THOUSANDS of records relating to Barnsley people can now be accessed online through an exciting new partnership.

Barnsley Archives and Local Studies has announced a partnership with the Ancestry website that will allow thousands of records relating to Barnsley people to be accessed online for the first time.

Previously, all records could only be accessed by visiting Barnsley Archives and Local Studies, found in Barnsley Town Hall. Now, anyone with an interest in Barnsley's history and heritage can view them from anywhere in the world.

The partnership has made two databases of historical records available on the Ancestry website. The first database contains over 100,000 records of baptisms, marriages and burials at Methodist, Baptist, Congregational and Independent places of worship for Barnsley and the surrounding areas, dating back to 1788. Over 100 different churches and chapels are included, some of which are no longer standing or have been repurposed. The records provide a rich source of information for anyone tracing their family tree or researching the social and religious history of Barnsley.

The second database will be of interest to those with criminal ancestors. The records of Barnsley Magistrates’ Court, covering 1841-1923, have been made available. They contain almost one million entries, meaning that the chances of finding a relative are quite high. They cover the town of Barnsley and surrounding communities, and feature those brought before the Magistrates on a range of minor matters including petty thefts, poaching and being drunk and disorderly. The records offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and struggles of ordinary people in the past.

Records can be accessed for free by visiting Barnsley Archives and Local Studies. The team are also available to assist anyone who needs help with their research or have any queries about the records.

Coun Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson in charge of Regeneration and Culture, said: “I’m delighted that Barnsley Archives and Local Studies has partnered with Ancestry to make these fascinating records accessible online. It’s a great opportunity for people interested in the history and heritage of our borough to discover more about their ancestors and the lives they lived. Whether you are looking for information on your family and friends, religious background or if you have a criminal relative, you now have access to thousands of records from anywhere in the world. This is a valuable resource that we are sure people will love exploring.”