Search Tips

Searching for more than one surname?

If you use only the wildcard character - % - in the surname field then all surnames will be displayed. You can then navigate through the search results using the page numbers at the bottom of the results table. To order, tick the relevant entries as you navigate. Please note that for this type of search it may take a while for the results to display.

Use the wildcard character %

For names and place

Use the wildcard character - % - to represent any characters in a keyword. For example:

• Smith% will return all entries that start with "Smith", whereas
• %Smith% will return any entries that have "Smith" somewhere in the name (such as "Shoesmith").

The wildcard character is also very useful when searching for an entry by an option other than surname. For instance, a search of:

• %Windsor% in a locality or description field will find the word "Windsor" anywhere in that field.

Cross-reference entries

Some entries in the indexes are simply cross-references to other entries. This means that there are no records available to copy. These entries are identified by the words "CROSS-REFERENCE ONLY" in the search results. Simply follow the advice in the 'Remarks' field (usually to view another entry).

Having trouble searching?

If you are experiencing problems, we suggest you clear all the browser caches and try your search again. If you are using Internet Explorer simply select Tools -> Internet Options and clear the files in the 'Temporary Internet Files' option. Restart your web session from our homepage and navigate to 'Indexes Online' under 'State Archives' on the horizontal drop-down menu.

Order copies of the records

Copy services and secure online payments are available from several of our Indexes Online. If you find an entry in an index and a photocopy service is available you will see a 'Tick Box' option on the search results page. Simply 'tick' your selections, click on the 'Submit Order' button at the bottom of the page and follow the instructions. You can order multiple photocopies from the one index. If you are searching for several different names in the one index follow the search tip above "Searching for more than one surname?"

Please Note: Some indexes do not have a copy order service. This may be because the records are fragile and are at further risk of damage if photocopied. Sometimes the files are very large in size and in these cases copies can only be ordered in the reading room after viewing the records.

Feedback

You can leave feedback for any of our online indexes - we'd like to hear from you.