These sources were free when this list was compiled
GEDCOM This is the standard file format used for import / export / sharing of family history information. This is not a searchable site but tells you about the information contained in these standard files
Cyndi’s List A long established free source but now seems to take you to MyHeritage (not free)
FreeBMD Free Births, Marriages and Deaths. However don’t expect to get free certificates here
Family Search This site was developed by the Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS; the Mormon Church based in Salt Lake City). It is linked to the IGI (International Genealogical Index) but also contains member contributions so some records may not be completely reliable. Videos on how to use FamilySearch
WikiTree A collaborative project that contains 38 million profiles and nearly 13 million DNA test connections
Rootsweb (largely US content) Becoming read-only content this year
Geni Another attempt to create a single human family tree. Includes some DNA links
Genuki Genuki is a virtual reference library of genealogical information of particular relevance to the UK and Ireland & is a non-commercial service
Free UK Genealogy Free access to 292 million births, marriages and deaths, 48 million individuals from Census data and 59 million records from parish registers).
- www.freebmd.org.uk Birth, Marriage, Deaths
- www.freecen.org.uk Census 1841-1911
- www.freereg.org.uk Parish Registers
Ancestry, Find My Past & Newspaper Records
These excellent, comprehensive sources for Family History usually require subscriptions that are expensive if you are just starting your research. However, it is possible to get access free to these resources through your local public library or the Derbyshire Records Office.