London and Middlesex Family History Resources Online

London is often called a county in itself. In 1901, as many people lived in the UK's capital city (4.5 million in the Administrative County of London) as in either Scotland or Ireland. The even larger Metropolitan Police District contains two million more (as many as the population of Wales).

This concise guide explains what is meant by 'London' at different times, from its origins in the Roman Empire 2000 years ago, through the growth of the 'City' until Greater London's almost complete absorption of the county of Middlesex in the 20th century.

Most of the main London records are online, and this guide covers internet access to civil registration (births, marriage and deaths) from 1837, the 1841-1911 census returns, and parish registers (baptisms, marriages and burials) from 1538.

In addition, it looks at websites for non-conformist registers, gravestone inscriptions, armed forces' records, wills, criminal records, newspapers, local histories, directories and gazetteers. London's family history societies and the city's major archives are also covered, as are many London-specific websites.