Search UK civil deaths & burial records
Whether your ancestor was tragically killed in the First World War or lived to see their 80th year, uncover the last chapter in their lives by searching UK civil death and burial records for free online.
Who are you looking for?
Delve deeper into your family’s death records
Your ancestors' death may reveal key information about how they lived their life. Recorded by the government and other civil authorities, these civil death and burial records form the essential building blocks of your family tree. Use these valuable death record indexes to uncover where and when a person passed away, before learning even more by ordering their death certificate.
What are civil death records?
In contrast to parish burials – recorded by the Church from the 16th century – civil death records are a comprehensive account of deaths taken by the government. For Britain, they span back to 1837, while Irish civil death records began in 1864.
For each person, they include key details like their full name, age, date of death and place of death or burial.
How to search death records
1. Start with a name
All you need is a name to begin searching millions of UK death and burial records for free. From there, narrow down your search by date and location to find who you're looking for.
2. Discover more with your family tree
Once you've found your ancestor's death record, add it to your family tree to unlock even more discoveries. Acting as your family history detective, our handy tree builder will lead you to new information in death records and beyond.
3. Learn more with death certificates
You can delve even deeper into your family's past by ordering a copy of your ancestor's death certificate from the GRO (General Register Office).
Narrow your search
Looking for something in particular? Choose the record set you’d like to search.