Tracing family history is enormously popular, although can be a little bit more challenging for those from families who have migrated. Here’s a short guide on how to get started, including some places people with Polish decent might like to explore.
UK records
UK Census returns: The census has been taken every 10 years since 1801, and the first detailed census was taken in 1841. Census information includes the names of all people present in a household on the night of the census, their ages, marital status, relationships and occupation details. Census returns between 1841 and 1911 can be consulted free of charge at public libraries or archives, and can also be searched by name online through subscription genealogy websites Ancestry.co.uk and FindMyPast.co.uk
Birth, marriage and death records in England and Wales: The registration of births, marriages and deaths began in 1837 and are recorded in the General Register Office. A complete index of all certificates issued in England and Wales may be viewed at some public libraries and all borough and county archives, and can be searched online via Ancestry.co.uk, Findmypast.co.uk and Freebmd.org.uk Copies of a certificate of a particular event for a particular name can be requested via www.gro.gov.uk/gro
UK immigration and emigration records: These passenger arrival and departure records, naturalisation records, border crossings, emigration records, passports and convict transportation records and post-Second World War Polish Resettlement files. Most are held at The National Archives in Kew. Names can be searched via Ancestry.co.uk and Findmypast.co.uk
Polish Resettlement Corps (PRC): After the Second World War many Polish troops who had fought alongside the western allies preferred not to return Poland and were allowed to stay in Great Britain. The PRC was established, which vetted applicants and discharged them from the Polish armed forces. Records of the PRC are at The National Archives in series WO 315.
Roman Catholic records: Rof Roman Catholic registers of baptism, marriage and burial/death may be found at local libraries or borough and county archives. Other Roman Catholic records may be located at Archdiocesan Archives or at the respective church.
Polish Records
The Polish Roots website provides background information, history, contact details and advice about how to make enquiries for records held in Poland.
Other useful heritage organisations
London Met Archives
The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum
Vestry House Museum
Bruce Castle Museum
