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  2. Family History Federation
  3. West Surrey Family History Society

West Surrey Family History Society

We are pleased to be working in partnership with the West Surrey Family History Society.

Founded in 1974, West Surrey Family History Society is one of the more established family history societies in England, with approximately 1,200 members. The area of interest that it covers is West Surrey (pre-1974) in southern England.

Its objectives are to collect, index, co-ordinate, publish and make accessible, in the interests of genealogy, any documents or records relating to the ancient County of Surrey; to promote the preservation of such documents or records; and to encourage the study of genealogy via organised classes, lectures, meetings and other events.

Old records stacked on shelves

Vital records

West Surrey Family History Society have made considerable contributions to our vast collection of vital records for the Surrey area. This includes records of baptisms, marriages and burials.

You can also search the Surrey Strays Marriage Index, which documents individuals who were born or lived in Surrey but who married outside the county between 1565 and 1846.

Surrey Peculiars Probate Index, 1660-1751

This collection allows you to discover if your ancestor’s will was proved in the Peculiars court in Surrey and where it can be found today. The index will also reveal more about your ancestor such as his/her occupation and where he/she owned a property or estate.

Search Surrey Peculiars Probate Index, 1660-1751

Additional information about the society

The West Surrey Family History Society has also contributed to the National Burial Index for England & Wales.

Regular meetings take place at Camberley, Dorking, Farnham, Guildford, Walton on Thames and Woking. The Society holds an Open Day at Woking each November. The quarterly journal “Root and Branch” enables members at home and further afield to enjoy general articles on family and local history, publish their personal family history interests, and be kept up to date with events and all the services that the Society offers. Members’ interests are published in each journal and details are available on request. The excellent and informative website contains details of the Society’s research facilities as well as the extensive range of saleable publications including many covering areas beyond Surrey, notably London and Middlesex.

West Surrey Family History Society is a registered charity (no 278091) and is a long-standing member of the Federation of Family History Societies.