Online sources

Which websites?

  • Ancestry
  • FindMyPast
  • British Newspaper Archive

Which UK datasets are on these websites?

  • Ancestry and FindMyPast: civil registration 1837 to 1992, and census returns 1841 to 1911
  • Ancestry: 1939 register
  • FindMyPast: 1921 census

Is there any specific Hampshire content?

  • Ancestry: wills and other probates, 1398 to 1858
  • FindMyPast: Hampshire Genealogical Society indexes to parish register entries, c1537-mid 19th century

Any plans for more Hampshire content?

  • Ancestry, due to go live by mid-2023
    • parish register entries of baptisms, marriages and burials to 1921
    • includes Bournemouth
    • excludes Southampton and Portsmouth
  • Ancestry, no go-live date available
    • bishops’ transcripts (of baptisms, marriages and burials) mostly from c1780 to 1921
    • includes Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight

How do I get free access?

Can I download/copy pages from public computers? You can:

  • take a photo
  • download images to usb (not available at Record Office)
  • print to a public copier (there is a small charge)
  • Send a copy to your email address (Ancestry does not require you to open your email account first)

Can I use my own device to access these websites?

  • Yes, for FindMyPast & British Newspaper Archive (except The Arc, Winchester)
  • No, for Ancestry