On each search page you can read tips on how to make the best use of search fields. 

Some of the tips link to guides about the records concerned or topics that can help you search. For example, surnames, forenames, parishes, districts and counties.

How to see search tips

Search tip icons appear above search fields when you’re searching the records. For example, when doing a ‘Births’ search you can see a search tip icon above the ‘Surname’ search field.

To view a search tip, select the ‘i’ icon above a search field.

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Surname and forename search tools

Search tips for surname and forename fields provide links to dedicated guidance for searching by surname and forename, including how to use the different search options.

For advice on these, read our guides on:

• surnames  
• forenames