Family History Research UK Genealogy record offices

Family History Research UK
Contact me	Record offices and archives for genealogy research
Services and prices Services Prices Terms of business Areas covered Berkshire Buckinghamshire Essex Hertfordshire Kent London Middlesex Surrey Other areas Online records Births, marriages and deaths Census records Parish registers Other records Record offices The National Archives London Metropolitan Archives Society of Genealogists County record offices	The growing availability of online records has made family history research faster and more convenient—particularly for the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. However, the further back you go, the more likely it is that key records will only be available in their original form or as transcripts held in record offices and archives. Research Outside the Local Area In some cases, it may be necessary to visit archives outside the London area in order to access specific records. If this is required, I will always discuss it with you in advance and clearly outline any associated travel costs. This allows you to decide how you would like to proceed before any additional expense is incurred. A Flexible Research Approach Below, you will find details of the main record offices commonly used for family history research. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list—depending on your particular research needs, it may be necessary to consult other archives. Wherever possible, I aim to use the most efficient combination of online resources and archive visits to ensure thorough, accurate, and cost-effective research. Accessing Archives in London Many of the major national repositories—including The National Archives at Kew—are located in the London area. This provides excellent access to a vast range of historical material. I do not charge additional travel costs for visits to record offices or archives within the M25 (please see the Services and Prices page for full details).
Testimonials About me See my page on Facebook	The National Archives The National Archives at Kew is the UK’s principal repository for central government records and one of the most important resources for family history research in England and Wales. Covering over 1,000 years of history, the archives hold a vast and diverse range of original documents that can provide unique insights into your ancestors’ lives—often going far beyond what is available online. What You Can Find at The National Archives Key records of interest to family historians include: Census records (original returns) from 1841 to 1921 Military records, including service records, pension files, and medal rolls Wills and probate records, particularly those proved at the Prerogative Court of Canterbury (up to 1858) Immigration and emigration records, including passenger lists Criminal and court records, such as trial proceedings, prison registers, and transportation records Taxation records, including land tax and hearth tax returns Maps and plans, which can help place your ancestors in their local environment Government and administrative records, which may mention individuals in specific contexts Why It Matters for Family History Many of these records are unique to The National Archives and are not available—or only partially available—online. They can: Provide detailed evidence about individuals Help confirm identities where records are unclear Add rich historical context to your family story Accessing the Records Some records from The National Archives have been digitised and are accessible online. However, a significant proportion can only be viewed in person at Kew.Because of my location in south-west London, I am able to access The National Archives easily and efficiently, allowing me to consult original documents on your behalf and incorporate them into your research.
	The London Archives
	The London Archives (formerly the London Metropolitan Archives) is one of the most important repositories for researching family history in London and the surrounding areas. Located in the City of London, it holds an extensive collection of records relating not only to the historic City but also to the wider metropolitan area. What You Can Find at The London Archives The collections are particularly rich and varied, offering valuable insights into the lives of Londoners over several centuries. Key records include: Parish registers (baptisms, marriages, and burials), many dating back to the sixteenth century Poor law and workhouse records, including admission and discharge registers School and education records Electoral registers and voting lists Business and occupational records, including livery company archives Hospital and medical records Maps and plans, showing the development of London over time Wills and probate copies (especially for London-based courts) Why It Matters for Family History London’s size, population, and administrative complexity can make research particularly challenging. The London Archives brings together a wide range of records that might otherwise be scattered across different institutions, making it an essential resource for tracing ancestors who lived, worked, or passed through the capital.These records can help you: Place your ancestors at a specific address Understand their occupations and daily lives Trace movements within London’s rapidly changing urban landscape Accessing the Records Many of the London Archives’ collections have been digitised in partnership with subscription websites such as Ancestry, but a significant number of records can only be accessed in person. With convenient access to central London, I am able to consult these original records on your behalf, ensuring thorough and accurate research beyond what is available online.
	Society of Genealogists
	The Society of Genealogists (SoG) in London is one of the UK’s leading family history organisations and holds a unique and extensive collection of genealogical resources. Unlike national or local archives, its focus is specifically on family history research, making it a particularly valuable destination for tracing ancestry across the UK and beyond. What You Can Find at the Society of Genealogists The Society’s collections are wide-ranging and particularly useful for filling gaps where official records may be limited. Key resources include: Transcripts and indexes of parish registers from across the UK Monumental inscriptions (gravestone records) Family trees and pedigrees submitted by other researchers Wills and probate indexes Directories and electoral records Military records and indexes Nonconformist and other religious records Local history publications and rare books One of the Society’s greatest strengths is its large collection of compiled family histories and research notes, which can sometimes provide clues or connections not found elsewhere. Why It Matters for Family History The Society of Genealogists is particularly useful when: Parish records are incomplete or unavailable elsewhere You are looking for compiled research on specific families You need access to specialist indexes not available online You are researching ancestors outside your main geographic area Its collections often complement those held at The National Archives and local record offices. Accessing the Collections Some of the Society’s resources are available online to members, but many can only be accessed in person at their London premises. By using these collections alongside other sources, it is often possible to make progress where research has previously stalled.
	County record offices
	County and diocesan record offices are essential resources for family history research, particularly for records that are not available online. They typically hold a wide range of local and church records, including: Parish registers (baptisms, marriages, and burials) Bishops’ transcripts (copies of parish registers) Wills and probate records (especially before 1858) Land and property records Local court records School, poor law, and workhouse records Maps, photographs, and local history material County record offices focus on the administrative and social history of a specific area, while diocesan archives specialise in church-related records covering a wider ecclesiastical region. These collections are invaluable for tracing ancestors before the nineteenth century and for adding detail and context to family lives that may not be captured in national records.
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