Index page

Based in West Yorkshire was formed in 1986

and is a member of The Federation of Family History Societies

We are a small and friendly group whose aims are to promote and encourage mutual help between like-minded people - who are interested in their ancestors, who they were, what they did and what their lives may have been like. Whether your ancestors were Morley born and bred, just passing through, or never went near the place, you, yourself, are assured of a helpful and friendly YORKSHIRE welcome.

Stop Press :- You can now join the group and purchase our publications at Parish Chest - ideal for those of you who area out of area
or even out of the Country

Morley & District fhg has its own Rootsweb mailing list.
This list is open to members and non-members alike, who have an interest in the district.
To join simply send the word subscribe to UK-MORLEY-FHG-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM.
(please send no message with your subscribe email.
When you wish to send a message to the list simply email UK-MORLEY-FHG-L@ROOTSWEB.COM
with a heading that conveys the subject of your email.

The group also has its own guest book where you can leave comments etc., but if you wish to leave a family history request, then please use the NEW noticeboard (which can be found on the guest book page). You will have to register but that is FREE and as long as you complete your email address so that you can receive a password, that is enough.
Although our group covers a relatively small area, compared to other groups, we have a growing collection of transcripts for sale thanks to our small but diligent project team, and can offer over 100 booklets as research aids.
In the latter part of the 1990's Morley & District Family History Group collaborated with Morley Historical Society and the Library Services to put on a 3 day exhibition in Morley Library, giving the young and old, the 'Morleyites' and the newcomers an incite into Morleys' past.
The names on the 1851 census for Gildersome were transcribed by a member many years ago, but only recently put on the website.
Morley Weslyan Chapel baptisms as transcribed by Kevin Scarth
The group over the year attend Family History Fairs and there you will be able to meet some of the Committee and members of our group, you will also be able to purchase booklets and fiche as well as chat to the volunteers who are manning the stand.
Micro film readers and computers are made available at most meetings when members and visitors can make use of the IGI and a full range of CD's. Our library is also available for use at meetings and there are always members in attendance who have first-hand knowledge of the area. There is also a programme of speakers. Speakers in the past have included John Goodchild, Kate Taylor, David Bosomworth, R.V.M., Nicola Dawn, John Gilligham, M.B.E., Susan Deal, Prof. Tony Jowitt, Mr & Mrs Minter and last but not least Ann Batchelor.
To join our group and receive our quarterly publication the 'Cameo' follow the link where you will find information on our meetings, location, plus membership details and a printable membership form.
Other people researching the same surname - this is only available to members at this time.
For Morley and the surrounding areas you could also visit www.wakefieldfhs.org.uk or www.genealogyjunction.org.uk where you will find a vast collection of transcriptions, memorials etc.
Morley, has for its size, a great number of famous and infamous characters - some you may be aware of, others you may not!!
A guide to the parishes that people from the Morley area may have worshiped in with dates available (if they are known) for baptisms, marriages and burials.
Morley Wesleyan Chapel baptisms transcribed by Kevin Scarth and unchecked but still very informative
Pictures of Woodkirk St Mary's church, has headstones dating back to the late 1600's where many local family names can be found. Also a transcription of the War Memorial
Woodkirk, St Mary's - headstone of James Edwin Baines - New article coming shortly including images
Pictures of East Ardsley St Michaels also has headstone dating back to the 1600's, including some with preservations order. Including the war memorial with additional information on individual soldiers.
Morley Main Colliery Disaster - names of those killed
East Ardsley Primary School, former East Ardsley Junion and Infant School.
A to Z guides are always good to have at hand whether you are new to family history or not - there is always something new to learn.
A full list of abbreviations to help while reading, researching or compiling your family tree.
Counties in the UK are abbreviated to a worldwide standard known as the Chapman County Codes.
Lord Mayors of Dewsbury 1862 -1993
An F A Q's section is in the process of being launched, where you will find pointers to help with your research.
Online transcripts for St Pauls, Leeds ; Dewsbury parish ; Also transcripts of Wakefield Union Accounts 1886 for East and West Ardsley ; Lofthouse ; Stanley ; Wrenthorpe + other areas.
Where did your family worship in the Morley area. Visit this link and you could be surprised !

If you are also interested in Morley Local History then why not look at their list of speakers
The Memorial of The Great War 1914-1918 for The Borough of Morley - visit www.wakefieldfhs.org.uk or www.genealogyjunction.org.uk for more war memorials
Morley War Memorial for 1939-1945
Horsfall Ltd., Albion Mills War Memorial to their employees who were killed in WW1
Tingley memorial to the Halifax bomber that crashed on 14th November 1944
Tingley Methodist Church Memorial including additional information
Churwell War Memorial including additional information for WW1 and WW2 casualties.
Morley Zion Church Choir c 1928 includes image and names
Streets from Robinsons Street Directory - transcribed by K Scarth who also indicates if the street can still be seen
Cross Hall School - Class photographs - date not known
East Ardsley Infant School Class photograph c 1904 - thanks to Julie Ellard

If you find a broken link, please let me know

These pages were last updated

February 2008