Researcher
Thu Jun 26 2025
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< 5 minutes read
When an ancestor passed away, their death left traces that survive to the present day, in the form of legal records, tributes and memorials. Explore genealogy records and old newspapers to gain a poignant insight into how your relative was remembered.
Find your ancestors' death record
Before exploring what was said about your ancestor, it’s helpful to confirm the details of their death.
Civil registration records in England and Wales began in 1837. These vital records typically include the date and place of death, age at death, and the name of the informant. In Scotland, statutory records began in 1855, while Irish records start from 1864.
Death certificates won’t tell you the personal details of how a deceased person was remembered, but they can guide you to the right time and place to begin your genealogical research. From here, you can turn to sources that offer more intimate accounts.
If you don't know when your ancestor died, census records can help. For England and Wales, census records are available to search online from every decade between 1841 and 1921. Look for your ancestor's last appearance in censuses to pinpoint the date of their death. There may be other clues, like a spouse listed as 'widow' , or children living with their grandparents or other family members.
If your ancestor was serving in the armed forces at the time of their death, military records may illuminate more of their story.
Search old newspapers for death notices and obituaries
Newspaper archives are one of the richest sources for uncovering how a person was perceived in their community. Death notices, obituaries, and funeral reports were commonly published in local and regional newspapers.
A death notice typically includes factual details: name, date of death, age, and funeral arrangements. An obituary, on the other hand, often reflects on the person’s character, achievements, family life or public service. If your ancestor was well known in the area - if they were a business owner, teacher, or church member - you may find tributes that list their contributions.
Search online newspaper archives using a person’s full name, date and place of death. You may want to add keywords like ‘obituary’, ‘funeral’, or the name of a local church or cemetery. Even brief mentions can be meaningful, revealing how your ancestor was viewed in life and honoured in death.
Look for information in memorial inscriptions
Gravestones often include more than just names and dates. Some bear personal inscriptions, with phrases like ‘devoted father’ or poetic verses. If you can find a photograph or transcription of the headstone within online cemetery records, you may uncover heartfelt messages from those left behind.
In some cases, church records like burial registers and monumental inscriptions also list who arranged or paid for the burial, which can offer clues about your ancestors’ closest and most trusted companions.
Uncover family relationships and reputation with wills and probate records
If your ancestor left a will, it may contain references to friends, family and neighbours, or causes they supported. It can also highlight who was trusted with carrying out their final wishes, which speaks volumes about their relationships and social standing.
Wills sometimes include phrases that reflect how the person wanted to be remembered, such as expressions of gratitude, apologies, or moral instructions to their descendants. Digitised probate calendars or estate records can also mention occupations, property, and status in the community, helping to paint a fuller picture of their life and death.
Turn to local histories
In small towns and close-knit communities, funeral reports were sometimes published in local papers or documented in parish magazines. These might mention who attended, who sent floral tributes, and what was said during the service, thereby illuminating new details for understanding your ancestry.
Local history books or community archives may also include references to notable residents. If your ancestor was active in civic life or experienced a noteworthy event, they may be mentioned in retrospectives or anniversary articles.
Preserve what you find in your family tree
As you uncover snippets about your ancestor’s passing, from moving obituaries to lines etched in stone, be sure to store them in your family tree. These records do more than mark the end of a life; they help you to understand the ups and downs of your family history through the generations.
By piecing together these personal echoes from the past, you can better understand who your ancestor was, how they lived, and how they were remembered.
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