11 Free UK Genealogy Websites For Finding UK Ancestors

Totally free genealogy websites to help you find your UK ancestors in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Start finding your ancestors the frugal way!

As a U.S.-based genealogy researcher, I am excited to dive into my UK ancestry. With numerous ancestral lines tracing back to England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, I often joke that all genealogy roads lead to Virginia and all boats to England. Let’s explore some fantastic free resources to help you uncover your UK heritage.

Are there free genealogy websites that focus on UK records to kickstart my research? Absolutely! Here are some excellent resources to start your frugal genealogy journey.an I find totally free  genealogy websites focusing on UK records to get started?  

I’m familiar with many U.S. based free genealogy websites.   After all, I am a frugal genealogy researcher!  But I’m starting from scratch when it comes to researching my UK ancestors.  

Here are some of the most popular free UK genealogy websites to help you get started on your research journey.

Overview of Free Genealogy Resources

First, let’s talk about what I mean by “free” genealogy websites. As a frugal genealogy researcher, I know the excitement of finding a treasure trove of information without breaking the bank! Keep in mind that free genealogy websites typically fall into a few categories:

1. Completely free sites: These sites offer full access to their records and databases without any cost. Think FamilySearch – a genealogist’s best friend!
2. Partially free sites: Some websites offer a mix of free and paid content. You might be able to search indexes for free, but accessing full records could come with a fee. Scotland’s People is a perfect example of this.
3. Free with registration: These sites ask you to create an account (for free) to access their records. It’s a small price to pay for valuable information!
4. Free trial sites: While not permanently free, these can be great for short-term research sprints and test out a site to see if it is right for your research. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to subscribe!

Free Genealogy Websites To Find Your UK Ancestors

(*Some of the websites are free and some are mostly free.)

1.The UK National Archives –

The UK National Archives is a treasure trove for genealogy enthusiasts and history buffs alike. As a researcher, I can’t help but get excited about exploring these archives, even from the comfort of my own home. There’s something inspiring about sifting through historical documents – you never know what fascinating tidbit of information you might uncover about your ancestors or historical events! The UK National Archives houses an impressive collection of records spanning over 1,000 years of British history. These include:

• Military service records
• Census data
• Wills and probate records
• Immigration and naturalization documents
• Government papers and policy records
• Historical photographs and maps

While many of these record collections are available to view for free online through the National Archives’ website, it’s important to note that not all records have been digitized. Some records are only accessible by visiting the archives in person at Kew, London.

For those records that have been digitized, some are available through commercial genealogy websites like FindMyPast and Ancestry.com. Both are subscription sites and their fees would apply.

2. Free UK Genealogy 

Free UK Genealogy is a non-profit organization dedicated to making family history research accessible to everyone. Founded in 1998, it oversees several key projects, including FreeBMD, FreeREG, and FreeCEN, which provide free online access to vital records across the UK.

• FreeBMD offers searchable indexes of civil birth, marriage, and death records, allowing users to trace their family history without any cost.
• FreeREG focuses on parish registers, providing access to baptism, marriage, and burial records, while
•  FreeCEN contains census records from 1841 to 1891.

Together, these initiatives have compiled over 400 million records, all transcribed by a dedicated team of volunteers.

3. GENUKI

GENUKI, which stands for “Genealogy for the United Kingdom and Ireland,” is a comprehensive online resource dedicated to genealogy research in the British Isles. It serves as a virtual reference library, offering a vast collection of links and information relevant to family history research across England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

GENUKI is maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers and is completely free to use. While it primarily directs users to other websites, it provides valuable guidance and resources, including historical information, record types, and links to primary sources. This makes GENUKI an essential tool for anyone looking to delve into their UK and Irish ancestry, whether they are just starting out or are seasoned researchers.

4. General Register Office  (GRO)

The General Register Office (GRO) is a vital resource for genealogy researchers seeking birth, death, and marriage records in England and Wales. The GRO provides a free-to-search index of these records, making it easier for individuals to trace their family history without incurring costs upfront. This index includes essential information that can help you piece together your ancestral connections, such as names, dates, and registration districts.

While searching the GRO index is free, obtaining physical or PDF copies of the actual records does require a fee. This process allows researchers to access certified copies of vital records, which can be crucial for verifying family connections or completing legal documentation. However, it’s important to note that the GRO does not maintain indexes for Northern Ireland or Scotland, so researchers focusing on those regions will need to explore alternative resources.

5. National Library of Scotland 

The National Library of Scotland is an invaluable free resource for genealogists researching Scottish ancestry. As one of the largest libraries in the UK, it offers an extensive collection of digital materials that can be accessed online at no cost. The library’s website provides a wealth of information, including historical maps, newspapers, directories, and family histories, all of which can help researchers piece together their Scottish family tree.

One of the standout features of the National Library of Scotland is its impressive digital map collection, which is particularly useful for genealogists trying to understand the geographical context of their ancestors’ lives. Additionally, the library has made thousands of items available through the Internet Archive, including local 19th and 20th-century city directories, family history manuscripts, and military lists. These resources can provide crucial details about ancestors’ occupations, residences, and military service. While some materials may require an in-person visit to access, the library’s extensive online offerings make it an essential starting point for anyone exploring their Scottish heritage, regardless of their location.

6. Scotland’s People 

Scotland’s People is a vital resource for anyone researching their Scottish ancestry, offering a wealth of historical records and documents. While it’s primarily a paid service, the website does provide some valuable free features that make it an essential starting point for Scottish genealogy research.

The free aspects of Scotland’s People include the ability to search their extensive indexes of statutory records (births, deaths, and marriages), census records, parish registers, and other historical documents at no cost. This allows researchers to confirm the existence of records and gather basic information without any financial commitment. Additionally, the site offers free access to the 1881 census, wills and testaments from 1513-1925, and Coats of Arms from 1672-1907. 

7. FamilySearch

Don’t forget this long time favorite of genealogy researchers. FamilySearch offers an extensive collection of records and tools to aid in family history exploration. Operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch is dedicated to making genealogical research accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. The site features a vast array of digitized records, including parish registers, census data, and vital records, which are crucial for tracing family lineages and understanding ancestral connections.

8. The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, 1674-1913

The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, 1674-1913 is an invaluable free genealogy resource for those researching ancestors in London and surrounding areas. This fully searchable online database contains records of 197,745 criminal trials held at London’s central criminal court over nearly 250 years. For genealogists, this information can provide fascinating insights into the lives of both criminals and victims, offering a unique window into the social history of London. Be sure and check out their tutorials!

9. The National Archives of Ireland

The National Archives of Ireland is a vital free resource for genealogists seeking to uncover their Irish ancestry. It provides access to a wide range of digitized collections that are essential for family and local history research. Among the key offerings are the 1901 and 1911 census records, which include detailed household returns and ancillary records, allowing researchers to trace their ancestors’ lives during these pivotal years. Additionally, the archives house various historical documents, such as Tithe Applotment Books, Soldiers’ Wills, and Diocesan Marriage License Bonds, all of which can be accessed without charge.

10. Internet Archives

The Internet Archive serves as a valuable free resource for genealogists, including those researching Scottish ancestry. Among its extensive collections, users can access Scottish directories, family histories, and local parish histories which provide a wealth of information about individuals and businesses from various historical periods.

These directories can be instrumental in tracing ancestors’ addresses, occupations, and social connections, offering a snapshot of life in Scotland during the time they were published.

11. David Rumsey’s Historical Maps

David Rumsey’s Historical Map Collection is an invaluable free resource for genealogists researching their UK ancestry. This extensive digital archive houses over 150,000 maps, with a significant portion covering the United Kingdom and Ireland. The collection spans from the 16th to the 21st century, offering researchers a comprehensive view of how the UK’s geography, boundaries, and settlements have evolved over time.

Bonus!

And ONE MORE Bonus!  Check out the free records index at Ancestry.com.  You will find free access to some UK records (+ a lot of others). 

Do you have a favorite free UK genealogy website that isn’t listed here? Share it in the comments below and help fellow researchers discover new resources!

Want to read more frugal genealogy posts?  Try one of these!

• Where Did My Immigrant Ancestors Come From?
• How To Start Researching Your Irish Immigrant Ancestor
• Researching English Ancestors – Let’s Get Started