Resources

Introductory Guide

to Family History Research

Finding out about your family history is a popular pastime, and the increasing availability of information online makes it easier and more enjoyable than ever. We take you through your first steps, the type of records you will need and useful hints.

Internet Resources

A selection of other useful websites

We've curated a selection of third party websites useful for family history research specific to the Bristol and former Avon area. Most of the sites listed are free to use, and the pay sites do not always need an expensive long-term subscription if you only need a small amount of data.

Our Research Room

A location for free resources and advice

Visit our Research Room at the Create Centre. Non-members are welcome - just walk in and sign our visitors book. You can also buy a range of books, fiche and CD's, and we provide free access to the Ancestry, Findmypast and the UK National Newspaper Archive websites.

Our Databases

Data on this website

Discover family history assets in our Research Room library, local memorial inscription records, find BAFHS Journal articles, peruse Members Interests and more.

Our Parishes

History of the parishes in the BAFHS area

Histories of existing BAFHS parishes and medieval parishes.

Local Burial History

Bristol burial grounds over the last two centuries

The discontinued cemeteries of the nineteenth century and new, private, Jewish and Catholic cemeteries. 

Our Sources

The fascinating sources of some of our information

Records of the city's freemen, national censuses and personal wills.