Five easy ways to find your Ancestors
Our MasterSearch can help you quickly find the information you’re looking for by narrowing down your search to a particular type of data, and further filtering the results to only include certain record sets, years or spellings.
1
Address
Search for a specific address by county and street name, e.g. Park Avenue
2
Keywords
Search for a person using keywords such as their occupation, e.g. farmer
3
Family
Search for a family by forename and surname, e.g. John, Emma and Mark Smith
4
Map
Explorer
Pinpoint your Ancestors’ records using georeferenced historic maps
5
Related Records
SmartSearch finds related records for you, e.g. children from a marriage record
Start building your
family tree today
TreeView is our powerful family tree builder. Whether you're an experienced family historian or just starting out, you'll find TreeView easy to use and an essential tool in your research. Record your family's history and view details of your ancestors in a number of different and attractive ways. Create beautiful charts and detailed reports to present your family tree.
Genealogy’s Best
Mapping Website
Our exclusive Map Explorer adds a rich functionality to our ever-growing collection of map-based records. This great tool uses georeferenced historic maps that overlay several modern background maps including Ordnance Survey, Open Street Map or Bing road and satellite views.
The tools panel allows you to search for Modern and Historic Places, County and Parish Boundary Indicators, and offers the ability to manipulate the map layers, making it easier to pin-point the information you require.
Map Layers
The maps are divided into three types of layer that can be viewed on top of each other like sheets of paper. You can then change the transparency of a layer to view the layers below, allowing you to see how the area changed over time.
The Base Layer
This is the modern layer, which can be used to select a modern OS Map, Open Street Map or a Bing Satellite Image.
The Historic Layer
The historic layer can be used to select a range of Ordnance Survey maps from the 1890s to the 1960s.
The Record Set Layer
This layer provides access to the map-based record sets such as the 1910 Lloyd George Domesday Survey, or our georeferenced Tithe Maps. The map markers link directly to records for the individual properties beneath, so you can see who was living there when the record was taken.
Try The Genealogist free for 14 days to discover what the Map Explorer has to offer
and
gain
access to millions of records
with our unique brick wall busting tools.
Other Subscription Benefits
Unique, Powerful Search Tools
Find exactly what you’re looking for by refining your search with event filters and keywords.
Records from 1127–2005
Our vast collection spans more than 870 years of record transcripts and images.
Award-winning BMD record and Census transcripts
Researchers were given membership to five genealogy websites for eight weeks. 3/5 rated us as their number 1.
Non-Conformist and Non-Parochial Records
We’re the official site for Non-Conformist and Non-Parochial Records with over 8 Million records available.
Census transcripts and Images 1841 to 1911
Access to all transcripts and images from 1841–1911 for England and Wales and 1841–1901 for Scotland.
Military Records – WW1, WW2, Casualty Lists, PoWs, and more
Ancestors who served in the forces may be hard to find. We have many military lists ranging from 1661–1944.
Extensive Collection of Parish Records
Search parish register transcripts and images from 43 counties, which can take your family back as far as 1538.
Extensive Collection of Trade and TelepPhone Directories
A collection of over 400 Directories provides insights into the lives of ancestors who had their own businesses.
Get started today
We offer a range of subscription packages to suit your needs
User Feedback and Comments
I just can not express how I feel right now. You have given me something
so, so
special and brought 15 years of shear frustration to an end. I was
about to give up
on my hobby, thinking I could get no more information and believing the
family was
not traceable. How can I ever say thanks for this I can only promise
you I will
continue to renew my subscription for a long time yet. I never ever
thought you
would offer me so much help.
B. Connor – Cheshire
I find the genealogist a very helpful site. I have found many
ancestors there that
are obviously mis-transcribed by other sites and whom I have not
been able to find
anywhere else. Thank you and please keep up the good work!
J. Hedges – New Zealand
Thank you!!! At last I have found my only two outstanding
great-great grandparents
and the highly elusive great grandfather who I couldn't trace
before his marriage –
I've been hunting for him for 20 years!
L.B. – UK
News and Events
Latest News
New Release of Military Records Celebrating Our Armed Forces
8th November 2024
We are proud to announce the release of a collection of military records spanning over half a million names. This collection provides invaluable insights into the service and sacrifices of members of the British Armed Forces and colonial forces throughout history.
The release of these …
Over 2.5 Million Individuals Added to our Kent Parish Record Collection
23rd October 2024
New Major Release!
We are excited to announce the launch of our new, comprehensive collection of parish records for North West Kent. This monumental release includes over 2.5 million individuals, encompassing baptisms, marriages and burials, from 1538 to 2000.
Subscribers can now …
Explore the 1841 Census like never before on Map Explorer
30th September 2024
We are excited to announce that the 1841 census, the first modern census of England, Scotland and Wales, has now been added to our cutting-edge MapExplorerTM tool. This significant addition allows family historians and researchers to delve deeper into their ancestral past with unprecedented …
New 1910 Lloyd George Domesday Records for Wiltshire
12th September 2024
We are excited to announce the release of the 1910 Lloyd George Domesday records and geolocated maps for the entire county of Wiltshire, covering an impressive 1,346 square miles and containing information on more than 175,000 individuals and organisations.
The Lloyd George Domesday records, also …
Next Event
Featured Article
The Family History Show, Online!
Saturday 8th February 2025
10:00 –16:00 (GMT)
Put your research questions to an expert, watch a talk, speak to a local society, archive or genealogical supplier.
- Free talks available on demand for 72 hours.
- Free Experts on hand to help with your queries.
- Visit exhibitors, societies, archives and companies all in our virtual exhibition hall.
Special Offer! Buy tickets for £7.00 (£10.00 on the day)
Find Out More Purchase Tickets
Future Events
Unable to make the next show? We also have shows planned for the following locations:
Featured Article
The Untold Story of Robert Dyas: A Century of Customer Service and Innovation
6th December 2024
In an age of online shopping and chain stores, the humble beginnings of Robert Dyas, a name we might all recognise, hold a special charm. For many of us, Robert Dyas is not just a shop; it's a trip down memory lane as a store that has been a part of our towns and cities for decades. But who is Robert Dyas, the man behind the brand, and how has his vision remained relevant today?
Start Your Research
Begin using all the services The Genealogist has to offer,
completely free for two weeks with our 14-day trial