The Origins Network

DESCRIPTION:

The Origins Network features comprehensive and exclusive British and Irish record collections dating back to the 13th century, as well as rare and unique photos and books to browse. Family Tree Magazine calls it: "An absolutely central resource for all genealogists."

Their unique genealogical data includes marriage registers, wills, court and apprentice records, as well as downloadable images of original maps and plans used in 19th surveys. Most of this information is not available anywhere else on the internet.

Through The Origins Network, you and other family historians can access exclusive source data collections and research from UK and Ireland specialists, use free state-of-the-art technology to locate records across the Internet, and received regular updates with exciting new UK and Irish collections.

Partnerships with leading archives and genealogical societies in the UK and Ireland, including the Society of Genealogists, the National Library of Ireland, and the Borthwick Institute of Historical Research, allow them to provide exclusive online access to important primary sources, abstracts and index databases, including definitive versions of key Irish material (Griffith's Valuation). For many source documents, users of The Origins Network services can place orders online for hard copies.

All of their services feature NameX?, the most powerful name-matching technology available. NameX? will locate a wider range of genuine variants of your ancestor's name than any other software, which is important since many names have common historical variations in spelling, or have been spelled incorrectly on important records.

PROS:

Although other major online genealogy companies have some British and Irish records, they often focus on United States data usually means they miss out on the local expertise and connections provided through The Origins Network. This is a focused collection of resources that should help you move deeper into your family's roots after they've led you to England or Ireland.

CONS:

There is no free trial period to see how well it meets your needs.

SUMMARY:

If you're one of the 20% of Americans who can trace their origins back to Ireland, and over 15% with British origins, as well as the many Australians and Canadians of British and Irish descent, you'll need even more help sorting out their roots. This is a perfect resource, with a specific focus that should make your research easier and more effective. And they offer a wide range of subscription prices, so you can do a little testing before you make a longer committment.

PRICES:

Origins Total Access (gain access to their British and Irish databases and Libraries):
   72 hours  $13.73
   Monthly  $19.22
   Quarterly  $33.87
   Annual  $63.17

British Origins (featuring marriage, census, wills, and many more authentic record collections, most not available anywhere else in digital form. Plus a Library of rare and unique material, including a comprehensive England and Wales Gazetteer. Records include exclusive access to Society of Genealogists' records):
  72 hours  $10.89
  Monthly  $14.56
  Quarterly  $22.89
  Annual  $41.20

Irish Origins (offering the definitive version of Griffith's Primary Valuation of Ireland records and maps, the 1851 Dublin City Census, the one-of-a-kind Irish Wills Index, Irish Royal Garrison Artillery Militia Attestations, and our Irish Origins Library):
  72 hours  $7.23
  Monthly  $14.56
  Quarterly  $22.89
  Annual  $41.20

TO FIND OUT MORE: The Origins Network