How to Find an Obituary for a Specific Person in the UK?
A Complete Guide
Finding an obituary for someone who has passed away can be an important part of remembering their life, confirming details of their death, or gathering information about funeral arrangements. Whether you’re paying respects, researching family history, or simply trying to learn more, this guide will help you locate obituaries and death notices in the UK.
At Gaunts of Wollaston, we understand that searching for an obituary can be emotional and sometimes confusing. Below you’ll find clear steps, tips, and resources to help you in your search.
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What Is an Obituary?
In the UK, an obituary is a written notice of someone’s death that typically appears in newspapers, on funeral home websites, or online obituary databases. It usually includes:
- The person’s name, age, and date of death
- Details about their family, life, and achievements
- Information about the funeral or memorial service
Obituaries serve both as a formal announcement and a tribute to the person’s life.
Best Ways to Find an Obituary in the UK
Here are the most effective methods for locating an obituary:
Local Newspaper Archives
Many obituaries are published in local newspapers, especially in smaller towns or communities. Many newspapers now have searchable digital archives, or you can visit a local library to access print or microfilm copies of past issues.
Local papers are often where families choose to publish death notices and obituaries first.
Online Obituary Websites
There are several UK and international websites that list obituaries and death notices. You can search by name, location, or date of death on platforms such as:
- funeral-notices.co.uk — a UK-focused database
- Legacy.com — global obituary listings
- The Gazette — official public notices in the UK
These sites allow you to refine your search and often provide links directly to published notices.
Funeral Home Websites
If you know which funeral director handled the arrangements, visiting their website can be particularly helpful. Many funeral homes publish recent obituaries and service details online, giving families and friends a way to view tributes and funeral information.
Public Records and Genealogy Sites
Government and genealogy resources can also help in your search:
- The General Register Office (GRO) holds official death records (you may need a certificate).
- Family history platforms like Findmypast and FamilySearch include death indexes and sometimes linked obituaries.
- Sites such as FreeBMD provide free access to indexed death registrations.
These resources are especially useful if an obituary wasn’t published publicly.
Tips for Successful Obituary Search
To improve your chances of finding an obituary:
✔ Check spelling carefully — errors can prevent results from appearing.
✔ Use multiple sites and search tools.
✔ Narrow your search by location and date.
✔ Contact local libraries or historical societies for access to archives.
✔ Ask family members if they have copies or know where the obituary was published.
When an Obituary Might Not Be Available
Not all deaths result in published obituaries. Some families choose not to publish one, or older deaths may not have been digitised.
In these cases, you may still be able to find a death certificate or official record through government services or family history platforms.
Obituary Search FAQ
Can I find an obituary online for free?
Yes. Many websites and local newspaper archives allow free searches, though some platforms may require a subscription for full access.
What if I can’t find an obituary for someone?
It’s possible the family chose not to publish one. Try public records or genealogy sites for death indexes instead.
How far back can I search for obituaries?
Online archives vary, some go back many decades, others only cover recent years. Libraries and historical societies can often help with older records.
Are obituaries the same as death notices?
Not always. A death notice is often shorter and more formal, while an obituary usually includes details about the person’s life and achievements.
Can Gaunts of Wollaston help me find an obituary?
While funeral directors don’t provide obituary search services directly, we can guide you on where to look and offer support when writing or publishing one through our funeral arrangements.
Social Media and Community Groups
Family members or friends often share obituaries on platforms like Facebook or community groups. Searching the person’s name with keywords such as “obituary,” “tribute,” or “in memory of” can uncover posts and links that might not appear in newspaper archives or databases.