How to locate archives

The relevant local record office will probably contain much basic material, such as parish registers, bishop's transcripts and pre-1858 probate records. If such records are held elsewhere, the record office should be able to point you in the right direction.

Scanned and indexed images of the English, Welsh and Scottish censuses (1841-1911) can be seen for a subscription or fee on a number of commercial family history sites. These images and indexes can be consulted free of charge at The National Archives, Family History Centres and by readers admitted to the library of the Society of Genealogists.

In addition to using general online search engines, other resources include:

• Websites specifically relating to the people or place that interest you
• Recommendations from fellow family historians
• Bibliographies and works mentioned in books or articles on your subject