4. Looking at official records

Don’t be daunted by the number of records available or worry about visiting a record office. Some records are available on the web but in the end you will need to visit a record office, library or family history centre where you can view copies of the records on microfilm or fiche.

The Family Records topics section will tell you how to access each type of official record such as certificates of birth, marriage or death, census returns, military records, tax records and probate records (wills).

Use the Family Records partners section to find out about or plan your visit to the archive, library or museum you are interested in.