Family History

• Just starting out?
• Where to visit
• What sources we hold
• How to access information
• More places to look

Just starting out with Family History?

If you are new to Family History and don't know where to start we have the perfect guide for you. Our Introduction to Family History  (70 KB) gives you top hints and tips on how to get started and what to do if you get stuck. Take a look!

Where to visit?

The Worcestershire Record Office is the perfect place to start for anyone interested in family or local history and is free to use.

We also cater for the experienced genealogist and are happy to advise about using a wider range of resources and how to overcome any 'brick walls'.

Although our resources tend to focus on Worcestershire, we have a variety of sources that cover England and Wales and even wider in some cases. We can also advise you how to access material for other areas.

What sources do we hold?

The Record Office has a wide range of sources for anyone wanting to find out about their family history. These are just a few examples. Please contact us for more information.

Books and pamphlets on genealogy and important local families is also available via our online library catalogue.

 Cemetery records on microfilm  (247 KB)  
 Electoral registers from 1843 onwards on microfilm  (417 KB) 
 Handlists to microfilms at the History Centre  (295 KB) 
 Maps and Plans of Worcestershire online
 Newspapers from 1712 onwards on microfilm  (517 KB) 
 Parish Register Guide  (520 KB)
 Parish register index online.
 Worcestershire Original Wills from the 15thC onwards  (79 KB)

There is also a Free guide to Worcestershire sources, by the Worcester branch of BMSGH (Birmingham & Midland Society for Genealogy and Heraldry).

In the past we have been pleased to offer an ordering facility for copies of parish records through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). Due to changes to their ordering system, we regret that we are currently unable to affer this service.

How do I access the information?

• The material is mainly for reference only but access to all the sources is free. You only pay for the copies you make or for any material ordered in.
• Many of the family history resources are on microfilm or microfiche, so you will need to book one of our machines. You can do this in advance or on the day.
• Some of the material is available in electronic form. Computers can be booked in advance or on the day to access this information.
• Local libraries often have information about how to trace your family history. Please check the online library catalogue for books.
• We also have a research service if you cannot come and visit us yourself. Please ask for further details if you are interested.
• You may also wish to try using other Family History websites.

More places to look

Here are some more great places to start your search:

• Ancestry.co.uk is a great place to start when researching your family history. Access is free at our History Centre and our County Hall branches of the Record Office!
  
• Online parish register map    This is an interactive map which allows you to select your chosen parish and see the registers available.
  
• Baptism Index  A Worcestershire Baptism Index is available using the History Centre computers. Between 1754-1812 - it contains 30 complete parishes and from 1813-1839 - it contains 196 complete parishes. The index contains 600,000 names and is constantly being updated.
  
• Newsplan website - History and Society Through Local Newspapers
  in the West Midlands
  
• Church of Latter Day Saints - The International Genealogical Index