Updated 12th August 2025
In this section you will find templates and aides for recording all kinds of information for website submission and personal research. If you can’t find a template for something you would like to submit then please contact Teresa Lewis, Administrator. The image selected within the documents is only an example and may be replaced by something more appropriate to the subject matter.
All Templates may be downloaded from the link next to the category below. We are in the process of updating files so that all submissions are similar to each other of the same category. If their is no link at present then please contact Teresa Lewis who will send you the template to be used.
We are currently re-arranging the display order of items into categories corresponding to those on the parish pages.
Here you may find some useful images that can be included in document creation. War Memorials for Document Use
Parish Church
Use for church history narratives e.g. construction, consecration, renovations, conservation Download the Template Here
Banns
When submitting banns transcriptions please use the template provided here. Please do not add or delete columns. If you feel other columns should be included please let the Admin Team know and an updated version will be uploaded. Where columns are not required please leave these blank and the administration team will remove anything that is not required. Download the Template Here
Baptisms
When submitting baptism register transcriptions please use the template provided here. Please do not add or delete columns. If you feel other columns should be included please let the Admin Team know and an updated version will be uploaded. Where columns are not required please leave these blank and the administration team will remove anything that is not required. Please note that these should be transcribed in batches eg. 1500-1549, 1600-1699. we are trying to keep the lists to around 500 entries. Download the Template Here
Burials
When submitting burial register transcriptions please use the template provided here. Please do not add or delete columns. If you feel other columns should be included please let the Admin Team know and an updated version will be uploaded. Where columns are not required please leave these blank and the administration team will remove anything that is not required. Please note that these should be transcribed in batches eg. 1500-1549, 1600-1699. we are trying to keep the lists to around 500 entries. Download the Template Here
Cemetery or Churchyard Memorial Inscriptions
This maybe used to record the vital information found on headstones and grave markers in cemeteries and churchyards. It is not really suitable to record the entire inscriptions. Download the Template Here
Church History
Church Memorial Tablet Transcriptions
These two documents can be used to record either one memorial tablet, or multiple memorial tablets found in churches, chapels etc. Download the Individual Template Here Download the Multiple Template Here
Church News
This template should be used when transcribing items relating to the parish church or clergy of the church. News items sometimes can be found in the local papers as Ecclesiastical Intelligence. Download the Template Here
For other religious denominations see under Non Conformity
Confirmations Template
This item can be used to record lists of church confirmation ceremonies. Download the Template Here
Funerals
See under people section
Incumbents List
This template may be used to record a list of clergymen who have served within a church. Download the Template Here
Marriage License
Use to record a grant of license to marry. Download Template Here
Marriage License Bonds
Use to record lists or an index of marriage bonds Download the Template Here
Marriages
When submitting marriage register transcriptions please use the template provided here. Please do not add or delete columns unless a third or fourth witness column is required. Where columns are not required please leave these blank and the administration team will remove anything that is not required. Please note that these should be transcribed in batches eg. 1500-1549, 1600-1699. we are trying to keep the lists to around 500 entries. Download the Template Here
Protestation Return
Use to record the list of names attached to the Protestation Return of 1642-1642. Download the Template Here
Parish History
Domesday Book
For transcribing the entry relative to the parish from the Domesday Book. Download the Template Here
Gazetteer Entry
Use this template to record the entry for a parish in encyclopaedias etc. Download the Template Here
Parish Jurisdictions & Population Figures
A template for the recording of population figures from many sources but mainly the ten yearly census returns. The template can be adapted to include other statistics such as acreage, male/female population etc.
Parish News
Use for recording historical news items relating to a parish that cannot be categorised elsewhere. Download the Template Here
Population and Other Jurisdictions
Use for recording the population of the parish and other jurisdictions such as diocese etc. Download the Template Here
Buildings and Land
Enclosure Awards
Use for transcribing the various enclosure award document transcripts. The layout may be altered to fit the style of document being transcribed. Download the Template Here
Land & Buildings
Please use this template for recording items relating to land and buildings such as fires, property sales, council highways notices etc. It can be used for lengthy single reports or for smaller multiple items. It is recommended that the latter kind of transcript should be split into year groups such as 1700-1749, 1750-1799, 1800-1849, 1850-1899, 1900-1949, 1950-1999, 2000-Present. Download the Template Here
Land Tenure Transfer
Use for recording transfer of land and over conveyancing items such as deeds etc. Download the Template Here
Owners of Land
1873 Download the Template Here
Property Sales and Lets
Use to record individual building sales or as a combination of smaller newspaper advertisements in 50 year batches e.g. 1800-1849. Download the Template Here
Taxes
Land Tax Redemption Download Template Here
Tax List 1332 Download Template Here
Weather Related News Items
Use to record news reports about weather related items. Download the Template Here
Crime and Legal Matters
Bastardy
Use for individual bastardy examination reports Download the Template Here
Use for Lists of examinations where detailed information is not available. Download the Template Here
Courts
County Court Sessions
Use to record County Court Listings Download the Template Here
Quarter Session Calendars
Use to record lists of summary convictions in the various quarter session courts. Download the Template Here
Crime Reports
Please use this template for recording all kinds of Crime & Punishment News related items. It is recommended that this kind of transcript if just small snippets should be split into year groups such as 1700-1749, 1750-1799, 1800-1849, 1850-1899, 1900-1949, 1950-1999, 2000-Present. Should the article be a court case or Bastardy Examination it can be used for a single item. Download the Template Here
Indenture
Use for transcribing legal land related documents. Download the Template Here
Prison Admissions and Discharge Registers
Use for recording lists of prisoners committed to or discharged from various prisons such as Devizes, Dorchester, Erlestoke, Fisherton Anger, Gloucester and Reading. Other prisons around the country may have Wiltshire men and women incarcerated there. This can be used for any prison. Download the Template Here Individual Prisoner Prison Entry Download the Template Here
Directories
Trade Directories
When submitting any trade directory to the site wherever possible please use the attached template. The coat of arms is a basic one for Wiltshire so this template can be used for Post Office, Kellys, Slaters, Gillmans or any other directory you come across.
Teresa Lewis has copies of many directories and can send you your relevant pages for transcription. Download the Template Here
If the directory separates gentry from traders then it is possible to copy the table a second time and replace the detail. Don’t worry if the table doesn’t fit the text. This will be amended by the administrator to fit. It is important to put names in the table where possible as this will then enable the column information be picked up for the searchable database when it is launched.
Education
Education News & Reports
Use to record snippets and longer stories about schools and education in the parish. Download the Template Here
School Admissions Register
Use to record the school admissions registers. Download the Template Here
Emigration and Migration
Assisted Emigrants
Use for recording details of those individuals who took advantage of the Assisted Emigration Programme during the mid 1800’s. Download the Template Here
Emigration (General) Download the Template Here
Strays Index
This document is meant for recording those entries that are found for people from a particular parish and who have migrated to other parts of the county or further afield from where they were born. The column headings are those which will be gathered into the searchable data base when established. Download the Template Here
Employment and Business
Advertising
Use for recording lists of small or single larger advertisements placed in Newspapers, Magazines and advertising paraphernalia. Download the Template Here
Apprentices
Use for recording individual records of apprenticeships. This is basic information and should not be used for apprenticeship indentures. The lead text may be altered to suit the industry or organisation placing the apprentices. Download the Template Here For Wiltshire Society Apprentices Only Download the Template Here
Business and Markets News
Use for recording livestock and commodity sales reports from local newspapers. Download the Template Here
Communications
British Post Office Appointments. Download the Template Here
Employment News
Please use this template for recording anything related to employment, work, retail or commercial enterprise. The image may be changed to suit the article. If using for small items of less than 6 lines please submit in batches of 50 year periods such as 1700-1749, 1750-1799, 1800-1849, 1850-1899, 1900-1949, 1950-1999, 2000-Present. Download the Template Here
Legal Sector
Articles of Clerkship
Use for recording lists of those registered to become Articled Clerks. Download the Template Here
Medicine & Social Care
General Medical Council Registrations Download the Template Here
Trades Unions
Individual Members Download the Template Here
Miscellaneous Documents
Animal Tales
Animals are part of your family history too. Use to record items of interest about the animals of a parish either as a set of small reports or as a larger single item. Download the Template Here
Non Conformity and Other Places of Worship
Catholic Baptisms – Download the Template Here
Non Conformity News
This template may be used for recording news items or articles relating to religious denominations other than those related to the parish church. This would include Catholicism, Baptists, Methodist and any other places of worship within the parish. Download the Template Here
Meeting House Certificates
Use for recording details of Meeting House Certificates Download the The Template Here
People and Parish Notables
Accidents
Use for recording small accident reports in 50 year ranges eg. 1800-1849 or as a single larger report of an incident. Download the Template Here
Associations, Clubs and Societies News
Use for recording items about Clubs and Friendly Societies from News Reports etc. Download the Template Here
Bankruptcy
Use for recording items regarding individual and company bankruptcies. Download the Template Here
Celebrations
Use for recording village gatherings and celebrations such as balls, birthday parties, wedding receptions etc. The image may be changed to suit the subject. Download the Template Here
Census
Census Templates 1841-1911
When submitting census transcriptions to the site we would be very grateful if you would use the provided templates. At some stage in the (we hope) not too distant future we will be developing a searchable database of all the records published on the site. To enable this to happen we will need all the entries to be entered in the same manner. Which includes the estimated year of birth column. Without this the system will not add the searchable information to the correct columns. Once a census is completed send the spread sheet to the administrator who will convert it to pdf format and will check that headings and footers contain the correct information. Your copyright will also be added to the completed document. Many thanks for your cooperation. Download the Templates Here:- 1841 1851 1861 1871 1881 1891 1901 1911
Miscellaneous Census
Use this for recording census returns or heads of household records (church census) etc. Download the Template Here
Census Transcribing Tips
See Aides, Guides & Tips Section
Missing 1841 Census Returns
Several Census for Wiltshire in 1841 have not survived. This is a list of those that are known not be available for the county. Download the Document Here
Coroners Bills
Use to record the coroners bills approved at the quarter sessions. Download The Template Here
Coroner’s Inquest Reports
The document provided can be used in two ways:- As a basic list of reports available for the parish (short reports as described in local newspapers) or as a more comprehensive description of a single report. Download the Template Here
Electoral Register/Voters Lists Extracts
Use for recording the electoral lists and voters lists available from different sources.
Electoral Register 1909 Specific. Download the Template Here
Electoral Roll 1939 Specific Download the Template Here
Electoral List Download the Template Here
Voters List Download the Template Here
Voters List 1832 (South Wilts) specific Download the Template Here
Poll Books
Use for recording poll books for various years. Download the Template Here
Poll Book 1865 (Southern Division) Specific Download the Template Here
Entertainment
Use for recording reports about the village fetes, theatre, concerts, musical shows etc. Download the Template Here
Family Notices
Please use this template for recording all kinds of family notices such as birth, marriages and death notices. Can also be used to include things like birthdays, funeral announcements, anniversaries etc. It is recommended that this kind of transcript should be split into year groups such as 1700-1749, 1750-1799, 1800-1849, 1850-1899, 1900-1949, 1950-1999, 2000-Present. Download the Template Here
Funeral Reports
Use for reports and descriptions of funeral services including cremation services. Download the Template Here
General News – People
Please use this template for recording all kinds of bits and pieces about people of the parish whether specifically named or not. It is recommended that this kind of transcript should be split into year groups such as 1700-1749, 1750-1799, 1800-1849, 1850-1899, 1900-1949, 1950-1999, 2000-Present. Download the Template Here
Groups, Sports Teams & Organisation Members
This document is a basic table document to record the members of any sporting team or interest group. The table can be adapted to include other information by adding or renaming columns. There is space beneath to write text additions and photographs can be added by using the insert picture option in the document drop down menus. Download the Template Here
Inquest Reports
Use for recording individual inquest reports from newspapers. Download the Template Here
Obituaries
This can be used for recording a single long obituary (8 lines or more in font 12) or for multiple obituary recording (this can be added to and reloaded at anytime) it is intended for use with smaller obituaries of less than 8 lines). It is suggested that multiple recording should be split into year blocks of 50 years e.g. 1800-1849 etc. Download the Template Here
People News
Use for recording items about groups and individuals if not suitable for other categories.
Sports
Cricket Match
Use for recording newspaper reports and scoreboards on local cricket matches. Download the Template Here
Sports News
Use for recording items relating to sport in general Download the Template Here
Team Members
This document is a basic table document to record the members of any sporting team or interest group. The table can be adapted to include other information by adding or renaming columns. There is space beneath to write text additions and photographs can be added by using the insert picture option in the document drop down menus.
Taxes & Rates
Hair Powder Tax
Use for recording lists of Hair Powder Tax Payers. Download the Template Here
Rates Book
Use to record the names from various kinds of rates books available. Download the Template Here
Poor Law, Charity and the Workhouse
Parish Relief for Military Substitutes
Use to record relief orders awarded for a soldiers family when he is serving as a substitute Download the Template Here
Poor Law, Charity and Workhouse News
This template should be used when recording items from Newspapers regarding the workhouse, charities, settlement orders etc. The template may be adapted to suit the content. It is recommended that this kind of transcript should be split into year groups such as 1700-1749, 1750-1799, 1800-1849, 1850-1899, 1900-1949, 1950-1999, 2000-Present. Download the Template Here
Removal Orders & Settlement Examinations
Use to record lists or removal orders under the poor law acts. Download the Template Here
Tenders & Traders
Poor Law Supplies Tender Download the Template Here
Workhouse Related News
Use for recording Workhouse or Poor Law related items. Download the Template Here
Probate
Administration Bond & Grants of Administration
For use when transcribing Grants of Administration by the Probate Courts where a person has died intestate or where no valid will has been found. Download the Template Here
Grant of Probate (Intestate) Download the Template Here
Last Will & Testament
Use to record a full will or an extract whether proved or unproved. Download the Template Here
Legacies & Benefactions for Charity
Use to record details of legacies and bequests to various charities within the parish – e.g. Almshouse, Education, Clothing for the Poor, Apprenticeships etc. Download the Template Here
Probate Inventory of Estate
Use to record an inventory of assets of a deceased person for Probate purposes. Download the Template Here
Probate & Estate Notices
Use to record newspaper requests for debtors and creditors to a deceased’s estate to allow probate to be complete. Also can be used to record a summary of probate printed in newspapers. Download the Template Here
Wills Index
Use for submitting the index extracted from the list held at WSHC (Wiltshire Wills). Download the Template Here National Probate Index List Download the Template Here
War, Conflict and Military Matters
Absentees
WWI Service Absentees Use for Recording lists of men who were recorded as AWOL or having deserted Download the Template Here
Attestation & Discharge Records Use for recording individual attestation and discharge records Download the Template Here
British Red Cross Volunteer Aid Detachment Record This item can be used to record details of voluntary service during WWI etc. Download the Template Here
Casualties of War
Use for recording individual biographical information for casualties of any conflict. Download the Template here For short biographies or list for a parish Download the Template Here How to Create a Casualty Biography
Casualties Listed in the Diocese of Salisbury Memorial Book (or other similar lists). Use to record the names of those listed. Can be used for other lists with adjustments (ask admin to adjust for your requirements) Download the Template Here
Chelsea Pensioners Lists
Use for recording In and Out Pensioners of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Download the Template Here
Medal Awards
Merchant Navy – Download the template here
Military News
Please use this template for recording items relating to the military, war, conflict etc. It can be used for lengthy single reports or for smaller multiple items. It is recommended that the latter kind of transcript should be split into year groups such as 1700-1749, 1750-1799, 1800-1849, 1850-1899, 1900-1949, 1950-1999, 2000-Present. Download the Template Here
Muster Rolls
Use for recording Muster Rolls (Army lists). The example here is for 1539. Download the Template Here
Parish Relief for Military Substitutes
Use to record relief orders awarded for a soldiers family when he is serving as a substitute Download the Template Here
Roll of Honour/War Memorial
Use for recording details from plaques etc. Can be adjusted to accommodate other information available for any conflict. Download the Templates Here WWI WWII
Royal Navy & Merchant Navy
Ships Crews Individual Royal Navy Service Records
War Related News Articles Download Template Here
WWI Homefront Volunteering Download Template Here
War Time Fund Raising 1939-1945 Download the Template Here
WWII Civilian Deaths Index
Use to record lists of individuals who were killed by enemy action during WWII. This also includes those who died in POW Camps. Download the Template Here
