How do I search records by category on Findmypast?

All Findmypast record sets are broadly categorised into nine distinct, searchable categories so you can find what you’re looking for quickly and easily.

1. Birth, marriage, death & parish records
2. Census, land & surveys
3. Military, armed forces & conflict
4. Newspapers & periodicals
5. Institutions & organisations
6. Travel & migration
7. Directories & social history
8. Education & work
9. Churches & religion

To search by category:

1. Select ‘Search’ from the menu when logged into the site
2. Select the category you want to search from the drop-down menu. You’ll be taken to a search page designed specifically for your chosen category
3. Enter your search criteria and select the blue search button

Each record category is further broken down into a range of searchable subcategories, useful for when you need to focus your search even further.

Here's a detailed list of all of Findmypast's record categories and subcategories:

Searching newspapers and periodicals works differently than the rest of the site’s record searches. Read how to search historical newspapers for details.

To search by subcategory:

1. Follow steps 1 and 2 outlined above for searching by category
2. Use the drop-down menu or filters to select a subcategory within your chosen record category
3. Alternatively, follow the link to the subcategory you want to search from the above table
4. Enter your search criteria and select the blue search button

Useful links

Search all records on Findmypast UK
Search all records on Findmypast United States & Canada
Search all records Findmypast Australia & New Zealand
Search all records Findmypast Ireland