|
|
|
|
|
Focus on Surrey genealogy |
|
 See my page on Facebook |
Surrey
lies to the south of London and has long been shaped by its close
relationship with the capital. Historically, the county extended from
areas such as Wimbledon in the north-east down to Guildford in the
south-west. Over time, however, boundary changes—particularly in
1965—saw much of north-east Surrey incorporated into Greater London. At
the same time, Surrey gained areas such as Spelthorne from the historic
county of Middlesex. These changes mean that Surrey family history often overlaps with London records, particularly for ancestors who lived in the north-eastern parts of the county. The historic county town of Surrey is Guildford, but for many years the administrative centre (County Hall) was based in Kingston upon Thames. Although Kingston was historically part of Surrey, it became part of Greater London in 1965 and is now the principal town of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. Today, the Surrey History Centre in Woking is the main repository for the county’s historic records. It holds a wide range of material essential for family history research, including parish registers, wills, maps, and local documents. Your Surrey ancestors may have experienced very different ways of life depending on when and where they lived. Much of the county was traditionally rural, with many families working in agriculture or associated trades. However, areas closer to London became increasingly suburban over time, particularly with the growth of transport links such as the railways. As a result, many Surrey residents commuted to London or moved there for work, meaning family histories often span both county and capital. Understanding Surrey’s changing boundaries and its strong ties to London is key to tracing your ancestors successfully. With the right knowledge and access to local records, you can uncover a rich and detailed picture of your Surrey heritage. The map below shows the old county of Surrey during the 19th century. Click on the map for a larger version.
|
|
|
Copyright © Family History Research |
