Researching pre-census ancestors

[JazzPanda]

Hi all, I was wondering if some of you more experienced genealogists could give me some advice and handy hints. I'm new to genealogy, having only started my research at the end of last year. For ancestors who were around during the 19th century, I've found the censuses a good source of information when it comes to things like birthplace, approximate birth year etc, but on one branch that I've been researching, I've now gotten back to the late 1700s. I was initially pretty excited about this, but I've found that I've hit a brick wall as this is pre-census and there don't seem to be a lot of records to refer to. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for researching pre-census ancestors? Are there specific records that I should be looking for?

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Jazz

[Girl Guide]

Welcome to Rootschat Jazz 

As you have found records from 1837 onwards can provide you with plenty of information, these being census records and birth, marriage and death records, plus parish records, travel records etc.

For pre 1837 you have to turn to parish registers, these being baptisms, marriages and burials.  Free Reg is a good source for pre 1837 but do bear in mind that it won't contain everything that you wish to find. https://www.freereg.org.uk/

Another site is the Family Search one which is worldwide:- https://www.familysearch.org/en/

There are county records offices and family history societies that provide information. 

I'm sure there will be many other Rootschatters who can come up with other suggestions to help you with your pre 1837 research.  We are always willing to help so if you have a query ask and wait to see what information is made available to you.

Good luck with your research 

[Neale1961]

I think it depends a little on where (which town and which country) you are researching. Check the Rootschat resources board for specific places.
In addition to the previous information from Girl Guide, Wills and memorial inscriptions can be useful in searching.
Have you looked at this:
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=54385.0
If you have hit a brick wall, try posting your specific problem on RootChat, and see if others can offer help.