Ancestry Library Edition
Masses of information for family history researchers, including census records, births, marriages and deaths and much more.
This resource is normally only available by visiting one of our libraries but access has been temporarily extended to library members in their own homes, courtesy of ProQuest and its partner Ancestry. Please visit the Family History section of the library catalogue to access Ancestry.
British Library 19th century Newspapers
Selected content from national and local newspapers, including the Essex Standard.
The British Newspaper Archive
Access the British Library's vast collection of digitised historic newspapers from all over Britain and Ireland.
Please note: you will need to create or sign in to a personal British Newspaper Archive account in order to view the publications.
Find my past
Family history records, news and tutorials from the Find My Past Worldwide Edition.
Since early 2020 this resource was available for use at home, courtesy of the publisher. This temporary arrangement has now ended due to restrictions in the UK being lifted and with libraries able to welcome back their members.
We would like to thank the publisher for allowing home access during this period.
IWM Lives of the First World War
Creating and sharing the life stories of more than 8 million men and women who served in uniform and worked on the home front during the First World War.
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
Biographies of over 60,000 people who have shaped the history and culture of the British Isles, from Roman times to the 21st century.
The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland
The ultimate reference work on family names of the UK covering English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish, Cornish and immigrant surnames.
The Times Digital Archive
Full contents of The Times newspaper from 1785 to 2014.
Who's Who and Who was Who
From 1849 right up to this year - the noteworthy and influential people who have impacted British life.
Your Family Tree
Free access to special subject guides.