Specialist Records

This is a broad category for important records created by state bodies or other organisations that do not fit neatly into the other categories. These records provide crucial context about individuals, from their wealth and social status to their movements and military service. Records in this category include: Heralds' Visitations (16th-17th centuries): Records created by royal heralds on tours of the country to verify the right of families to use a coat of arms. They contain detailed pedigrees and, for some families, Funeral Certificates describing the elaborate funerals of the gentry and nobility. Taxation Records: Lists of people compiled for various national taxes. Hearth Tax (1660s): Lists every household and the number of hearths (fireplaces) they had, providing a good indicator of wealth. Poll Tax (late 14th century & 1377): Lists of adult inhabitants. Census Records (1841-present): The decennial government census provides a detailed snapshot of every household in the country, listing names, relationships, ages, occupations, and birthplaces. Military Records: Service records, pension records, and musters that can detail an individual's military career. Immigration & Emigration Records: Passenger lists, naturalisation papers, and passports that document the movement of people into and out of the country.