England

England census research

Censuses have been taken across England every ten years since 1801. However, the first four records are of little use to family historians. The first census to record every person living in each household was held in 1841. The amount of information recorded increased from that year, with details such as family relationships, occupations and birthdates and places gradually introduced. You can use census records to establish links in your family tree, and build a picture of how your family lived over time.

All the available census returns for England and Wales, from 1841 to 1901, are available to search on Ancestry, with images of the original records. Simply enter your ancestors’ names along with any other details you know, and search our collections.

England vital records

• Parish registers - The longest-running records of your English ancestors’ vital events are the Church of England’s registers of christenings, marriages and burials. These were, and still are, kept by individual parishes, and in many cases stretch right back to the 16th century. If you’re looking for ancestors before 1837, they’re your best resource. You may also have some forebears who stepped outside the established church, such as Catholics, Quakers or Jews. The good news is that many of these denominations kept their own registers, which also survive.

  You’ll find a growing collection of parish registers on Ancestry, with both searchable transcriptions and images of original records. If we don’t yet have records for your area, the best place to start is the local record office.

• Civil registration – For research after 1837, things get easier. Bar the odd omission, all your ancestors will be included in the civil birth, marriage and death registers after this year. Copies of their certificates are held centrally by the General Register Office. You can search the entire indexes to these records, from 1837 to 2005, on Ancestry. When you find members of your family, you can order copies of their certificates through our dedicated service.

England research routes

These are some of the organisations that will prove useful when researching your English routes. Also bear in mind that many counties and towns keep extensive family history records in record offices, libraries and genealogical or historical societies, so always check for a local resource.

• The National Archives: Holds government records for England, Wales, and the United Kingdom. The extensive collections include censuses, naturalisation and emigration records (including passenger lists), historical maps, court and military documents, and much more. TNA’s DocumentsOnline website lets you search indexes to military service records, honours and awards, wills, and more.
• Society of Genealogists : The Society’s Library in London contains extensive resources covering the entire British Isles, including family and local histories, county resources, censuses, maps, and more. See the Education Centre page for courses, research advice and lectures.
• Federation of Family History Societies: Brings together over 160 societies from all over England, Wales and Ireland. Its website is a great place to find your nearest society.
• British Library: Holds a variety of useful family history resources. Among the most popular is its huge newspaper library, boasting all UK national, daily and Sunday newspapers from 1801 to the present.
• London Metropolitan Archives : If you have London roots, this is the place to visit. Its collections cover religion, education, criminal justice and all manner of social life. You can also search many of its records on Ancestry.
• GENUKI England : GENUKI is a vast resource providing information on all aspects of family history research. Its dedicated county sections are particularly useful.
• Historical Directories: This useful website lets you search through town and county directories from 1750 to 1919.
• National Trust surnames search : A great way to see where your family may have originated. Simply enter a surname to compare its geographic distribution in 1881 and 1998.