West Yorkshire Family History Societies

This section lists county associations of West Yorkshire providing details about each one and what resources and publications they offer.

Airedale and Wharfedale Family History Society

Founded in 1980, Wharfedale Family History Group merged with Keighley and District Family History Society in 2019 to create Airedale and Wharfedale Family History Society.

Information

Society Places

Many different parishes are covered by the Society, a full list of which is accessible on their site, along with a map showing the parish locations.

Society Meetings

Society meetings are held in several different locations, which include:

Salem Church Hall at Burley in Wharfedale

Keighley Local Studies Library in Keighley

Thresfield Village Institute in Thresfield

Society Projects

The Society is currently taking photographs of churches in the area, some of which are available on their site.

The Society is also transcribing monumental inscriptions, which are again accessible on their site.

Society Databases

Some databases are accessible on their site, which include:

• Addingham Band of Hope Abstainers Roll 1927-1935
• Bentham’s Conscientious Objectors
• Burnsall and Thorpe Overseers Records
• Farnhill Primitive Methodists
• Horsforth Cragg Hill Baptist Church History

Society Publications

Some publications are available for sale, which include:

• Addingham (St Peter) Baptisms 1600-1699, 1700-1776
• Addingham (St Peter) Burials 1600-1601, 1612-1776
• Addingham (St Peter) Marriages 1600-1601, 1612-1776, 1754-1812, 1813-1837

Website:
https://awfhs.org.uk

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Barnsley Family History Society

The Society aims to assist people with their genealogical research, especially in the Barnsley area.

Information

Society Publications

Many publications are available for sale, which include:

• 150 years of Service: brief history of the Worsbrough area and St Thomas church
• 1851 and 1861 Census Indexes
• Barnsley FHS Ancestral File
• Barnsley FHS: Complete Guide to its Family and Local History Resources
• Barnsley Place Names
• Barnsley Town Maps
• Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates donated to the Society (Members Only)
• Darfield Rate Book 1st August 1843 to 4th November 1846
• Local History Books
• Monumental Inscriptions
• Moving Living Stories of Barnsley Families
• Nail-Makers of Hoylandswaine – Cynthia Dillon (details of nail-making families of Hoylandswaine)
• Nonconformist Register Transcriptions
• Parish Register Transcriptions
• Reminiscences of Henry Spooner: Period covering 1910-1940
• Silkstone Parish – Hearth Tax Return 1672
• Worsbrough Dale War Memorial: Great War 1914-1918
• Worsbrough Village Life: Then and Now
• Wot Nah? (memories of Worsbrough people)

Website:
https://www.barnsleyfhs.co.uk

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Bradford Family History Society

The Society was formed in 1982 and aims to encourage and promote the study of genealogy.  

They now have approximately 1000 members worldwide in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, North America and Europe.  Members do not all have connections to the Bradford area, but they all share an interest in genealogy.

The association does not cover the same area as Bradford Metropolitan District. Bingley, Haworth and Keighley are covered by Keighley Genealogy Society and Addingham, Baildon, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Ilkley and Menston are covered by Wharfedale Family History Group.

Information

The group covers the townships and hamlets of:

They also cover the following areas now in Leeds Metropolitan District:

• Calverley
• Drighlington
• Farsley
• Pudsey

The following areas in Kirklees Metropolitan District are also covered by the Society:

• Cleckheaton
• Hunsworth

Many resources are available in the Bradford Local Studies Library and West Yorkshire Archives Services.

Society Databases

Some databases are accessible, which include:

• Bradford Cathedral – Monuments and Memorials within the Building
• Heaton Baptist Highgate Cemetery, Bradford: Supplement: Early Graves
• Jones Mercantile Bradford Directory 1863
• Kelly’s Bradford Directory 1881, 1901
• Post Office Bradford Directory 1887-8, 1891
• White Directory for Bradford 1861
• Wilsden St Matthew’s Parish Church: Burial Ground Amendments

Society Publications

Some publications are sold by the Society, which include:

• Bradford: Allerton, Manningham and Thornton Methodist Memorials, Burial Registers and Monumental Inscriptions
• Denholme Shared Church
• Great Horton Methodist Circuit, Bradford: Burial Records and Memorial Inscriptions from 5 Churches
• Heaton Baptist Highgate Cemtery
• Memorial Inscriptions
• Parish Register Transcriptions
• Queensbury Municipal Cemetery, Bradford: Transcriptions of Monumental and Memorial Inscriptions 1905-2014
• Roman Catholic Churches in Central Bradford
• Undercliffe St Andrew’s (Wesleyan) Methodist Church: Transcriptions of Memorials, Monuments and Book of Remembrance

Website:
https://www.bradfordfhs.org.uk

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Calderdale Family History Society

The Society was founded in 1985 and has members all over the world. Their aim is to support and encourage genealogical research, especially in the Calderdale area. Located in the foothills of the Pennines in West Yorkshire, Calderdale covers 140 square miles.

Information

Districts covered by the Society include:

Society Research Room

Their Research Room is situated in:

Brighouse Library
Halifax Road
Brighouse
HD6 2AF

Telephone:

0795 221 1986 (During Opening Hours)

Email:

researchroom@cfhsweb.co.uk 

Research Room Resources

These resources include:

• Census Indexes
• Crew Lists and Agreements 1863-1913
• Digital Map of Old Halifax 1834/5
• Great War Dead 1914-1919
• Halifax Courier: BMDs Index 1914-1918
• Halifax Guardian: BMDs Index 1832-1921
• Halifax Wills 1515-1544
• Monumental Inscriptions
• Parish Records
• Strays for Yorkshire – Indexed
• Surnames researched by Members

6 computers are available in the Centre, which provide access to many websites including the CFHS Website, Ancestry, LDS Family Search and the International Genealogical Index (IGI).

Reference Books and Local History Books are also available.  

Research Room Charges

A small charge is made to people using the Centre.

Society Publications

Many publications are sold by the Society, which incorporate:

• Burial Registers
• Cemetery Registers
• Census Indexes
• Monumental Inscriptions
• Nonconformist Register Transcriptions
• Parish Register Transcriptions

Website:
https://www.cfhsweb.com/web/

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Doncaster and District Family History Society

Founded in 1980, Doncaster Family History Society has around 970 members worldwide.

Information

Society Research Centre

The Palgrave Research Centre is situated at:

Address:

Palgrave Research Centre
King Edward Road
Balby
Doncaster
DN4 0NA

Telephone:

01302 311930

Research Centre Location

If visiting by car from the town centre, you should turn right into Greenfield Lane at the traffic lights by St John’s Church, then turning right into Florence Avenue.  The building is located at the junction of Florence Avenue and King Edward Road. 

If you are visiting on a weekday, you should use the King Edward Road Car Park entrance, and if visiting on a Saturday, you should use the Florence Avenue Car Park entrance.

If travelling by bus, Bus X78 leaves Doncaster Interchange very frequently.  You should leave the bus at Westfield Park, head along the A630 away from Doncaster, then turn right into King Edward Road.

Resources

Resources held at the Centre include:

• Bains 1822 Trade Directory
• Boyd’s Marriage Index
• British Genealogical Register
• Burial Indexes
• Census Indexes
• Dictionary of Occupational Terms
• Doncaster Health Authority Death Registers
• Doncaster St. Georges Burial Index
• GRO Indexes
• International Genealogical Index (IGI)
• Local History Books
• Marriage Indexes
• Marriages 1800-1837: Archdeaconry of Doncaster
• Monumental Inscriptions
• National Burial Index (3rd Edition)
• Nonconformist Registers
• Parish Registers Nottingham: Nottingham Union Workhouse
• Reference Books
• Strays
• Vital Records: Yorkshire Marriage Index

Booking at the Research Centre

You are advised to book in advance to visit the Centre, especially if you use a wheelchair because access to the building is by 4 steps, and they will have to arrange for you to obtain access via another entrance.

Research Centre Booking

Computers and microfiche readers can also be booked in advance.

Internet Access at DADFHS

Free access to the internet is also available.

Society Publications

Many publications are available for sale, which include:

• Ancestral Record Book
• Baptism Indexes
• Burial Indexes
• Census Indexes
• Doncaster Churches
• A Family Historian’s Great War
• Freemen of the Borough of Doncaster
• Inquests and Inquiries: Coroners’ Records for Archdeaconry of Doncaster 1890-1930
• Marriage Indexes
• Memorial Inscriptions

Publications available for sale also include:

• Nonconformist Register Transcriptions
• Overseers of the Poor Memorandum Book for the Township of Doncaster from Midsummer 1794 to Midsummer 1795
• Parish Gleanings: Facts gleaned from Parish Registers
• Parish Register Transcriptions
• Quarter Sessions for Doncaster Borough 1796-1823
• Settlement Certificates in the Archdeaonry of Doncaster 1692-1846
• Settlement Examinations in the Archdeaconry of Doncaster 1730-1846
• Settlement Removal Orders 1679-1849 and Examinations (Supplement) in the Archdeaconry of Doncaster 1782-1879
• Thorne Guardians Minute Book 1837-1842 
• The Train Builders
• Tradespeople and Craftsmen 1834

Research Service

For payment of a fee, the Society is prepared to conduct research on your behalf in the resources they hold.  If you are unable to read a document you have discovered, the Society also offers a transcription service.

Website:
https://www.doncasterfhs.co.uk

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Harrogate and District Family History Society

Harrogate Family History Society was formed in 2006.  Their aim is to encourage and promote the study of genealogy.

Information

Parishes

The following areas are covered by the Society:

Resources

Many resources are accessible in their Library, which incorporate:

• Bok-Kin September 2011/March 2012 – Journal of Bradford FHS
• Census Indexes
• Down Memory Lane in Knaresborough
• Lincolnshire Family History Society Journal – November 2001
• Reference Books

Publications

Some publications are available for sale, which include:

• Census Indexes
• Constables of Claro
• Monumental Inscriptions
• Parish Register Transcriptions
• Postcards and Photographs from Harrogate, Knaresborough and surrounding villages
• World War 1 Service Personnel

Members’ Interests

A list of surnames currently being researched by members is accessible on their site.

Website:
http://www.hadfhs.co.uk

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Huddersfield and District Family History Society

Formed in 1987, the Society aims to encourage and promote mutual help between people that are interested in genealogy.

Information

Parishes

The group covers the Metropolitan District of Kirklees which comprises:

• Batley
• Colne Valley
• Denby Dale
• Dewsbury
• Holne Valley
• Huddersfield
• Kirkburton
• Meltham
• Mirfield
• Spen Valley

The area covers 160 square miles and includes the ancient parishes of:

Resources

Many resources are available in the Root Cellar, the Society’s Library, which include:

• Census Indexes
• Local History Books
• Memorial Inscriptions
• Nonconformist Register Transcriptions
• Parish Register Transcriptions
• Reference Books

Many genealogy related books are also available, which can be loaned to Society members.

Centre Charges

A small charge is made to people visiting the Centre.

Society Research Service

If you are unable to visit their Library, the Society, for payment of a fee, are prepared to conduct research on  your behalf.

Publications

Many publications are sold by the Society, which include:

• Ancestral Notebook
• Back Issues of the Society’s Journal
• Census Indexes
• Local History Books
• Memorial Inscriptions
• Nonconformist Register Transcriptions
• Parish Register Transcriptions
• Reference Books

Website:
http://www.hdfhs.org.uk

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Morley and District Family History Group

Based in West Yorkshire, Morley and District Family History Group was formed in 1986. Their aims are to encourage and promote mutual help between people wishing to research their genealogy.

They also help people to find out more about their ancestors’ lives, including what they did and what their lives were like.

Information

An image of members of the Morley Zion Choir c. 1928 is accessible on their site. 

Photographs also include a class picture of pupils in Cross Hall School c. 1921-23 and a class photograph of pupils of East Ardsley Infant School c. 1904.

Parishes

To find out about parishes in the Morley area, please peruse their guide to parishes. 

Databases

Some databases are available, which include:

• 1851 Census for Gildersome (Transcription)
• Churwell War Memorial: WW1 and WW2 Casualties
• Horsfall Ltd, Albion Mills: War Memorial to employees killed in WW1
• Parish Register Transcriptions
• Streets in Morley from Robinson’s Directory of 1905 
• Tingley Memorial: Memorial to those killed when the Halifax bomber crashed on 14th November 1944
• Tingley Methodist Church Memorial Inscriptions
• Wakefield Union Accounts 1886: East and West Ardsley, Lofthouse, Stanley, Wrenthorpe and other areas (Transcripts)

Message Board

A message board is accessible, where you can post family history requests.

Website:
http://www.wakefieldfhs.org.uk/morleyfhg/

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Pontefract and District Family History Society

Pontefract and District Family History Society covers Pontefract (including the Chapelry of Kottingley) along with the areas of Carleton, East Hardwick and Tanshelf.

Information

Parishes

Parishes covered by the association include:

The towns and villages within these parishes are also covered by the Society.

Publications

Many publications are sold by the Society, which incorporate:

• Baptism Indexes
• Burial Indexes
• Castleford Chronicle and Knottingley Advertiser – Marriage and Death Announcements 1858-1862
• Census Indexes
• The Independent Order of Oldfellows, Lodge 59, Pontefract Members Register 1856-1970
• Inquest Notebooks 1844-1885 of Thomas Taylor, Yorkshire County Coroner (Index)
• Inquests 1868-1890 Brotherton, Ferry Fryston, Knottingley and Pontefract from the Notebooks of Thomas Taylor, Yorkshire County Coroner
• Land Tax Records
• Marriage Indexes
• Monumental Inscriptions
• Parish Map
• Pontefract Apprenticeship Records (Index)
• Reference Books
• Register of Persons entitled to vote within the Wakefield Polling District 30 November 1861 – 1 December 1862
• Sailing Ships and Mariners of Knottingley
• West Riding Settlement Index – Doncaster Records

Research Service

For payment of a fee, the Society is prepared to conduct searches in their baptism, marriage, burial and monumental inscriptions indexes.

Members’ Interests

A list of surnames currently being researched by members is accessible on their site, along with a message board where you can discuss family history related matters, and obtain help to break down that brick wall.

Website:
https://www.pontefractfhs.org.uk/

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Sheffield and District Family History Society

The Society was founded in 1977 and has over 500 members worldwide.  Their aims are to promote and encourage the study of genealogy, especially in the Sheffield area.

Information

Databases

Many databases are accessible on the site, which include:

• 1841 Sheffield Street Key
• 1861 Addendum Files
• Bamford Motor Patrol Log Book 1935-1943
• Baptism Indexes
• Bowden Street Jewish Cemetery
• Census Indexes
• City Road Cemetery
• Detectives Pocket Book
• Greystones Council School Punishment Register 1904-1937
• House of Help – 6 Books 1888 to 1906 Index of Girls helped in Sheffield
• Marriage Indexes
• Petition of the Catholic Inhabitants of Sheffield to the House of Lords
• Released Prisoners 1858-1872
• Sheffield and Hallam Bank Register
• Sheffield Canal Boat Registers Transcription
• Sheffield Cathedral Marriage Strays
• St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Burial Ground, Rivelin Valley
• Staveley Poor Law Settlement Examinations 1822-1828
• West Riding of Yorkshire Popish Recusants

Maps

Some maps of Sheffield and District are also accessible, along with details of Churches in the area.

Forum

A forum is on the site, where you can discuss family history, family history events, the people you are researching and unwanted certificates.

Website:
http://www.sheffieldfhs.org.uk

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Wakefield and District Family History Society

Founded in 1997 by people wishing to further their interest in genealogical research, the Society now has approximately 500 members worldwide. 

The aim of the association is to promote and encourage the study of genealogy, especially for people living in the area of Wakefield Metropolitan District Council or for people who have connections to the area.

Information

Society Projects

The Society transcribes and makes available numerous indexes from records such as census returns, newspapers, parish records and trade directories.

Maps

A map of the area covered by the Society is also accessible on their site.

Some tithe maps are accessible on the site, which include:

• Alverthorpe 1845
• Crigglestone 1843
• Stanley cum Wrenthorpe 1846
• Thornes 1847

Photographs

Some photographs are available, and these can be purchased from the Society.

Society Publications

Many publications are available for sale, which incorporate:

• Births, Marriages and Deaths from the Wakefield Express 1890-1899, 1914-1918
• Bishop Leyburn’s Catholic Confirmations in Yorkshire 1687
• Bits and Bobs – Maureen Hambrecht
• Catholic Recusants of the West Riding of Yorkshire 1558-1790 (West and South)
• Census Indexes
• Directories
• Families, Communicants and Souls in Wakefield 1723
• Marriage Index 1813-1837
• ‘The Millennium Letters’ – Maureen Hambrecht
• Monumental Inscriptions
• Parish Index of Towns and Villages in the Wakefield Area
• Parish Register Transcriptions
• Protestation Returns 1641 Wakefield includes Alverthorpe Stanley and Thornes
• Tithe Awards
• Tradespeople
• Wakefield and District Family History Society Members Interests 2008
• Wakefield and District Wills and Administrations 1585-1594
• West Riding Poll Book 1835 (Wakefield Polling District)
• West Riding Quarter Sessions Indictments
• William White’s History Gazetteer and Directory of Pontefract 1837
• Yorkshire Priests 1558-1813 (Index of Roman Catholic Priests)

Website:
https://www.wdfhs.co.uk