Welcome to the Family History Social

Available online for the first time, discover properties, owners and occupiers across Sussex, with linked books and maps

TheGenealogist today announces the release of Sussex Lloyd George records in partnership with The National Archives, bringing together the Valuation Office Survey field books (“Lloyd George Domesday”) and georeferenced historical maps for Sussex in a single, searchable resource.

This significant addition allows family and local historians to pinpoint where ancestors lived or owned property in Sussex in the early 1910s, then click straight through to the corresponding survey book entry for details such as ownership/occupancy, property description and assessed value.

Bateman’s Kiplings Sussex Home

What’s included

• 269,211 Occupiers, Owners & Organisation

• Georeferenced historical maps that link properties to the exact location on the ground

• Owner and occupier details, addresses, plot numbers and descriptive notes (where recorded)

• Map-to-book and book-to-map links for seamless research across records

Among the newly released entries is Rudyard Kipling, whose Sussex home appears in the records. To mark the launch, TheGenealogist has published an accompanying feature article exploring Kipling’s connection to the county and how these records illuminate his footprint in Sussex.

“From the Downs to the Weald, this addition reveals Sussex in remarkable detail. You can explore a county of independent smallholders, traders, and householders rooted to their place.” said Mark Bayley, Head of Content at TheGenealogist.

Working with The National Archives, TheGenealogist continues to expand access to this landmark property survey for England and Wales, rolling out county coverage with both digitised books and linked, layered maps.

Why this matters

• Place your ancestors on the map: Identify the precise plots where families lived or held property.

• Context at a glance: Understand neighbourhoods, land use and changing streetscapes in the years just before the First World War.

• One-click discovery: Move effortlessly between a mapped property and details of the owner and occupier.
  
  
  

The Sussex Lloyd George records are available now to TheGenealogist’s Diamond subscribers.

Don’t miss out!

For a limited time, you can subscribe to TheGenealogist for just £118.95

Not only will you get a lifetime discount, but you'll also receive a 12-Month Subscription to Discover Your Ancestors Online Magazine - a total saving of over £75!

Explore these new records and start your genealogical journey today with TheGenealogist by claiming this offer here: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/MGBLGD925

Offer expires 31st December 2025.  

TheGenealogist has just added a substantial new release to its growing collection of historical records, making over 330,000 names available from a variety of wills and probate sources across England and Scotland. These valuable records are great for historians trying to push their tree back, with records spanning 500 years from the 14th century up to the 19th century. They provide a remarkable glimpse into the lives, legacies, and legal affairs of past generations.

Among the notable figures in this collection is George Buchanan (1506–1582), the Scottish historian, humanist scholar, and tutor to King James VI. His testament appears in the Commissariot Record of Edinburgh (1514–1600), offering researchers a direct connection to one of the great minds of the Scottish Renaissance.

[ George Buchanan shown in the new records on TheGenealogist ]

Read more about George Buchanan’s fascinating life in our latest article, “The Scholar Who Tutored a King and Defied a Queen”: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2025/george-buchanan-8698/

The new collections now available to search on TheGenealogist include:

• Archdeaconry of Cornwall Wills and Administrations 1569-1699

• A Calendar of Wills, Gloucestershire 1541-1650

• Calendars of Lincoln Wills 1320-1600 (covering Lincoln, Leicester, Rutland, Northampton, Huntingdon, Bedford, Buckingham, Hertford, and Oxford)

• Wills and Administrations Preserved in the District Probate Court of Lewes 1541-1652 (covering East Sussex)

• Dougal's Index Register to Next of Kin, Heirs at Law, and Cases of Unclaimed Money

• Commissariot Record of Edinburgh, Register of Testaments, 1514-1600

• Commissariot of Inverness, Hamilton & Campsie Testaments, 1630-1800

• Abstracts of Probates and Sentences in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury 1620-1624

• Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills Index 1653-1656
  
  

These records are fully searchable and form part of TheGenealogist’s ongoing effort to bring hard-to-access historical documents into the hands of family historians, academic researchers, and local history enthusiasts.

Mark Bayley, Head of Online Content at TheGenealogist, said:
"These records span centuries of history, from the 1300s through to the early modern era. Whether you're uncovering humble tradespeople or historical figures like George Buchanan, this collection can help you push your tree back before the time of parish records."

Available now to all Standard and Diamond subscribers, these wills and probate collections are part of TheGenealogist’s commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of the past through original records, expertly indexed and easily searchable online.

S&N are excited to announce the release of RootsMagic 11 UK Edition, the latest version of the award-winning genealogy software that helps you discover, document, and share your family history.

RootsMagic 11 builds on the already impressive features, with a user-friendly modern interface, smarter editing, and powerful new tools. A new Life Summary panel puts every key event and family connection in one view, while unified tabs for sources, notes, and tasks make editing seamless. Advanced search now gives customisable results, builds rules-based groups and exports to Excel/CSV, while the new innovative AI Prompt Builder lets you create reusable templates that auto-fill with a person’s details for ChatGPT or your favourite AI. 

With new proof status options, improved reports, MacOS ARM support, and dozens of refinements, RootsMagic 11 gives genealogists more clarity, control, and flexibility than ever before.

What’s New in RootsMagic 11?

Improved Navigation

Find what you need faster. Clear, labelled view buttons and per-screen menus keep only the right commands in reach. The redesigned side panel has clear headers and quick-access icons for streamlined viewing and editing at a glance.

A life story at a glance

The new Life Summary puts a single view of a person’s key life events and family connections into the spotlight, while making it easy to add, edit, rearrange, or manage relatives. It gives you Events, Family, Notes, Sources, Media, and more at your fingertips.

[ The new RootsMagic 11 interface showing the easier navigation at the top and Life Summary on the left ]

Smoother Editing

RootsMagic 11 brings everything for a person into one place. New Sources, Tasks, and Notes tabs allow you to view and edit information across the board with powerful filters and inline edits. A new ‘Proposed’ proof status, along with clear visual icons, ensures your research reasoning is always transparent and easy to follow.

More Powerful Search Capabilities

Searching has been enhanced so you can now view each match’s Life Summary directly in the results, jump straight to editing, print or export instantly, and even turn any search into a rules-based group with a single click.

Impressive AI Prompt Builder

Create smart templates (such as ‘Write a memoir,’) which can be reused time and time again with the AI of your choice. Draft narrative biographies, obituaries, and more using selected details from your database, with options such as preferred output format. It’s not AI doing your research; it’s AI helping you write and explore ideas more efficiently.

New Features & Updates at a glance:

Modern Interface – Clear view buttons, streamlined menus, redesigned side panels, and a new Life Summary panel with all key events and family connections in one place.

Smarter Editing – Unified tabs for Sources, Notes, and Tasks let you edit everything for a person from a single screen.

Stronger Search – Customizable results, export to Excel/CSV, built-in Life Summaries, advanced rules, and instant rules-based groups.

AI Prompt Builder – Create reusable templates that auto-fill with person details, ready for ChatGPT or your favourite AI.

Proof Support – New “Proposed” proof type plus clear icons for proven, disproven, and disputed evidence.

Better Reports & Printing – New relationship charts, proof filters, and enhanced explorer tools.

Other Enhancements – MacOS ARM support, improved lists, clearer alerts, theme contrast options, and more.

RootsMagic 11 UK Edition is available now from the RootsMagic UK store at: www.RootsMagic.co.uk

When tracing the lives of our ancestors, we often turn to the usual records – censuses, parish registers, and civil registrations. But sometimes the really fascinating details come from less well-known sources. One such treasure trove is the Lloyd George Domesday Survey, an extraordinary record set that offers a detailed look at who lived where and how land was used in the early 20th century. If you’re researching ancestors from this period, it’s well worth exploring.

What is the Lloyd George Domesday Survey?

The Lloyd George Domesday Survey was a nationwide valuation of land and property across England and Wales carried out between 1910 and 1915. It was part of a much bigger project set up by David Lloyd George when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The idea behind it was to introduce a new tax on land, and to do that fairly, the government needed a detailed picture of land ownership and usage. What this means for us today is a remarkable collection of maps, field books, and notes that record:

• Who owned each piece of land
  
  

• Who occupied the land
  
  

• What type of buildings were on the land
  
  

• How the land was used
  
  

• The value of the land and buildings
  
  

All this information was recorded at a time when many people were still living in the homes they had grown up in or had only just moved out. It offers a unique snapshot of British society just before the First World War.

Why Is It Useful for Family Historians?

For anyone tracing their family history, the Lloyd George Domesday Survey is like finding a photograph of your ancestor’s street – but with extra details that even a photo couldn’t show. Here’s why it’s so valuable:

1. You Can Pinpoint Exact Addresses

If you’ve found your ancestor on the 1911 Census, the Domesday Survey can help you go a step further. It ties names and addresses to specific plots on maps, letting you see exactly where someone lived. Not just the street – the exact building or piece of land.

2. It Connects People to Properties

Unlike the census, which only shows residents, the Domesday Survey also records owners. This can be incredibly helpful if your ancestors were landlords, tenants, or landowners. It may reveal relationships and business connections that aren’t obvious elsewhere.

3. You Learn About the Property Itself

Want to know what kind of house your ancestor lived in? The field books describe the property in detail – number of rooms, type of building, whether there was a garden or yard, and sometimes even comments about condition or improvements. It’s a real glimpse into everyday life.

4. It Bridges the Gap Between Censuses

There’s a long gap between the 1911 and 1921 censuses, and the 1939 Register is still a couple of decades later. The Lloyd George Domesday Survey sits neatly between them, helping to track people or places during that in-between period.

5. It Helps You Reconstruct a Whole Community

Because it covers entire areas, not just individuals, you can use it to rebuild your ancestor’s neighbourhood. You’ll see who lived next door, who owned the shop on the corner, and what land was used for farming or industry. It gives context that brings your research to life.

Where Can You Find It?

The original records are held at The National Archives, and TheGenealogist is well under way at digitising and publishing the collection. Accessing them online is through TheGenealogist, which links to their powerful MapExplorer tools. These allow you to click on a modern map and peel back the layers to see what was there in 1910.

You can search by name, street, or area and then view:

• The original hand-anotated maps (based on Ordnance Survey)
  
  

• The accompanying field books with details of the property and ownership
  
  

A Case in Point

Let’s look for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who lived in Crowborough in 1911. By looking him up in the Lloyd George records, we discover he owned ‘Windlesham’ on Hurtis Hill. You might even find notes about the house having a small workshop attached – something that doesn’t appear on the census.

If you’re lucky, the field book might mention improvements made to the house, changes in tenancy, or even a description of the garden. Suddenly, you’re not just looking at a name on a census return – you’re starting to picture the home and the life your ancestor lived.

Final Thoughts

The Lloyd George Domesday Survey is still an underused source in family history research – but it’s a gem for those who take the time to explore it. With its rich detail and precise mapping, it lets you connect names, places, and properties in a way that few other records can.

If you’re looking to add depth and colour to your family story, especially around the turn of the 20th century, this is a brilliant tool to add to your kit.

Want to explore the Lloyd George Domesday Survey for yourself? You can find many of the digitised records at TheGenealogist.co.uk with MapExplorer tools to help you get started.

TheGenealogist is proud to announce the release of the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC): Losses Database on its website. This significant collection honours the men and women who served and died while supporting Bomber Command operations.

The IBCC Losses Database includes detailed records of over 67,000 Bomber Command casualties, capturing personal details, aircraft information, missions, and circumstances of death. This fully searchable resource allows family historians, researchers, and aviation enthusiasts to access an unparalleled level of detail about those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom.

The records link on to the IBCC database, compiled from over 6.2 Million pieces of data, giving an incredible amount of information for each individual, often including a photo.

• 67,140 Records

• Covers 1936 to 1968

• Gives over 100,000 names of Parents, Spouses, Siblings and Children

• SmartSearch links to our AIR 27 Operations Record Books (ORBs), which can provide details of the fateful mission where the crew member lost their life

149 Squadron at RAF Mildenhall with a Wellington Bomber

Among the notable entries in the database is Percy Charles Pickard, the legendary RAF officer known for leading the daring Amiens prison raid in 1944. His inclusion in the records offers a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that marked the RAF’s wartime efforts. You can read his remarkable story here: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2025/target-for-tonight-8696/ 

Mark Bayley, Head of Online Content at TheGenealogist, said:
"This is a moving record collection that sheds light on those who served in one of the most dangerous roles of the Second World War. We’re making this release free to everyone as a tribute to the Bomber Command staff and crew who paid the ultimate price."

The IBCC Losses Database is now available for free for all registered users. Sign up for your free account at https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/account/signup/

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, The Family History Show returns to Kempton Park Racecourse in Sunbury-on-Thames, offering a unique opportunity for genealogists and history enthusiasts to delve into their ancestral roots. Running from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, this event promises a day filled with expert insights, valuable resources, and a vibrant community of fellow researchers.

What to Expect

1. Ask the Experts
Gain personalised guidance by booking a free one-on-one session with a genealogy expert. Whether you're tackling a research challenge or seeking advice on resources, this is your chance to get tailored assistance. 

2. Free Talks
Throughout the day, attend a series of free talks covering a wide range of topics to enhance your research skills and knowledge. These sessions are designed to cater to both beginners and seasoned genealogists. 

3. Exhibitors and Societies
Explore a diverse array of exhibitors, including family history societies, archives, and genealogical suppliers from across the globe. Discover new tools, resources, and connections to aid in your research journey. 

Tickets and Offers

• Early Bird Special: Purchase two tickets for just £14, and receive a complimentary goody bag worth £15 upon entry. 

• On-the-Day Entry: Tickets available at the door.

Getting There

• By Car: Enjoy ample free parking at the venue.

• By Train: Kempton Park Racecourse is conveniently located just 200 yards from the North entrance, with trains running every half hour direct from London Waterloo, taking approximately 40 minutes. 

• Refreshments: All-day refreshments are available from the on-site café, offering both hot and cold food options. 

Mark Your Calendar

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow family history enthusiasts, gain expert insights, and discover resources to further your genealogical research. Whether you're just starting out or looking to break through a brick wall, The Family History Show London is an event you won't want to miss.

For more information and to book your tickets, visit thefamilyhistoryshow.com

 Discover the Working Lives of Scientists, Engineers and Apprentices through Rare Historical Documents

TheGenealogist is proud to announce the release of over 100,000 new names in its expanding collection of occupational records. This new addition includes a rich series of publications that offer a unique glimpse into the careers and associations of individuals from the 19th and 20th centuries, many of whom played key roles in Britain’s scientific and industrial history.

These records are drawn from a series of publications, most notably the reports and member lists of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. With reports ranging from the early 1800s to the late 1920s, researchers can now explore a wide array of academic and scientific figures from conferences held in cities including Hull, Edinburgh, Plymouth, Bristol, Dundee, and even Toronto.

In addition to these scientific records, this release features engineering and apprenticeship documents, including:

• Register of Past Apprentices, Pupils and Students of Petters Ltd, Yeovil, 1938 – A fascinating directory of those involved with this well-known engineering firm.

• The Junior Institution of Engineers, List of Members, 8th May 1950 – Providing details of early-career engineers across the UK.

• The British Engineers' Association Official Directory of Members, 1917 – Highlighting professionals active during a crucial time in wartime engineering.

• And many more!

A page from Early New Zealand Engineers

These resources are invaluable to family historians and researchers alike, offering insights into the professional lives of ancestors who may have worked in the fields of science, industry and engineering. Whether your ancestor presented a paper, attended meetings, or trained as an apprentice at a major engineering firm in the 1930s, this collection could provide the key to uncovering their career history.

Mark Bayley, Head of Online Content, said:
"We’re pleased to add these fascinating science and engineering records to the growing collection of occupational resources available on TheGenealogist. From teachers to tradesmen, clergy to councillors, and now solicitors to scientists, our occupational records span an incredible range of professions and public service roles. This latest release, rich with detail from scientific societies and engineering institutions, gives researchers even more ways to uncover the working lives of their ancestors."

These records are now available to Diamond subscribers of TheGenealogist, adding to its comprehensive collection of occupational records.

The inventor Joseph Swan can be found in this release - read his story here: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2025/joseph-swan-8409/

This new occupational records release includes: British Association for the Advancement of Science, List of Members 1838; Report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Plymouth, 1877; Report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Edinburgh, 1892; Report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Nottingham, 1893; Report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Toronto, 1897; Report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Bristol, 1898; Report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Southport, 1903; Report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Cambridge, 1904; Report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Dundee, 1912; Report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Manchester, 1915; Report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Newcastle-On-Tyne, 1916; Report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, 1917; The British Engineers’ Association Official Directory of Members, 1917; British Association for the Advancement of Science, Report of 87th Meeting, 1919; British Association for the Advancement of Science, Report of the 90th Meeting, Hull 1922; British Association for the Advancement of Science, Report of the 93rd Meeting, 1925; British Association for the Advancement of Science, Report of 94th Meeting, 1926; British Association for the Advancement of Science, Report of the 96th Meeting, Glasgow, 1928; Register of Past Apprentices, Pupils and Students of Petters Ltd, Yeovil, 1938; The Junior Institution of Engineers, List of Members, 8th May 1950; Early New Zealand Engineers

Leading family history website TheGenealogist is delighted to announce the release of the Lloyd George Domesday Survey records for Cambridgeshire. This exciting addition offers researchers a detailed view of land and property ownership and occupancy.

The records give information about the person living at an address and the type of property they had. Details within the field books can include plans and detailed descriptions of properties that provide a unique snapshot of local communities during a period of significant social change.

The Lloyd George Domesday Survey was carried out between 1910 and 1915 to create a comprehensive record for tax purposes. The newly released Cambridgeshire records link rich field books and large-scale hand-annotated Ordnance Survey maps, allowing users to pinpoint exactly where ancestors lived, what land they owned or occupied, and details about the properties themselves.

This latest release includes:

• 164,524 individuals and businesses pinned to maps on MapExplorer^TM

• Covering over 1,000 square miles

• Searchable field book entries naming owners and occupiers

• Precise property descriptions including size, usage, and value

• Detailed mapping of each property using contemporary Ordnance Survey maps

Eglantyne Jebb, Founder of Save the Children, can be found in these new records

Mark Bayley, Head of Online Content at TheGenealogist, said:
"We are thrilled to add Cambridgeshire to our growing collection of Lloyd George Domesday records. For anyone with roots in the county, this is an incredible resource to find exactly where their ancestors lived and to uncover stories about the land they occupied."

Within these records can be found the Ball family, who set up an industry overnight, discovering that the old adage “Where there’s muck, there’s money” rings true! Discover more about the family and their unusual trade in Coprolite in our latest article, “Burwell’s Surprising Buried Treasure”.

The Lloyd George Domesday records are available to Diamond subscribers of TheGenealogist.

New Release of Digitised Volumes Offers Rich Context for Family History Researchers

TheGenealogist is excited to announce the release of a major new collection of fully searchable historical books. This diverse collection encompasses nearly 200,000 names from rare publications, providing family historians and genealogical researchers with an invaluable resource to delve beyond basic records. With these new volumes, users can uncover not just names and dates, but the rich social and occupational context that brings ancestors’ stories to life.

A page from Leading Insurance Men of the British Empire

The newly added titles span three centuries and a broad range of subjects, from professional directories and club yearbooks to literary works and social commentaries. Each book has been digitised and is searchable by name, allowing researchers to find ancestors across different walks of life. Notable titles in the collection include:

• The Incorporated Accountants' Year Book 1936

• Leading Insurance Men of the British Empire

• Who’s Who 1897, 1923 & 1928

• Universal Directory of Railway Officials 1929 & 1943–1944

• The Railway Diary and Officials' Directory 1920

• Auctioneers and Estate Agents Year Book 1929–1930

• Directory for Surveyors, Auctioneers & Land and Estate Agents 1929

• The Royal Aero Club of the UK Year Book 1924–1926

• Yorkshire County Cricket Club 1936 & 1940

• The Company of Clockmakers, Register of Apprentices 1631–1931

• The British Launderers' Year Book 1939–40

• The Watch and Clock Makers of Northumberland and Durham 1449–1801)

• A Handbook and Directory of Old Scottish Clockmakers 1540–1850

From Victorian-era social surveys to early 20th-century professional directories, these publications offer genealogists a chance to explore the world their ancestors inhabited. Family historians can trace an ancestor’s career in the railway industry, find a forebear listed among incorporated accountants or insurance professionals, read contemporary accounts of working-class life in mid-1800s London, and much more. All of this information is readily searchable by name, making it easier than ever to uncover connections that might previously have gone unnoticed.

“This release brings a wealth of social and occupational context to our users’ family trees, enabling researchers to uncover not just names and dates, but the real-life stories of their ancestors,” said Mark Bayley, Head of Content at TheGenealogist. “We’re empowering our subscribers to step into their ancestors’ daily lives – whether it’s identifying the factory where your great-grandfather worked or discovering that a relative was noted in Who’s Who over a century ago.”

The collection is already yielding fascinating finds. Among the notable figures unearthed in these books is William Henry Smith of WHSmith's high street fame, who was a Victorian entrepreneur and politician. Researchers can find Smith’s name and details within these newly digitised pages, connecting them to the story of the famous bookseller and newsagent. TheGenealogist has highlighted his story in an article on their website, illustrating the real-life detail this collection provides to enrich family narratives. Read the William Henry Smith story here. This is just one example of how these records allow users to go beyond basic facts, revealing personal achievements, occupations and the communities influential individuals were part of.

With the addition of these titles, TheGenealogist continues to expand the breadth of its resources. This launch follows the company’s tradition of bringing often overlooked or hard-to-access materials into the digital realm. By searching these books, subscribers can gain insights into historical events and industries that shaped their ancestors’ lives – from cricket club records offering sporting context, to clockmakers’ registries that might confirm an ancestor’s apprenticeship in the 1700s.

The new Historical Books Collection is available to search right now on TheGenealogist. Family history enthusiasts are invited to explore these records and see what stories await in the pages of these old books. To start discovering your ancestors in this unique collection, visit www.TheGenealogist.co.uk and use the site’s advanced search tools to find names, keywords, and connections across the entire library of historical resources.

Books covered in this release are: The Incorporated Accountants' Year Book, 1936; The Lloyds of Birmingham 1907; A Flat Iron for a Farthing by J. H. Ewing (1873); The Village Blacksmith (Life of Samuel Hick); Leading Insurance Men of the British Empire; Memories of Land and Sky; Who's Who, 1897; Who's Who, 1923; Who's Who, 1928; (Moore's Almanack Improved) Wills's Farmer and Countryman Calendar 1821; Fire Over London, 1940-41; Universal Directory of Railway Officials 1943-1944; Great Western Railway Engines; Prevention of Accidents to Staff Engaged in Railway Operations; Railway Accidents 1st July to 31st December 1856; National Union of Railwaymen, Report and Financial Statements for 1913; The Railway Diary and Officials' Directory, 1920; The Universal Directory of Railway Officials, 1929; Auctioneers And Estate Agents Year Book 1929-1930; Directory for Surveyors, Auctioneers & Land and Estate Agents, 1929; The Royal Aero Club of the UK, Year Book, 1924-1926; Yorkshire County Cricket Club 1940; Yorkshire County Cricket Club 1936; The Company of Clockmakers, Register of Apprentices 1631-1931; The British Launderers' Year Book 1939-40; The Watch and Clock Makers of Northumberland and Durham, 17th and 18th Centuries, 1449-1801; A Handbook and Directory of Old Scottish Clockmakers, 1540-1850; London Labour and London Poor, Extra Volume, 1850; London Labour and the London Poor, Vol II, 1850; London Labour and the London Poor, Vol III, 1850

Over one million Royal Hospital Chelsea Prize Records from The National Archives are now online for the first time

TheGenealogist, a leading UK family history research website, is proud to announce the release of the Royal Hospital Chelsea: Prize Records from The National Archives (Reference WO 164). This newly digitised collection contains more than one million entries detailing the distribution of military prize money from 1720 to 1899, offering an unprecedented window into the financial rewards granted to soldiers, staff and their families for success in battle.

When British forces captured enemy property or territory, the spoils (or their monetary value) were pooled and allocated to the officers and men as "prize" rewards. These records describe their allocation, whether to the soldiers themselves or a relative.

Will Butler, Head of Modern Collections and Military Records Specialist at The National Archives, says “These records shed fascinating light on British military campaigns during the late 18th and 19th centuries. When the surviving military records for individuals can be so tricky to piece together, this series will be an invaluable addition to those interested in researching their military ancestors or those who served in the British armed forces during the period”.

The Duke of Wellington’s Prize for the Battle of Waterloo

"These Prize Records offer a fascinating glimpse into an often-overlooked aspect of military history," said Mark Bayley, Head of Online Content at TheGenealogist. "For family historians with ancestors who served in campaigns including the Peninsular War and the Battle of Waterloo, these records can provide crucial missing links in their research."

An Essential Resource for Tracing Military Ancestors

• The collection spans 663 volumes and 1,064,391 records across more than 172,000 high resolution colour images.

• The documents detail the entitlements to shares in war prizes from campaigns between 1720 and 1899.

• Records cover significant wars such as the latter years of the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Waterloo and the Peninsular War, as well as smaller skirmishes.

• Not only do these records contain names of the soldiers, but they can also list a relative applying for the prize and an address.

• The records are fully searchable by Name of the Applicant and Soldier, Rank, Regiment, Date, Location, War and Keywords.

The collection primarily consists of registers of unclaimed shares, with entries documenting when claims were eventually settled and noting the recipients.

The collection also contains warrants, correspondence, quarterly accounts and other miscellaneous documents that provide contextual information about the prize distribution process. Many registers remained open for decades after the original payments, listing relatives that claimed the prizes long after the military campaign they were awarded for.

These records are now available to Diamond subscribers of TheGenealogist, adding to its comprehensive collection of military records.

The military hero Henry William Paget can be found in this release - read his story here: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2025/new-records-reveal-lord-uxbridge-and-his-leg-8310/

Wars covered in this release are: American Revolutionary War; Anglo-Indian Wars; Anglo-Spanish War 1796-1808; Anglo-Turkish War 1807-1809; Coorg War; Crimean War; First Anglo-Afghan War; First Anglo-Burmese War; Second Anglo-Burmese War; Second Anglo-Maratha War; Second Anglo-Sinkh War; Second Egyptian-Ottoman War; Second Kandyan War; Second Opium War; Fourth Anglo-Dutch War; Fourth Anglo-Mysore War; French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars; Peninsula War; Sixty Years War; Third Anglo-Maratha War; War of 1812; War of the Second Coalition; War of the Fifth Coalition; War of the Sixth Coalition; War of the Seventh Coalition

Battles, Campaigns and actions covered in this release are: 1st and 2nd Campaigns of the Second Anglo-Maratha War; Adriatic Campaign 1807-1814; Battle of Copenhagen; Battle of Martinique, Capture of St Lucia and the Invasion of Guadeloupe during the War of the First Coalition; Battle of Meeanee (Miani); Battle of Ogdensburg during the War of 1812; Battle of Saldanha Bay; Battle of San Fernando de Omoa; British annexation of Malacca by British East India Company; British conquest of India; British East India Company defense against piracy; British invasions of the River Plate during Anglo-Spanish War 1796-1808; Capture of Banda Neira, Great Banda and Pulau Aly Islands; Capture of Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice; Capture of Forts Castel Nuovo and Espagnole during the Adriatic Campaign 1807-1814; Capture of Ponza; Capture of Sint Eustatius; Capture of St Lucia; Caribbean Campaign 1803-1810; Central India Campaign; Chesapeake Bay Campaign; Chesapeake Campaign during the War of 1812; Conquest of Scinde; Frontiers of Niagara - Burlington Heights, Fort Schlosser, Stoney Creek, Beaver Dam during the War of 1812; Haitian Revolution; Helder Expedition of the Anglo-Russian Invasion of Holland during the War of the Second Coalition; Indian Rebellion of 1857; Invasion of Ceylon (Sri Lanka); Invasion of Corsica; Invasion of Danish West Indies; Invasion of Guadeloupe; Invasion of Isle de France during the Mauritius campaign of 1809–1811; Invasion of Java; Invasion of Naples during the War of the Third Coalition; Invasion of the Cape Colony; Java Campaign 1806-1807; Mediterranean Campaign during the War of the Second Coalition; Persian Gulf campaign of 1819; Raid on Port of Saint-Paul during the Mauritius campaign of 1809–1811; Second Capture of Serampure during the English Wars; Siege of Bharatpur; Siege of Pondicherry; Siege of Santa Maura during the Adriatic Campaign 1807-1814; Siege of Seringapatam; Siege of Tarragona; Surrender of Tranquebar during the English Wars; Taiping Rebellion; Various campaigns covering Banda, Broach, Buenos Aires, Cape, Colombo and its Dependencies, Copenhagen, Diamenti, Egypt, Fort Biugura, Guadaloupe, Helder, Isle of France, Java, Monte Video, Martinique, Niagara, Pondicherry, Port au Prince, St Lucia, Senegal, Symons Bay, St. Martins, Tobago, Trinidad, Walcheron, Waterloo and Paris; Various encounters including the capture of French Ships off Gorée Island of the Brig 'Diligence', the Schooner 'Triton', the Spanish Ship 'l'Amable Mariana', the Danish Sloop 'Louisa', the Schooner 'George', the French Ship 'L'Esperance' and the Brig 'Eliza'; Waterloo Campaign and the Capture of Paris during the War of the Seventh Coalition; Waterloo Campaign during the War of the Seventh Coalition

The records also cover awards for the capture of the following ships: Brig 'Anaconda'; Brig 'Fortuna'; Brig 'St Antonio'; Brig 'Stephanie'; Dutch Ship 'Batavia'; Dutch ship 'Rensberg'; Maria Francisca'; Maria Theresa'; Portuguese Schooner 'Donnaluzia'; Schooner 'Alexander' in the River Gambia; Schooner 'Atlas'; Schooner 'Carmen' in the River Gambia; Schooner 'Desemperados' in the River Gambia; Schooner 'L'Esperanza'; Schooner 'Tantativa' in the River Gambia; Ship 'Coeurs Unis'; Ship 'Countess of Harcourt'; Ship 'Floridana'; Ship 'General Victor'; Ship 'Jack'; Ship 'L'Esperence'; Ship 'Maria Dolores'; Ship 'Merced'; Ship 'Vincidor'; Spanish Schooner 'San Jose' in the River Gambia; Vessel 'Eagle'; Vessel 'Growler'