For all family history researchers living in Berkshire and for those researching Berkshire ancestors
page reviewed and revised Monday 2nd December 2013
Out now December's Berkshire Family Historian—in print and online Read it in the Members' Area— and find the answers to the Christmas Quiz using the link from the main menu
Research Centre—come to Reading and use Key holdings to help you to find your ancestors - WHEREVER they came from The British Newspaper Archive is available at the Centre ...and findmypast ... and Origins ... and the worldwide edition of Ancestry
The early twentieth century: Conflict and change— this key conference for family and local historians takes place on 18th October 2014 Programme outline Booking begins in January
There is an associated visits programme during 2014 too, open to all. Details soon.
Berkshire Record Office remains closed for stocktaking to 10th December.
To join the Discussion List ◊ To view selected Berkshire data
To search for surnames in society publications, in 36,000 birth briefs and among 8,000 surnames of interest
To use Interactive maps ◊ To read past meeting summaries
To read and search issues of the Berkshire Family Historian (and to find the Christmas Quiz answers)
Berkshire family history publications
Order without delay if you want items before Christmas (Data samples in the Members' Area, and many product reviews in the Shop)
Berkshire Maps CD OS 1881-1887 ◊ 51 maps, gazetteer and index
Berkshire Baptisms CD ◊ Details of content and coverage
Berkshire Marriages CD ◊ Places and dates
11th Edition Berkshire Burials CD ◊ Places and dates
Berkshire Probate Index CD 1480-1857 ◊ What wills can tell you
An Historical Atlas of Berkshire ◊ read a review
All make great presents for a local or family historian
CDs and publications also available at the Research Centre
Informed research advice wherever your ancestors came from
Explore the Royal County of Berkshire Abingdon, Appleton, Besselsleigh, Caversham, Charney Bassett, Cumnor, Didcot, East Hendred, Faringdon, Garford, Harwell, Inkpen, Kingston Lisle, Leckhampstead, Maidenhead, Newbury, Oare, Pangbourne, Reading, Shrivenham, Theale, Uffington, Wallingford, Wantage, Windsor (Old and New), Wokingham, Yattendon
Friday 6 December—and 20 December—advice at Thatcham library
Tuesday 10 December—drop in advice at Bracknell library
Sunday 26 January—Bracknell Family History Fair
Branches meet at Abingdon, Bracknell, Newbury, Reading, Windsor and Woodley—find out more
Branch meetings resume from 8 January (Newbury)
WHEREVER your ancestors came from... find them at Berkshire's foremost facility for family history research—with advice and help on hand when needed. Online, CD, microform and printed resources available. Online sites can help - but don't have all the records!
Origins - National Wills Index + more unusual records
British Newspaper Archive - search 7 million pages across the country, including those from the Berkshire Chronicle, Jackson's Oxford Journal, Reading Mercury and Windsor and Eton Express
findmypast - new parish records have just been added (some of this society's Berkshire transcriptions are online here too)
Ancestry search WORLDWIDE (including lots for London, but not for Berkshire)
Browse library catalogue Search the catalogue
Opening times Open till 19 December and reopening 7 January
Your Family History Research Centre is in Reading, next to Berkshire Record Office—home of original records of the Royal County of Berkshire—including those of Vale of the White Horse and North Berkshire. Parking is free
Some (not all) society Marriage and Burial transcriptions are online in the Parish Records collection of findmypast See ALL of the society's Berkshire data at the Research Centre.
Quality is key. Who wants information that can't be relied on? Or details that can't be searched intelligently?
Berkshire Family History Society does not publish unchecked material. And almost all Berkshire FHS CDs are fully browsable and searchable, unlike those of some other societies. The society needs people willing to check transcriptions against original records held at Berkshire Record Office in Reading - on a regular basis ... In 2014, why not join in and help?
The projects team is also keen to talk with anyone who has good experience in assembly and build of data CDs.
Help to make even more records from the pre-1974 Royal County of Berkshire more readily accessible for more researchers.
Find out what's involved today
Order copy certificates online for £9.25 from the GRO (£10 + postage from a Local Register Office). Berkshire BMD offers local references for Reading and Bradfield Registration Districts. Try FreeBMD with its 296 million records for England and Wales too.
page last reviewed and revised Monday 2nd December 2013
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