Advanced Search

Simple search

To carry out a simple search, follow the instructions immediately below each family history database search form. If you do not get the expected results, try an advanced search using the following information.

Text entry

The search is not case sensitive.

One * wildcard can be used in the surname (or left hand data box) to replace zero or more unknown or doubtful characters.

The ? wildcard cannot be used in most of the databases.

The logical operators (and, or, not, &, |, <, >, +, -) cannot be used.

Searching for a name

The default and generally most satisfactory method of searching for a name is the contains method. Select [contains]. Then enter into the surname (or left hand data) box, sufficient letters to define the name to be found. Optionally, enter data into the given name (or right hand) box. Click [Search] or press [Enter] to begin the search.

If the name you wish to find is not in the database, take into account possible spelling variations, as the people were often illiterate and the officials recording their information only semiliterate.

It is advisable to omit surname prefixes such as O' and Mc so that the usual variations of spelling these names are all found.

The search behaves as though you have entered a * wildcard at each end of your search text. That is, the search engine looks for the exact text you have entered anywhere within the name. For example, if you search for hill, several different names will be found, including hill, hillman, uphill and phillips, amongst others. This feature has the annoyance of giving some unwanted names but can be very useful. For example, searching for phil will give philp, philip and phillips, amongst others. This allows you to take into account some likely mis-spellings and variations of the name of interest.

If required, one * wildcard can be added within the text. For example, searching for re*d will give read, reed and reid. Searching for sm*th will give smith, smyth and smythe, amongst others.

The [Clear] button clears all boxes and places the cursor in the first box ready for your next search. It also clears any displayed results and error messages.

Searching for names using exact matching

If you only wish to find surnames (or other data) with exactly the same spelling as you have entered, select [exact].

If required, one * wildcard can be added in any position. For example, searching for sm*th will give smith and smyth but not smythe.

In some of the databases, exact matching of the beginning of the recorded name with what you have entered occurs if you select [begins]. This search behaves as though you have entered a * wildcard at the end of your search text.

If required, one * wildcard can be added within your entry. For example, in this case, searching for sm*th will give smith, smyth and will also include smythe.

Exact matching of given names (or right hand data) is not available. Any entered given name will be matched by the contains method.

Searching for names using sound matching

If the above techniques fail, as a last resort you may wish to try the sounds like method of matching. This will allow you to find more variations of spelling and also take into account the pronunciation of the surname. For example, searching for smythe will give smith, smyth, smythe, and schmidt, amongst others. The method used is a heavily modified version of Soundex code matching which doesn't require the 1st letter of the name to be known and takes into account the full name, not just the beginning of a long name. It also takes account of such pronunciation variations as dropped h's and g's. You must be prepared to scan the results and reject poor matches. For some shorter names, ones with mainly vowels, and names containing spaces, all the results may be unsatisfactory. To use sound matching, select [sounds like]. You must enter the full surname required. Wildcards are not permitted.

Sound matching of given names is not available. Any entered given name will be matched by the contains method.