Find your ancestors in English family history records

The rich history of Northumberland and Durham is reflected in their impressive array of cathedrals and castles. While the cities of Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough are steeped in coal mining and shipbuilding heritage.

With Liverpool and Manchester at its heart, England’s North West consists of the historic counties of Cheshire, Cumberland, Lancashire and Westmorland. The stories of the Suffragettes, the Beatles and many more icons of British culture started here.

Nicknamed God’s Own Country, Yorkshire and the Humber is the largest and one of the most scenic regions of England. Did your ancestors hail from the sprawling dales and moors, or the urban centres of York, Leeds, Hull or Sheffield?

For generations, the West Midlands of England has seen an eclectic mix of rural life in the hills of Herefordshire and Shropshire, and city dwelling in Birmingham and its other cities. Notably, the region is the birthplace of Shakespeare and rugby.

Do you have family heritage in Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire or Rutland? This region of England has deep-rooted ties to the textile and automotive industries, even claiming the world’s first factory.

From beautiful coastal scenery to easy access to London, the seven historic counties that make up the East of England have been attracting locals and visitors for centuries. Part of the region, East Anglia, includes Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

England’s capital city has been a settlement for millennia. One of the biggest cities in the world, it’s long been a centre of commerce, arts and tourism. As such a vibrant hub, London boasts a diverse, multicultural history that your ancestors may have been part of.

With national parks, seaside resorts and universities in abundance, the South East of England is one of the country’s most populous regions. Historically, the iron and aviation industries thrived, with much of the Battle of Britain fought in the skies above.

Steeped in history, the South West of England is home to attractions like Stonehenge and the city of Bath. The region has rich folklore and customs, with Cornwall even retaining its own language to this day. Did your ancestors call Bristol, Exeter or Swindon home?