Improved search features

Several improvements have been made to the Advanced Search facilities at TheGenealogist.co.uk.

• The full census transcript searches will now let you include any field in your search, a facility which had disappeared for a while.
• Wildcard searches have also been improved and, while you still need a group of at least three letters, these can now be anywhere in the name.
• The requirement to always use two search terms- from forename, surname or age- is being removed from the Advanced Transcript Search. Two search terms will still be required but they can be in any of the data fields, making the search more versatile.
• The session time has been increased so that you are much less likely to be logged off the site whilst you consult research papers or take time to enter extra information.

More full transcripts and name indexes have been added to TheGenealogist’s growing online data collection. These both offer references to the census microfilm images, as well as the CD page containing the image.

The new areas include the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lancashire, London, Middlesex, Surrey and Yorkshire 1841 census. New 1851 census indexes have also been completed, and are also available as transcripts with images. These include Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cheshire, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, London, Kent, Middlesex, Somerset, Surrey and Sussex.

These new data sets are available individually or as part of the all-inclusive subscriptions, which cost from under £5 a month.

Several more census transcripts are now available on theGenealogist website. This image displays a search page for the Yorkshire 1851 Census Transcript, which is completed with the option to view the original Census pages.

Online vouchers

As a new permanent addition to their range, S&N have created a new collection of DVD style boxed research products. Some of these are the equivalent to purchasing a ‘voucher’ for their online services, though rather better packaged and presented than usual access vouchers. The DVD boxes contain: a CD providing one year of access to the selected online databases, a How to Research your Family History guide; a searchable index of the 20 million names found in their census and other CDs; plus the RootsMagic UK demo software.

These ‘voucher packs’ are currently available for all their London Census transcripts and name indexes online. Unlike indexes on some online census services, S&N transcripts contain all the main census fields, including occupation. The transcripts will all shortly be linked to images. You can currently purchase voucher packs covering London 1841, 1851, 1861 and 1871 census at a cost of £19.95 each for the transcripts and £17.45 each for the name indexes.

You can also buy a similar pack providing one years’ online access to the GRO Birth, Marriage and Death indexes on BMDindex.co.uk, complete with 200 search credits, for £14.95. www.thegenealogist.co.uk

New census name indexes at S&N