If you are just starting your family history journey, the cost of subscription websites can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are plenty of free resources that can help you explore your roots without spending a penny.
This guide introduces ten of the best free genealogy websites for UK family history. Whether you want census data, parish records, or even old newspapers, these sites are excellent starting points for beginners.
Why use free genealogy websites?
Family history research does not have to be expensive. While paid websites often offer convenience and extra features, many free resources hold the same records or useful indexes that can point you in the right direction.
Using these sites helps you:
- Start your family tree before investing in subscriptions
- Access records held by government or volunteer organisations
- Learn research skills without the pressure of a paid service
Let’s look at some of the most useful free websites for UK family history.
1. FamilySearch
Run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch is one of the largest free genealogy websites in the world. It includes millions of UK records such as baptisms, marriages, and censuses, as well as digitised parish registers. You will need to create a free account, but there is no subscription fee.
2. FreeBMD
This volunteer-run site provides free indexes of births, marriages, and deaths for England and Wales from 1837 to around the 1990s. It is particularly helpful for finding certificate references you can order from the General Register Office.
3. FreeCEN
FreeCEN offers free transcriptions of UK census records, focusing mainly on the 19th century. Coverage varies by county, but it is growing thanks to volunteer efforts.
4. FreeREG
Another volunteer project, FreeREG contains transcriptions of parish registers for baptisms, marriages, and burials. It is especially useful for periods before civil registration began in 1837.
5. National Archives (UK)
The National Archives holds an incredible range of records, from military service documents to wills. Many of their collections can be searched for free, and some digitised records are available to download at no cost.
6. ScotlandsPeople (free searches)
While downloading images costs credits, you can search the indexes for Scottish births, marriages, deaths, censuses, and parish records for free. It is a great way to identify potential records before deciding whether to purchase them.
See: Scotland’s People on a budget: free ways to use a paid site
7. Irish Genealogy
If you have Irish roots, this government website provides free access to civil registration records (births, marriages, and deaths) and some church records. It is one of the best free resources for Irish family history.
8. Find a Grave
This site allows you to search millions of headstone inscriptions and cemetery records submitted by volunteers. It often includes photographs of graves, which can provide additional clues about your ancestors and their families.
9. The Gazette
The London, Edinburgh, and Belfast Gazettes are official public records that include notices of bankruptcies, military promotions, and other legal announcements. They are free to search and can add context to your family history.
10. GENUKI
GENUKI is a treasure trove of information for family historians. It provides local history resources, parish maps, and links to records for counties across the UK. It is particularly helpful for understanding the places your ancestors lived.
Free genealogy websites can take you a long way in building your family tree. They may require a little more digging than paid sites and have limited records but the effort often pays off with valuable finds that can kick start further discoveries.
Start with these ten resources, and you will be well on your way to uncovering the stories of your UK ancestors without breaking the bank.