Helping People Discover Their Family History

The Gloucestershire Family History Society (GFHS) is a self-help organisation staffed by volunteers helping all to research their ancestors and the background against which they led their lives in Gloucestershire and beyond. It has a worldwide membership and is a member of the Family History Federation.

Our Family History Centre at the Heritage Hub offers a library, other resources, access to online resources and knowledgable volunteers to help you with your research. You are welcome to visit and it is very helpful if you book a time to come.

Our volunteers have worked tirelessly for 25 years  transcribing a free index to make it available to the public. Coverage starts from 1837 up to 2017. The index has been available on a dedicated website provided by the Gloucestershire Registration Service .

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2026 On 11 February 2026 the Gloucestershire Registration Service Index (GRSI) replaced the previous BMD index and  website.

The new index complies with the requirements of the General Register Office which set out what information can be made publicly available.  This means that less detailed information is provided: Name, Register Name and Entry Number.  The original index included additional details which now by law can only be made available on the application for, and purchase of, a certificate.

The new index also complies with the current Data Protection legislation.

Please direct any queries about the operation of the new website to GRS.

The Society sells local History Books and Maps. The Society also  publishes transcriptions created by our volunteers of Gloucestershire Registers, Baptisms, Marriages, Burials and a large amount of monumental inscriptions, plus much more. They are available as  downloads and can be purchased through the online shop or from the Family History Centre.