Understanding the value of different types of family history records is important. Not only will it save time, you're much less likely to miss vital clues enabling you to trace more ancestors. So what are these records and how can they help you?
Compulsory registration
Parish registers have recorded baptisms, marriage banns and burials since the 16th century. No standard layout was decreed and tidiness varied between priests. So these records vary greatly, both in the information collected and legibility.
From 1837 a standard civil registration was introduced for births, marriages and deaths in England and Wales. Initially the onus was on registrars to discover and record events, so records were not comprehensive. In 1875 the onus was placed on those present to report the event.
Civil registration was made compulsory in Scotland from 1855. An important difference was that Scotland recorded much more information.
In Ireland, civil registration was introduced from 1864. However, a significant number of births and marriages went unregistered until the latter part of the 19th century and beyond. Additionally some records were destroyed in 1922 during the civil war.
Birth
The birth or baptism register or birth certificate establishes when and where someone was born. More importantly, it takes you back another generation, since the names of the father and mother will be shown too. Of vital importance is the maiden name of the mother, since that gives you a new link in your family history.
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| Sample birth certificate |
For births prior to 1837 the parish register may only show the parents' married surname. The mother's name may not appear at all.
Records after 1837 record the place of birth, both parents' names, including the maiden name of the mother, the father's occupation, and finally the signature, name and place of residence of the informer, normally the father or mother.
Scottish birth certificates from 1855 also record the date and place of the parents' marriage, and for 1855 only include the parents' ages and places of birth and details of siblings.
Marriage
A marriage parish register or certificate is also important in establishing the maiden name of a female family member, giving you a new link in your family history. After 1837 the bride's and groom's father's names are included.
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| Sample marriage certificate |
Prior to 1837 a parish marriage record is unlikely to give you anything other than the place and date of the ceremony and the maiden name of the bride. It may contain the signatures of both parties, or a cross if illiterate. The names of witnesses to the ceremony may be of interest.
From 1837 a marriage certificate additionally gives the age of bride and groom, their professions and place of residence, and the names of both fathers and their occupations.
The Scottish marriage certificate will include whether the parents are alive or deceased, plus additional details for marriages in 1855 only.
Death
A parish death or burial register before 1837 at most will contain the date of death or burial, the age at death and the place of residence.
Death certificates from 1837 include the date and place of death, age at death and last known occupation, cause of death, details of the person who registered the death along with their signature and when the death was registered.
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| Sample death certificate |
Census records
Censuses have taken place in the UK every ten years since 1801. The first four were mainly just headcount, containing no personal information. The 1841 census was the first to record names of all individuals in a household or institution.
Census records are closed to the public for one hundred years after they were compiled. The most recent available is therefore 1911.
A register compiled in 1939 to produce identity cards and ration books and to administer conscription is available to view. It only covers the civilian population of England and Wales. Records for those less than 100 years old are redacted unless it is known they have died. From 1948 the register was also used as the NHS register and where appropriate records were unredacted where death had occurred, or a change of name recorded, until 1991.
Few Irish census records from the 19th century have survived. The original census returns for 1861 and 1871 were destroyed shortly after the censuses were taken. Those for 1881 and 1891 were pulped during the First World War, probably because of a shortage of paper. The returns for 1821, 1831, 1841 and 1851 were, apart from a few survivals, notably for a few counties for 1821 and 1831, destroyed in 1922 in the fire at the Public Record Office at the beginning of the Irish Civil War.
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| Sample 1881 Census |
Census records are a vital resource for tracking your family. The 1841 census contained name, sex, occupation, if born in the county of residence, or born in Scotland, Ireland or abroad. Although age was included, this was rounded down to the nearest five years for those aged over 15 years.
Subsequent census records contain much more information. They record location on the evening of the census, exact ages, relationships, employment and where born. Information on medical diseases was also included. More information was included in subsequent censuses about the dwelling occupied. The 1911 census includes the number of children born to the marriage, and if living or deceased. The 1911 census was the first completed by the head of household and includes his/her signature.
Census records are closed to the public for one hundred years after they were compiled. The most recent available is therefore 1911.
A register compiled in 1939 to produce identity cards and ration books and to administer conscription is available to view. It only covers the civilian population of England and Wales. Records for those less than 100 years old are redacted unless it is known they have died. From 1948 the register was also used as the NHS register and where appropriate records were unredacted where death had occurred, or a change of name recorded, until 1991.
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| Sample 1939 Register |
Workhouse records
For centuries relief was provided for the poor. Primarily in the form of out relief, grants of money, clothes, food or fuel were given to those living in their own homes.
In the first half of the 1800s this changed. Workhouses were set up to house those desperate enough to endure the deliberately harsh conditions. With no National Health Service or care for the elderly, workhouses offered the only refuge for the sick or aged.
If you are able to get a copy of a workhouse application for relief, you have struck gold. They vary on format but typically contain details of past residence and marriage, incapacity, parentage, names, ages and birthplaces, status and earnings of children, previous applications for support and details of the settlement.
Military records
Given that almost six million soldiers from the UK fought in World War 1, it is highly likely one of your ancestors were involved. If you are able to obtain any military records, they are an important source to understand what one particular relation endured.
There is a range of records available, from medal rolls and commonwealth war graves, local war memorials, honour rolls and local newspaper clips. You may be lucky and locate a service record, though 60% of these were destroyed during bombing in 1940.
If you are able to trace your ancestor's regiment you can research the regimental war diary or read first-hand accounts. This gives you a better understanding of what they experienced.
Wills
It would be a mistake to assume only wealthy people made a will. In fact, as much as 25% of the English population left a will or was mentioned in one.
Records go back as far as 1400. Well into the 1800s ecclesiastical courts handled wills. After that date civil or legal bodies took over the role.
Someone was appointed to administer the will, and a court granted probate to give that person authority to execute the wishes of the deceased. The records contain information on the estate, and may also include a copy of the will.
These records contain unique information for your family history. They are the only pre-census records that may contain information about family members. Being a personal record, they are one of the few opportunities to view the actual wishes of the deceased.
Newspapers
It's well worth reading newspapers published in the area your ancestors lived. You may view the very editions they read themselves. You'll certainly get a window into what was happening locally at that time.
If you are really lucky, you may find information about one of your relatives. Be prepared though... newspapers were no different in the past, publishing news intended to shock or gain sympathy. So you may read about someone from your family involved in a crime, whether perpetrator or victim, or the family suffering misfortune.
Trade journals
If any of your family were in business, trade journals may be another way to trace their address. Tracking the entries over several editions may also show the business expanding or contracting, or being passed on to subsequent generations.
Court reports
If you do find a newspaper report or census record which indicates a family member convicted of a crime, or a newspaper report of one being a victim, court reports will give even more details. The prisoner's age and place of birth will help you ensure you've got the right person. You may then be able to access full details of the trial.
Hospital records
You may find information on family members who were part of the medical profession. You can also find information on patients.
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