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Archives

Once you have mastered researching the main family history sources at the Library, you will probably wish to extend your research to more challenging sources. The Archive collections hold…  

Newspapers

Old newspapers provide a rich resource for the family historian, the first published in Wales was The Cambrian in 1804 in Swansea, soon followed by others throughout Wales. The first daily…  

Tithe maps

Following the Tithe Commutation Act of 1836, tithe maps were accurately drawn for every parish, showing all the land in the parish. Commissioners were appointed to every parish in order to assess…  

The Court of Great Sessions

The Court of Great Sessions is an important and unique collection pertaining to the legal administration of Wales before 1830, in particular the gaol file collection which has been indexed from…  

Manorial Records

The manorial records held by the Library, are mainly to be found with the estate records and listed with them, but are also indexed separately via the Manorial Documents Register hosted by The…  

Wills and Probate Records

Wills are an important resource, which are rich in information but are frequently overlooked. Of all the sources available to the family historian, wills are one of the few that show the emotional…  

Nonconformist Records

If you are unable to find your ancestors in the parish records, it may be worthwhile looking at the records of the nonconformist chapels. Following Hardwicke's Act of 1753, all marriages between…  

Church in Wales Records

Parish Registers In 1538, Thomas Cromwell ordered that every parish should keep a record of every baptism, marriage and burial. The details that are included within the registers vary from parish…  

Records

Church in Wales records Nonconformist records Wills and probate records Manorial records  

Civil registration

Civil registration of births, marriages and deaths in Wales and England began on 1st of July 1837. The indexes are arranged alphabetically by surname within four quarters each year - March, June,…  

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