Family Research – English, Scottish and Irish Genealogy

Find records of your convict’s confinement in UK prisons or hulks before being transported to Australia. Select resources which correspond to your convict’s likely dates of imprisonment in the UK. There is some overlap between the records but it may be worth checking all relevant resources as the information for each convict may differ. for more click here

In 1850, Margaret Bannaghan was convicted of robbery in Edinburgh, Scotland, and sentenced to “be transported beyond the Seas for the term of Ten Years.” In 1854, after four years in prison, Margaret was essentially paroled when she was granted a “License to be at large in the United Kingdom” during the remainder of her sentence.

This database contains documentation surrounding the licences to be at large given to Margaret and some 4,400 other female prisoners between 1853 and 1887. The documents include the revocation of some of these licences as well. (Note that licences with numbers 3900 to 6624 are missing in the original collection.) for more click here

In the magnificent setting of Edinburgh Castle, explore over 400 years of the Scottish military experience. Uncover stories of courage and determination, victory and defeat, heroics and heartbreak and find out how war has left its mark on Scotland’s history, image and reputation abroad. for more click here

The research signposts listed below can help you uncover a person’s history. Each guide tells you where you can find the relevant records, and how they can be accessed.

The National Archives holds many records which can help you find out about people’s lives and careers. The signposts also point to useful records in other archives and organisations, and reveal which records are available online. for more click here

The research signposts listed below can help you explore a particular historical subject.

Each guide indicates how to find records to support your research. Records at The National Archives are arranged by government department or court, not by subject. These signposts will help you identify which departments and courts kept the relevant records.

For more detailed information see our in-depth research guides. for more click here

The National Archives (UK) is home to millions of documents, files and images that cover 1,000 years of history. Find out how we can help your research, through guides, tutorials, podcasts and our wiki. for more click here

Scots in the West Indies, 1707-1857, for more click here

Welcome to our Scotland family history research page. Here you’ll find record collections, history, and genealogy resources to help you trace your Scotland ancestors. for more click here

Below is a listing of the newest genealogy records that have become available on the internet (many of these records can be searched using our free Genealogy Search Engine): for more click here

THE 1766 RELIGIOUS CENSUS OF IRELAND PART 1. Unfortunately very few census records exist for Ireland prior to 1901 due to the fire at the Four Courts Building in 1921. This fire meant the loss of extremely important genealogical data such as census records, parish registers and some wills. Fragments of the 1766 Religious census, hand written by Tenison Groves many years before this fire survive in fragments and have partially been microfilmed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are in no alphabetical order nor with any rhyme or reason. This index therefore, although not a complete record of the whole of Ireland, does cover over 11,000 heads of households, giving their names, parish and religion. It helps a researcher to establish where their ancestors were living in the year of 1766. Prior to this index a lengthy search through the documents was necessary to find out this information. Women are mentioned if they are widows or single heads of houses. The index was compiled from LDS FILMS 100173, and 100220; the majority of the places covered are in Northern Ireland. for more click here