Record Office databases
Explore our growing collection of searchable databases, available online for public access. These records offer valuable insights into local history and genealogy.
Currently available databases
Alehouse Licences (1766 to 1819) NBC/6
This database records details of licences issued at the Newport Borough Quarter Sessions between 1766 to 1819. Includes alehouse name, the victualler, and the sureties. Searchable by year.
For example, those who stood as security for the proper performance of the victualler's duties.
Access Alehouse Licence database
Apprenticeship Indentures (1689 to 1835) NBC/3
Details apprenticeship indentures held in our Newport Borough Corporation collection covering the years 1689 to 1835. The database is arranged by name. The documents themselves give information on the apprentice, the master, and trade to be learned.
Example apprenticeship document (PDF, 1.96MB)
Example of its reverse (PDF, 1.32MB)
Access Apprenticeship database
Cowes Registry of Shipping (1786 - 1823) CWS/54
This database uses a transcript given to the Record Office in which the names of vessels recorded by the Cowes Registry of Shipping appear. Searchable by vessel name, year, and number
The Registers themselves have now been deposited. It is not possible to photocopy entries from the registers due to the size and condition of the volumes, but the first Shipping Register volume, covering the period of 1786 to 1823, has been digitised.
Unfortunately, not all database entries have survived in the register. Email us to check if your entry survives in the digitised register. If the entry you're looking for survives, then a copy of the page can be supplied subject to our standard copying charges.
Copies available subject to standard fees, email us to request a quote.
For entries after 1823, transcripts can be supplied subject to our hourly rate.
List of Paupers (1868, 1878, 1882)
This database records the names of those who received relief from the Poor Law Union for the years 1868, 1878, and 1882.
An individual's name is listed, together with their place of residence and age. You can search by date, parish or surname.
Returns survive for the years 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, and 1882. The original lists show the reason for relief and the total amount received.
They are arranged by Poor Law District and listed alphabetically by parish within each district. In urban areas, the residence details are given to street level. Elsewhere, the names of hamlets, farms, or villages appear.
Example of a pauper's list document (PDF, 2.11MB)
Access List of Paupers database
Indictments (1768 to 1836) NBC/31
These documents record the name of the accused, the type of offence and the date of the offence.
In most cases, the original indictments record further information (usually inserted into the margin), such as the plea, verdict, and sentence. In some cases, the offence is described in more detail.
Related papers are attached to many of the indictments (for example, calendars of prisoners, writs, and certificates of conviction).
This database can be searched by surname.
Example of an indictment document PDF, 826KB)
Access Indictments database
Sacrament Certificates (1673 to 1827) NBC/10
The Test Act of 1673 excluded from civil or military office all those who were not members of the Church of England.
As a result, the holder of a civil or public office was required to present a certificate confirming that he had received communion in the Church of England. The certificate was signed by a minister, churchwardens, and two witnesses.
Some of the sacrament certificates do not specifically mention the place of residence. In those cases, the parish of the minister and churchwardens is noted.
This database records each office holder.
1841 Census Index
An index to the 1841 census is now available to users of the Record Office website. This index is arranged alphabetically by surname. Copies of individual returns can be supplied our standard fees apply. Quote the surname, reference, and folio on all orders.
Example of a census document (PDF, 505KB)
Access 1841 Census (PDF, 2.20MB)
Marriage Register Index (1837 to 1900)
Indexes to Church of England marriages are now available for the years 1837 to 1900. These indexes are arranged by the surnames of the bride and groom and include their Christian names, year, date and place (parish) of the marriage registration.
Additional details contained in the parish register may include:
- occupations for the bride, groom, and their fathers
- residence for both bride and groom
- signatures for both the bride and groom
- the names and signatures of the witnesses to the marriage.
Copies of the parish register entry can be supplied subject to our standard fees. Email us to request a quote, include the month, year, name, and place (parish) on all orders.
Example of a marriage register document (PDF, 785KB)
Access the index arranged by surname of bride (PDF, 1.35MB)
Access the index arranged by surname of groom (PDF, 1.35MB
Document Copies
Photocopies of individual documents may be available, depending on their
condition.
Email us to
request a quote.
Databases coming soon
We plan to add more databases, including:
In the meantime, you’re welcome to request a search of these indexes by contacting us directly.