5 Fascinating Welsh Record Collections You May Have Missed
2-3 minute read
By Niall Cullen | May 6, 2022
Having trouble tracing Welsh ancestors? Make sure you've exhausted all avenues of research by delving into these lesser-known records.
You'll find millions of Welsh family records on Findmypast. Our censuses, newspapers and parish records all cover the length and breadth of Wales' cities, towns and valleys. Not to mention the comprehensive take on the country you get from the 1939 Register. But what about the more obscure collections you may have overlooked in your quest to find Welsh relatives?
We've poked around our record collections to bring you some of the Welsh sets you may have missed. If there's an elusive ancestor from Wales that you can't quite pin down, these resources are worth a look.
1. Wales Billion Graves Cemetery Index
Currently containing over 50,000 cemetery records and updated regularly with more, this collection can reveal important genealogical details about your ancestors, as recorded on their headstones. Each record also contains a link to an image of the burial plot and GPS details so you can even go and visit your relative's final resting place.
copyright BillionGraves http://www.billiongraves.com 2012
2. Monmouthshire Workhouse Registers, 1843-1929
Workhouse records usually contain exquisite detail and this collection is no different. Discover Monmouthshire ancestors who fell on hard times in transcripts and scanned images of the original records. The transcript will tell you the basic and most important information but be sure to also check the image for extra clues. Our collection of
workhouse deaths from Pontypool may also be of interest.
3. Swansea Pals (14th Welsh Regt)
These military records document local Swansea recruits who signed up to the 14th (Service) Battalion, Welsh Regiment at the start of World War 1. Uncover your ancestor's service number, rank, next of kin details and more. By 1918, over 600 of the Swansea Pals had lost their lives in battle.
4. Glamorgan Schools Admission Registers
Discover details of your family member's school-going days in Wales with these unique records. Over 23,000 pupil admissions are included, covering 11 different schools in the Glamorganshire region. The records reveal important details for your family tree including your relative's father's name and any previous schools. If your ancestor was evacuated to the area during World War 2, you may find them listed here.
5. Wales Probate Abstracts 1544-1858 Image Browse
These records span across the diocese of Bangor, Hawarden, Llandaff, St. Asaph's, and St. David's. Prior to 1858, all wills were proved in the Anglican Ecclesiastical courts.
A snippet from the Wales Probate Abstracts. View this record here.
These records can tell you the testator's name and residence, the date of the will, often relationships to other family members and sometimes the executor of the will.
These records will also have a handy index at the start of each book, meaning you can locate your ancestor easier.
The index at the start of the book. View this page here.
Has understanding your Welsh past helped shape your present and future? We love hearing about your family discoveries. Use #FindmypastFeatured on social media to share your stories.
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