Kent Parish Records

Kent parish records are one of the most valuable resources for tracing baptisms, marriages, and burials before 1837 when there were no civil records. If you are researching Kent ancestors, this page will help you find the best online records, free local resources, and where to find registers that aren’t available online yet.

Start Here

The most comprehensive collection of records is on FindMyPast. They have a large Kent collection and exclusive registers, including records from Kent County Council, local family history societies and Medway archives.

These more than 10 million records cover the 1500s – 1900s.

Best Alternative Resources

The Kent Family History Society transcribes and sells digital downloads of parish registers. Members of the society automatically receive a 50% discount.

Local archives will often hold original records that might not be available online. It’s worth doing a search for the city/town you’re researching + “archives” to see what’s available and how you can access their holdings. Even if you live far away or in another country, they often offer a research service (probably for a fee).

The links below are for towns and villages around the county from various online resources. Many are old books that can be viewed in your browser or downloaded.