Local and family history

Libraries across the county have collections of local and family history books to help you with your research. The local history section at Salisbury Library has a large collection of books relating to South Wiltshire.

Larger libraries hold local maps, as well as newspapers on microfilm and parish registers on microfiche which can be viewed on readers within the library. Contact your local library for further information.

Free online resources

The Wiltshire community history (opens new window) pages contain information on 261 Wiltshire communities. Every community page has basic information, such as early maps, a brief history of the community, population figures from 1801, a list of newspapers, information on buildings and links to other sites of interest. Many communities also have histories of churches and schools, a booklist, lists of local authors and literary associations and images of old and modern photographs.

Download the Explore Wiltshire app from the Apple App Store (opens new window) and Google Play (opens new window) to discover the historical landmarks, cultural sites and significant events that have helped to shape Wiltshire's landscape.  The app has initially launched featuring information and trails for Bradford on Avon, Chippenham, Cricklade, Devizes, Marlborough, Pewsey, Salisbury, Tisbury, Trowbridge, Warminster and Wilton, plus a link to the Explore Malmesbury webpage.

Wiltshire maps (Know Your Place - West of England) (opens new window) is a digital heritage mapping project to help you explore your neighbourhood online through historic maps.

Libraries subscribe to a range of online resources that library members can access for free. You can access Ancestry and the British Newspaper Archive using the public computers in all Wiltshire libraries and at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre (opens new window). Ancestry gives you free access to 4000 family history databases, including the census and birth, marriage and death records.

Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre

The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre (opens new window) holds maps, newspapers and parish registers for all of Wiltshire. They also have the largest collection of books about Wiltshire. Most of the books held at the History Centre are for reference use only. However, a small selection of titles may be requested through your local library.