Resource Directory

Discover a curated collection of resources for local and family history research.

From archives and maps to publications and specialist sites, these links are here to support and inspire your work. We update this directory regularly — suggestions are always welcome.

See also our Society Directory.

Browse A–Z: A | B | C | E | F | G | H | I | L | N | P | S | T | V | W

A

Abebooks

Global marketplace for second-hand and out-of-print books.

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AIM25

Access to archives from over fifty institutions in London and the M25 area.

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Archives Hub

Archives Hub brings together descriptions of thousands of the UK’s archive collections. Representing many archives across the country, Archives Hub is an effective way to discover unique and often little-known sources to support your research.

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Archives Network Wales

Searchable index of archive sources in Wales.

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B

Blanche Parry

Tudor court research including tenants and field names.

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Bricks & Brass

Resource for 19th and 20th century houses, including architecture and care guidance.

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British & Irish Genealogy

Directory of genealogy services with commentary and discussion.

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British Archaeological Jobs and Resources

Extensive directory of archaeology resources, including local studies centres and institutions.

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British Cartographic Society

Organisation focused on maps and cartographic research.

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C

Carnegie Publishing

Independent publisher of local history books.

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Cassini Maps

Publisher of historical maps based on Ordnance Survey sheets.

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Council for Independent Archaeology

Supports independent archaeological research.

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Curious Fox

Gazetteer linking places with family names.

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Community Archives and Heritage Group

Supports and promotes community archives across the UK.

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Council for British Archaeology

Educational charity promoting archaeology and the historic environment.

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E

English Heritage Trust

Charity managing over 400 historic sites across England.

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F

Family and Community Historical Research Society

Research society covering social history, migration, and community studies.

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Family History Federation

Umbrella organisation for family history groups in the UK.

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The Family History Partnership

Publishing cooperative for local and family history authors.

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G

Guild of One-Name Studies

Organisation supporting surname studies worldwide.

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H

Heritage Gateway

Portal to multiple heritage datasets and records.

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Historic England Archives

Catalogue of photographs, plans, and drawings of historic sites.

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The Historical Association

Organisation promoting the study and teaching of history.

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Historical Directories Project

University of Leicester project providing historical directories.

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I

Images of England

Photographic record of England’s listed buildings.

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Institute of Historical Research

Research institute offering resources and seminars in history.

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L

Local History Online

Extensive portal of local history links, news, and resources.

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Local Population Studies

Focus on historical demography and local population research.

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N

Name & Place

Name & Place is a structured research platform for recording, connecting, and exploring people, places, and sources — supporting both individual researchers and societies in building lasting, searchable archives.

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National Archives of Scotland

Major archive covering Scottish history and records.

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National Federation of Cemetery Friends

Supports conservation and study of cemeteries.

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P

Palaeography

Introduction to reading historical handwriting.

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Past Times Project

Community-driven sharing of personal and local history.

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Pevsner Architectural Guides

Guide to understanding architecture and buildings.

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The Portico Library, Manchester

Manchester’s original 19th-century home of literature and learning.

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S

Scottish Local History Forum

Umbrella group for local history in Scotland.

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Street Origin

A project to trace the history and etymology behind every street name in Britain — from Roman roads to Victorian terraces, one name at a time.

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The Swan Gallery

Dealer specialising in antique maps.

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T

Taylor & Francis

Publisher of history journals.

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V

Victoria County History

Major project documenting English local history county by county.

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Victorian Turkish Baths

Specialist resource on Victorian Turkish baths.

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Vision of Britain

Maps, statistics, and historical descriptions of Britain.

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Voluntary Action History Society

Promotes the history of voluntary and charitable organisations.

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W

Warwick Network for Parish Research

Academic and local collaboration on parish research.

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Women's History Network

Supports research into women’s history, often local in focus.

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Workhouses

Comprehensive resource on workhouses across Britain.

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Why BALH?

Nick Barratt Historian and Author

Supporting your academic research

There is an increasing interest in local history as a key element of academic studies – not just the content that has been published by local historians over the decades as a key research resource, but also in co-produced projects. Grant-awarding bodies such as the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) have placed an increasing emphasis on collaborations and partnerships when considering the award of research funding, and BALH provides the perfect platform for academic researchers to locate key groups and ongoing activity.

Nick Barratt, Historian and Author

Meet the team

Susan Moore Trustee

Susan Moore

Susan has spent her career as a freelance researcher specializing in archives since graduating from St Andrews in 1974. She has worked on diverse projects, including family, manor, house, village, and business histories, with a particular interest in tracing complex property deeds. Specializing in Court of Equity records, she authored Family Feuds: An Introduction to Chancery Proceedings and Tracing Your Ancestors through the Equity Courts. She regularly speaks on Chancery records, highlighting their value for local historians. Active in her local history society, she hopes to research her own village when client projects slow down.

Susan Moore, Trustee