Local studies and family history resources
Birth, marriage and death records
Local newspapers
The Central Reference Library in Halifax holds the Halifax Guardian on microfilm from December 1832, when the newspaper started, up to April 1921, after which it merged with the Halifax Courier, to become the Halifax Courier and Guardian.
A volunteer project currently underway aims to index the birth, marriage and death notices for the entire period of the Halifax Guardian’s existence. The index available so far represents progress to October 2011 and covers the years 1832 to 1864. This will be updated, at intervals.
Further information about the Halifax Guardian index [PDF file 321KB]|
The index is arranged alphabetically by surname, then first name, then date. Just open the file you need and either scroll down or use the bookmarks at the left hand side to help you find your entry.
If you find the person you are looking for in the index, you will probably want to find out what the newspaper actually said. If you live locally, you can visit the Library; if not, you may wish to ask a staff member to make a copy and send it out to you, for a small charge. In this case, please e-mail: reference.library@calderdale.gov.uk
This e-mail address should also be used if you have any queries about the project or wish to comment on any aspect of the index.
Halifax Guardian index 1832 - 1864 (updated 25 October 2011)
A - F:
Aaron to Ayrton [PDF file 255KB]| | Babington to Bywater [PDF file 722KB]| | Cabbage to Cuttle [PDF file 499KB]|
Dack to Dyson [PDF file 259KB]| | Eaddie to Exton [PDF file 165KB]| | Faffar to Furniss [PDF file 297KB]|
G - L:
Gabitha to Gysin [PDF file 381KB]| | Habergham to Hyslop [PDF file 752KB]| | Ibberson to Ivison [PDF file 133KB]|
Jackman to Jumpton [PDF file 177KB]| | Kaagan to Kray [PDF file 178KB]| | Lacey to Lyth [PDF file 250KB]|
M - R:
M to Myers [PDF file 410KB]| | Nagle to Nutton [PDF file 202KB]| | O'Connor to Oxley [PDF file 133KB]|
Packwood to Pyram [PDF file 287KB]| | Qualmby to Quirk [PDF file 82KB]| | Rabbit to Ryley [PDF file 337KB]|
S - Z:
Sacken to Symons [PDF file 738KB]| | Tagg to Tyson [PDF file 342KB]| | Uncles to Uttly [PDF file 95KB]|
Vale to Vowles [PDF file 94KB]| | Waddington to Wythes [PDF file 603KB]| | Yale to Zamyoski [PDF file 88KB]|
National records
All Calderdale Libraries provide free access to the Ancestry website, from which you can find a reference, which enables you to apply for a copy of the birth, marriage or death certificate you require. If you prefer, you can also search for this reference on microfiche in the Central Reference Library, using our quarterly indexes to civil registrations of births, marriages and deaths.
Note that civil registration began in July 1837, so certificates can not be obtained for events before this date. Our microfiches cover the period up to 1990, while Ancestry runs to 2005.
We regret that library staff do not have the resources to undertake searches on behalf of enquirers.
Obtaining copy certificates
Details of costs, and how to apply for certificates, are available from the Reference Library or by visiting the General Register Office: Certificate ordering service|
(GRO).
For certificates relating to local births and deaths you can apply by post or in person to Calderdale Register Office. It is also possible to apply by telephone, paying by credit or debit card.
- E-mail:
- register.office@calderdale.gov.uk
- Telephone
- 01422 288080
- In writing:
- Register Office
Spring Hall
Huddersfield Road
Halifax HX3 0AQ.
If you wish to obtain a certificate without searching the indexes yourself, the GRO does offer this service, but charges are higher than when the reference is known. Follow the link above or contact the GRO at:
- Telephone:
- 0845 603 7788
- In writing:
- General Register Office
PO Box 2
Southport
Merseyside PR8 2JD.
The GRO website also gives information about applying for overseas certificates and provides links to help you obtain certificates for events in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
