Libraries and leisure

Search Tips

Search Tips for Simple Search

How many search terms can I enter at once?

You can enter as many search terms in "simple Search" box as you require. Simple search will search all of the catalogue and index entries for the letters entered. For example a search for smith will also find blacksmith.

I searched by surname but I got too many matches

If too many records are returned, try to narrow down your search, by adding more keywords. You can also enter a date range. If you are still obtaining too many matches try using the advanced search options.

I'm not having any luck, even though I put in all the information I know

If too few records are returned, try reducing the number of keywords you enter.
Remember that your ancestor's name may have been spelt differently in earlier centuries and places could have been spelt differently too. We advise you to think of all possible surname variants when searching the index.

Can I use Boolean and wildcard searching

No, although the advanced search options allows you flexibility.

Search Tips for Advanced Search

The advanced search options vary for each index and for each index you are able to input as much or a little as you wish.

I searched by surname but I got too many matches

A search for Williams will find alternative names such as Williamson. If too many records are returned, try to narrow down your search by selecting exact surname match. This will then search only for Williams. The exact surname search option is available in the Marriages, Apprentices, Settlements and Removals Indexes.

How can I broaden a surname search?

Try only entering the first three or four letters of the surname you are searching for. For example if you enter BUR, this will find names which include Burridge or Buridge.

Do I have to enter a Surname?

You are not required to enter a surname. If your ancestor had an unusual first name, just search using that.

First names searches

Abbreviations such as Jn for John and Wm for William have sometimes been used. If you have been unable to find your ancestor try searching using the first letter of the name only.

How can I sort my results?

In all the databases, apart from Archive Catalogue, you have the option to sort your results by surname, forename, place and date. The Apprentices Index enables you to also sort by occupation and the Fatalities database by cause of death.

The Archive Catalogue enables you to sort your search results by Place, Document Type and Date.

In all the indexes you have the option to sort the terms ascending [A–Z; (1790–1830) or descending (Z–A; 1830–1790]

How do I search Marriage Advanced Search?

The Advanced Marriage Search enables you to search for a specific marriage allowing you the flexibility to search for both brides and grooms name as well as the parish and date.

You also have the facility to search each field separately. For example if you only know the brides surname you are able to enter just that information.

How do I search Archives Catalogue Advanced Search?

The search form allows uses separate fields for entering:–

• Keyword

• Place

• Document Type – which you can choose using a drop down menu

• Document reference

• Date range

Using a combination of these fields can refine your search to find the most helpful results. You can also search each field separately.

Any word can be searched for, including names and subjects. But its purpose is ‘place-specific’ so it works best if you search for a particular ancient parish, perhaps combined with a keyword or document type (eg ‘Aston’, with ‘Maps and Plans’).

Extra Features in the other databases

The Advanced Fatalities Search form allows a search of the cause of death, such as Visitation of God or Murder. A search by occupation and document reference is available in the Apprentices Index. The Settlements and Removals indexes allow a search by Document Reference.

What if I spot an indexing mistake?

If you spot a mistake please contact us giving as much information as possible, including the document reference.