Choosing The Right Resources

Links to Genealogy Sites

There are many resources on the internet that can help you with your research. These range from online subscription services that give you access to census and BMD records, to sites that offer general help on genealogy, much like this one.

Listed below is a range of websites that you could find useful, I stumbled upon most of these sites whilst I was reading up about parish registers on parish­register.co.uk. These websites can inform you about the different types of records available and give you advice on choosing the most effective way to research your family history


Census Indexes and Transcripts

UK Census Online

This website has information about census records, and includes links to other census websites that focus on a particular census year, or a particular county.

British Data Archive

This company produces high quality census records on CD. You can view example pages on the website!

Roots UK

An online pay-as-you-go service which has complete census indexes and transcripts. Very useful for the beginner, as prices start from only £5, and the site also includes BMD records!

A Page from the 1891 Census
A Page from the 1891 Census

BMD Records and Baptism/Burial Records

BMD Index

This site holds complete BMD indexes for 1837 onwards, and is the cheapest way to find the references you need to order a birth certificate.

Baptism and Birth Records, Marriage Records and Burial and Death Records

These three sites give useful information about records, what you can find on a record, and how to order certificates. There is also a case study, in which you are shown how to find a record for a famous person.


Parish Records and Military Records

Parish Registers

A wealth of information about parish records, including an easy-to-read timeline of how the records have changed, how to search the records, reviews of recently released records on CD, and lots more There is also a handy site map, which is brilliant for finding what you need.

Army Lists

This is one of the only sites on the internet dedicated to Army Lists. The site has extensive information on the army, including cap badges and hats throughout the years, and extracts from a late 19th century publication about soldiers such as Baden-Powell.

Parish Register showing Nelson's Baptism
The page from the 1768 Parish Register that records the baptism of Horatio Nelson. The margin was embellished at a later date with his naval awards.

Other Genealogy Links

Genealogy Reviews

The latest reviews on genealogy products, updated every month with new reviews – this is very useful, as you can read another person's opinion on a product to see whether you want to purchase it from a company.

S&N Genealogy Supplies

The largest UK genealogy publisher and retailer, with over a decade of experience. This website sells all of the products in their catalogue (you can order a free catalogue) and offers advice and customer feedback.

The Genealogist

This is a vast online research site, where you can search census transcripts and indexes, BMD records, parish records, directories, navy/crew lists, and more. Their all-inclusive subscriptions are excel­lent value for money.


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