Dates Covered

The database covers entries from the late 1500's right up to quite recently, but the largest section is probably between 1800 and 1900.

I always have varying levels of entries, usually into the several thousands, waiting to be added to my files, either direct from computer or [more slowly] from paper records. These will be reflected in the figures below once they are added. As a rough guide, the types and numbers of records held at present is shown below. There will always be a small number in categories not shown below.

I have spent very many hours in Record Offices over the years transcribing entries, many long before we had the huge benefits of viewing original records on our computers screens at home!

In addition, my thanks to the many people who have contributed to the database by sending details of the Preece entries in their own families or simply noted during research into other names.

Thanks must also go to all those people, both present and past, who have given many hours to transcription projects, and therefore allow easier [free] access to many records, such as Parish Registers and Census extracts.

If you are interested in getting involved in transcription projects, please click here. If you have days to spare, or just an hour or two, your efforts will be gratefully received.  You can help wherever you may be in the world.

Sources Consulted

A detailed look at some of the records consulted can be seen on the Sources Used page, but this is a summary of the main type of records used.

GRO Indexes

Parish Registers, microfilm copies, original registers and transcriptions

Census returns, microfilm copies and transcriptions

Trade Directories, microfilm copies and original books

War Records, service records, medal records, those who died and those held as Prisoner of War

IGI, Ancestral File and Pedigree File

National Index of Wills and Administrations

Monumental Inscriptions

Migration/Emigration records

and last, but not least, personal records and family trees passed to me by others researching Preece.

If you can suggest further sources  - the more unusual the better - please let me know.