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Illustration of member of the Coastguard looking through a telescope, 1907 (Catalogue reference: COPY 1/511/276)

This is a brief guide to help you with your research. The National Archives holds all surviving records of Coastguards. These are in several different series, mainly within the ADM and CUST department records. There is no single index of people or places that can be used to find service records, so your search for information might require some patience.

  • What do I need to know before I start?

    • Try to find out:

      • in which county the person was posted
      • the dates of his service

  • What records can I see online?

  • What other resources will help me find information?

    • Websites

      Search the name index of British Coastguards from 1841 to 1901 on the GENUKI website.

    • Books

      Consult the Navy Lists for information about officers serving in Revenue Cruisers (part of the Coastguard since 1822) available in research libraries.

      Read Coastguard: An Official History of HM Coastguard by W Webb (HMSO, 1976).

  • The National Archives is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Related guides

Did you know?

The Coastguard was formed in 1822 by the amalgamation of three services set up to prevent smuggling: the Revenue Cruisers, the Riding Officers and the Preventive Water Guard. In 1831 the Coastal Blockade also became part of the Coastguard.

From 1822 several different departments were responsible for the Coastguards, so Coastguard records are widely scattered in The National Archives.

After 1856 the duties of the Coastguard were defending the coast, providing a reserve for the Royal Navy, and preventing smuggling. In 1925 the focus shifted towards saving life, salvaging wrecks and supervising the foreshores.

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