & Wales from late medieval to modern times.

Searchable database
Glossary of Terms Used in Heraldry (1200-1700)

A dictionary of words used in heraldry, supplemented with over 1,000 illustrations.

Searchable database
English Surnames: Their Sources and Significations (1066-1650)

A look at the origins of English surnames.

England Historical Information & Demographics

England Information

England Historical Descriptions

Historical Description

England is bounded on the East, with the German Ocean; South, with the British Ocean; West, with the Irish; and North, with the River Twede, and a line drawn from it to the Solway Westward.

Division

It is divided into 39 Shires, wherein are many fair Cities and Towns

Of smaller cities there are, divers fair Cities in this Kingdom, as Canterbury, the Seat of an Archbishop; Exeter, a Bishops See; Salisbury, a fine City, and pleasantly seated, and is beautified with a Cathedral Church, and the College of the Dean and Prebends; also the two Cities of Oxford and Cambridge, containing in them the two famousest Universities in Christendom.

Riches

The Riches of this Kingdom consists in the unexhaustible Mines of Tinn, Lead, Copper, Iron, and Coals; most delicate Cloths are woven here, which are transported into Germany, Poland, Denmark, Swedeland, Italy, Turky, and the Indies, where they are in high request; yea infinite quantity of Beer is transported hence into Belgium, as also Pelts-Hydes, Tallow, and Sea-coal.

This Island is never without the resort of Portugal, Spanish, French, Flemish, and Easterling Merchants.

Fertility

The Soyl is very fruitfull and plentifull, yielding store of provision for the Inhabitants, both of Corn, Wild-fowl, Fish, and Flesh. For Wine this Land affordeth none, but hath it transported hither from Spain, France, and the Canaries.

Natures of the People

The people are for the most part tall of stature, fair of complexion, and of their disposition courteous, much resembling the Italian in habit and pronunciation.

The Women are most amiable and beautifull, and attired in most comely fashion.

A Geographical Description of the World by George Meriton (1634-1711), written: 1671
Most Common Surnames in England

Surnames Found in England

RankSurnameNo. of People% of Population
1Smith3633221.49
2Taylor1693870.69
3Jones1632680.67
4Brown1527870.63
5Williams1072070.44
6Wilson989700.41
7Johnson974880.40
8Robinson932810.38
9Wright868980.36
10Wood865180.35
11White846240.35
12Thompson844010.35
13Hall825580.34
14Walker822690.34
15Green802200.33
16Jackson784900.32
17Turner779750.32
18Clark703920.29
19Hill692370.28
20Cooper683210.28
21Harris666260.27
22Roberts653330.27
23Harrison639010.26
24Baker632550.26
25Ward626160.26
26Davis614390.25
27Martin598540.25
28Evans594230.24
29King588930.24
30Edwards580070.24
31Clarke576800.24
32Moore552170.23
33Allen539080.22
34Cook538170.22
35Parker520680.21
36Thomas515650.21
37Watson508560.21
38Davies501040.21
39Carter489100.20
40Shaw481800.20
41Morris476200.20
42Scott475650.20
43Lee467550.19
44Richardson466160.19
45Bennett463280.19
46Wilkinson447110.18
47Hughes445240.18
48Bailey440070.18
49Cox435460.18
50Young431370.18
51Bell429920.18
52Mitchell414900.17
53Lewis410210.17
54Marshall407830.17
55Chapman401920.16
56Webb392230.16
57Simpson388430.16
58Collins387630.16
59Hunt387430.16
60Barker384140.16
61Foster384100.16
62James383010.16
63Adams378370.16
64Ellis370420.15
65Mason367770.15
66Miller363560.15
67Mills359380.15
68Barnes352000.14
69Knight351360.14
70Phillips350010.14
71Holmes348930.14
72Rogers342030.14
73Palmer334360.14
74Price320340.13
75Fletcher320040.13
76Dixon317010.13
77Richards311160.13
78Fisher309640.13
79Stevens301790.12
80Morgan300010.12
81Dawson297000.12
82Pearson294940.12
83Atkinson287710.12
84Howard287290.12
85Booth285970.12
86Harvey283570.12
87Brooks280400.12
88Butler277580.11
89Day273670.11
90Andrews272160.11
91West269690.11
92Gray269330.11
93Spencer266650.11
94Ford265880.11
95Russell260620.11
96Fox260580.11
97Powell256840.11
98Cole256400.11
99Gibson255640.10
100Pearce252350.10

* Statistics based on the 1881 census