Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland Genealogy: Difference between revisions

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{{Locality
'''Parish #685-1'''
|Name=Edinburgh
|ID=12444365
|Level=2
|Country=Scotland
|CountryID=10579050
|Locality1=Midlothian
|Locality1id=10594638
|Locality2=Edinburgh
|Locality2id=12444365
}}{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[Scotland Genealogy|Scotland]]
| link2=[[Midlothian (Edinburghshire), Scotland_Genealogy|Midlothian]]
| link3=
| link4=
| link5=[[Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland Genealogy|Edinburgh]]
}}


'''Parish #685<sup>1</sup>'''
This is a guide to the history and major genealogical records of Scotland as they pertain to the parish of Edinburgh. To learn more about how to use these records to search for your ancestors, go to the [[Scotland: Research Strategies for Locating Births, Marriages and Deaths|Scotland: Research Strategies.]]


Guide to '''Edinburgh''' history, family history, and genealogy: parish registers, census records, birth records, marriage records, and death records.
= History  =


{{Infobox Scotland Parishes
''The New Statistical Account of Scotland ''(pub. 1834-45) offers uniquely rich and detailed parish reports for the whole of Scotland, covering a vast range of topics including history, agriculture, education, trades, religion and social customs. The reports, written by the parish ministers, are available online at http://edina.ac.uk/stat-acc-scot/. Click on ‘Browse scanned pages’ then search the parish reports for your parish of interest. Also available at the [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&title=new+statistical+account+of+scotland&pretitle=new+statistical+account+of+scotland Family History Library.]
| image = Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat.jpg
| caption = Arthur's Seat from Edinburgh
| Type = [[Scotland Jurisdictions#Quoad Omnia Parish|Quoad Omnia Parish]]
| ParishNo = 685<sup>1</sup>
| Historic County = Midlothian
| Burgh = Edinburgh
| Council Area = City of Edinburgh
| Registration District = Dean, Boroughmuirhead & Morningside, Newington & Grange, Castle & Portsburgh, St. Giles, Holyrood & Canongate, Calton & Bonnington, and Heriot & Warriston
| PRbegin = 1595
| KSbegin = 1574
| Presbytery = Edinburgh
| Synod = Lothian & Tweeddale
| Sheriff Court = Edinburgh and Leith
| Commissary Court = St Andrews, Peebles, Glasgow, and Edinburgh
}}


==History==
= Census Records<br>  =


EDINBURGH, a city, the seat of a university, and the metropolis of the kingdom of Scotland, situated in longitude 3° 10' 30" (W.), and latitude 55° 57' 29" (N.), about a mile (S. by W.) from Leith, 40 miles (S.S.W.) from Dundee, 42 (E. by N.) from Glasgow, 44 (S. by E.) from Perth, 55 (W. by N.) from Berwick-upon-Tweed, 92½ (N. by W.) from Carlisle, 109 (S. W. by S.) from Aberdeen, 156 (S. by E.) from Inverness, 270 (N. E.) from Dublin, and 392 (N. N. W.) from London; including the suburban '''parishes''' of St. Cuthbert and Canongate. The see of Edinburgh, originally founded by Charles I. in 1633, and to which the ancient collegiate church of St. Giles was appropriated as the cathedral, continued till the Revolution, when the city contained only six parishes; it is now the seat of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and of the presbytery of Edinburgh, and comprises seventeen civil parishes, besides which there were until recently twelve quoad sacra or ecclesiastical parishes. The parish of the High Church is wholly within the city, under the pastoral care of two ministers. The church is a portion of the cathedral of St. Giles. There are also places of worship in the city for members of the '''Free Church''', '''United Secession''', and '''Relief''', for '''Reformed Presbyterians''', '''Original Seceders''', the '''Society of Friends''', '''Baptists''', '''Wesleyans''', '''Independents''', '''Jews''', and '''Unitarians'''; an '''Episcopalian chapel''', dedicated to St. Peter, and two '''Roman Catholic chapels'''.<ref>Lewis, Samuel A., ''[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=43437#s1 A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland]'' (1846), pp. 361-392. Adapted. Date accessed: 11 April 2014.</ref>
A census is a count and description of the population, taken by the government, arranged by locality and by household. Read more about [[Scotland Census|census records.]]


History of the Cannongate section of the city is available on [http://www.royal-mile.com/history/history-canongate-p2.html Royal-Mile.com].
[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=709743&subject_disp=Scotland%2C+Midlothian%2C+Edinburgh+-+Census&columns=*,0,0 Here] is a list of the Family History Library microfilm numbers for the census records of Edinburgh as well as the library numbers for any [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=788334&subject_disp=Scotland%2C+Midlothian%2C+Edinburgh+-+Census+-+1881+-+Indexes&columns=*,0,0 surname indexes] available


For more information about Edinburgh's geography, economy, history, education, and people, see the parish reports in [https://stataccscot.edina.ac.uk/static/statacc/dist/home ''The First and Second Statistical Accounts of Scotland''], or the ''Third Statistical Account'' for Edinburgh ({{FSC|422739|item|disp=FS Catalog book 941 B4sa 3rd ser. v. 15}}).
The 1901 census of Scotland is indexed on [http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/?gclid=CLKJyYGQ4ZUCFQQCagod1gp0Ww www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk.] To use it, you must register and pay a small access fee. All available censuses, 1841-1901, are indexed on this website. It may be easier for you to pay to use the website rather than access the separate indexes through the library.  


==Census Records==
= Church Records<br>  =
Scottish Censuses were taken every 10 years beginning in 1801. Beginning with the 1841 Census, each individual in the nation was enumerated at the location they slept on a particular day. For more information, including which day each census was taken, read about [[Scotland_Census|Scottish Census Records]].


The library also has a collection of census surname indexes for different places within Midlothian Click [[Midlothian Census Surname Index|here]] to see a table listing these other census surname indexes that are available at the library.
The Established Church of Scotland was Presbyterian. Read more about [https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Scotland_Church_Records church records. ]<br> Here are the pre-1855 records that exist for this parish.<br>


Indexes and images for the 1901, 1911, and 1921 censuses of Scotland are found on [https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk ScotlandsPeople] ($). Registration is required and there is a small access fee per image. All available censuses, 1841-1921, are indexed on this website.
== Established Church—Old Parochial Registers  ==


==Church Records==
Click [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=418947&disp=Old+parochial+registers+for+Edinburgh%20%20&columns=*,0,0 here] to go to the Family History Library Catalog entry for the Established Church records for the Edinburgh parishes, covering the years 1595-1854.  
The Established Church in Scotland is the Church of Scotland, a Presbyterian denomination of Christianity. Church of Scotland records generally cover the period of time prior to 1855, when Civil Registration began. Unlike in England, Scottish law never mandated that vital events be registered with the established church. For more information, read about [[Scotland_Church_Records|Scottish Church Records]].


=== Established Church—Old Parochial Registers ===
==== Condition of Original Registers— ====
Pre-1855 records that exist for this parish: {{FSC|418947|title-id|disp= Go here}} to go to the FamilySearch Catalog entry for the Established Church records for the Edinburgh parishes, covering the years 1595-1854.<br>


Known High Churches:<br>
'''Index:''' For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index on computer at the Family History Library and family history centers.&nbsp; Some records may be indexed in the [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/search/frameset_search.asp?PAGE=igi/search_IGI.asp&clear_form=true International Genealogical Index].&nbsp;&nbsp;
*St Giles Cathedral<br>
*The Old Church (South aisle of St. Giles')<br>
*Tolbooth Parish<br>
* Trinity College Chapel<br>
*1685 Lady Glenorchy Chapel<br>
*1785 New North Church<br>
*Tron Church<br>
*1673 Scottish Baptists, and Original Burghers.<br>
*Magdalene Chapel Cowgate<br>
*New Grey Friars<br>
*1721 Old Grey Friars<br>
*1722 St. Andrew<br>
*1785 St George Episcopal Chapel<br>
*St. George - 1814<br>
*Lady Yester's Parish - 1647<br>
*St. Mary - 1824<br>
*St. Stephen - 1828<br>
*Canongate - 1688 <br>
*St. Cuthbert - Gardner's-crescent<br>
*Chapel Morningside<br>
*Chapel Greenside Leith Walk<br>
*St. John<br>


'''Bristo Church of Scotland'''
'''Births:''' From December 1731–January 1759, the record has not been extended, but a draft or scroll record exists, in twelve volumes (18–29, inclusive), embracing the period January 1729–December 1758. Otherwise the register has been very carefully kept throughout. Except in entries of illegitimate births, mothers’ names are not recorded until January 1608. There are indexes to the record from 1759.<br>'''Marriages:''' There are no entries July 1694–January 1696. Prior to the former date, most of the entries contain merely the names of the parties and the trade or profession of the bridegroom. After January 1696, the name and designation of the bride’s father are usually recorded. March 1729–January 1759, the record is only in draft or scroll, in two volumes (47, 48). There is a copy of the portion January 1820–March 1821 and there are indexes to the record from January 1759.<br>'''Deaths:''' The records of the Greyfriars’ Burying Ground for 1658–1854 are in the custody of the recorder of the Ground. The records of Dean Cemetery for 1846–1854 are in the custody of the registrar of St. George’s District. [For the records of the Calton Burying Ground, 1719–1854, see the parish of South Leith in this binder.] <br>'''Source:''' ''Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland'', by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/scotland-edinburgh-and-lothian-birth-and-baptism-index Scotland, Edinburgh & Lothian Birth and Baptism Index] - includes Bristo Church of Scotland, index only


==== Condition of Original Register— ====
== Established Church—Kirk Session Records ==


'''Index: '''For an index to these records, see [http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/ Scotland’s People] website, a pay-for-view website. The Scottish Church Records Index is also still available at the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library] in Salt Lake City.  Some records may also be indexed in other [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/location/1986318?region=Scotland FamilySearch collections] for Scotland.<br>
The Kirk session was the court of the parish. The session was made up of the minister and the land owners and business men of the parish, chosen to serve on the session. The Kirk session dealt with moral issues, minor criminal cases, matters of the poor and education, matters of discipline, and the general concerns of the parish. Kirk session records may also mention births, marriages, and deaths.  
'''Births:''' From December 1731–January 1759, the record has not been extended, but a draft or scroll record exists, in twelve volumes (18–29, inclusive), embracing the period January 1729–December 1758. Otherwise the register has been very carefully kept throughout. Except in entries of illegitimate births, mothers’ names are not recorded until January 1608. There are indexes to the record from 1759.<br>'''Marriages:''' There are no entries July 1694–January 1696. Prior to the former date, most of the entries contain merely the names of the parties and the trade or profession of the bridegroom. After January 1696, the name and designation of the bride’s father are usually recorded. March 1729–January 1759, the record is only in draft or scroll, in two volumes (47, 48). There is a copy of the portion January 1820–March 1821 and there are indexes to the record from January 1759.<br>'''Deaths:''' The records of the Greyfriars’ Burying Ground for 1658–1854 are in the custody of the recorder of the Ground. The records of Dean Cemetery for 1846–1854 are in the custody of the registrar of St. George’s District. [For the records of the Calton Burying Ground, 1719–1854, see the parish of South Leith in this binder.] <br>'''Source:''' ''Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland'', by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.
 
===Established Church—Kirk Session Records===
The kirk session was the court of the parish. The session was made up of the minister and the land owners and businessmen of the parish, chosen to serve on the session. It dealt with moral issues, minor criminal cases, matters of the poor and education, matters of discipline, and the general concerns of the parish. Kirk session records may also mention births, marriages, and deaths.


'''Here is a list of the surviving Kirk session records for this parish: '''<br>  
'''Here is a list of the surviving Kirk session records for this parish: '''<br>  


Click [[Edinburgh Kirk Session Records|here]] to see a list of the kirk session records for the various Edinburgh parishes.
Click [[Edinburgh Kirk Session Records|here]] to see a list of the kirk session records for the various Edinburgh parishes.  
 
===Nonconformist Church Records===
A nonconformist church is any church that is not the established church (the Church of Scotland). For more information, read about [[Scotland_Church_Records_Union_Lists#Historical_Background|Scottish Nonconformity]].
 
Click [[Edinburgh Nonconformist Church Records|here]] to see a list of the pre-1855 nonconformist churches and their records.
 
The following are post 1855 nonconformist Christian churches:<br>
*Carrubers Christian Center<br>
*Chinese Evangelical Church<br>
*Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints<br>
*Greek Orthodox<br>
*Jehovah's Witness<br>
*Marthoma Congregation of Scotland<br>
*Methodists<br>
*Presbyterian<br>
*Roman Catholic<br>
*Seventh Day Adventist<br>
 
Non Christian groups include:<br>
*Buddhist<br>
*Muslim<br>
*Sikh<br>
 
'''Edinburgh Lothian Road Associate Congregation Church'''<br>
*'''1827-1855''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/scotland-edinburgh-and-lothian-birth-and-baptism-index Scotland, Edinburgh & Lothian Birth and Baptism Index] - includes Edinburgh Lothian Road Associate Congregation baptisms 1827-1855, index only
 
'''Edinburgh Gaelic Church'''<br>
*'''1852-1855''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/scotland-edinburgh-and-lothian-birth-and-baptism-index Scotland, Edinburgh & Lothian Birth and Baptism Index] - includes Gaelic Church Edinburgh baptisms 1852-1855, index only
 
'''Roslin Free Church'''<br>
*'''1852-1855''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/scotland-edinburgh-and-lothian-birth-and-baptism-index Scotland, Edinburgh & Lothian Birth and Baptism Index] - includes Roslin Free Church baptisms 1843-1854, index only
 
== Cemetery Records ==
 
*[http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/directory/40/cemeteries_and_crematoria Edinburgh cemeteries and crematoria]
*[http://www.edinburghcemeteries.co.uk/index.htm Edinburgh cemeteries]
*[http://www.findagrave.com/php/famous.php?page=city&FScityid=404369 Find a grave in Edinburgh]
*[http://cn.bing.com/search?q=Find+Grave+Millions+Cemetery+Records&FORM=QSRE8 find Edinburgh graves]
*[https://billiongraves.com/cemetery/Seafield-Cemetery-And-Crematorium/148103#/ Seafield Cemetery and Crematorium, Edinburgh City, Edinburgh, Scotland]
*Ellery, Craig.  ''Dean (Edgehill) Cemetery &amp; Dean Parish Church, Edinburgh: monumental inscriptions''.  Edinburgh: Scottish Genealogy Society, 2011.  Indexed.  (FS Library book 941.445/E1 V3e)
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/scotland-edinburgh-and-lothian-death-and-burial-index Scotland, Edinburgh & Lothian Death and Burial Index] at Findmypast.com - index ($)
 
==Civil Registration Records==
Government or civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths is called Statutory Registers in Scotland. The system began 1 January 1855, and each parish had a registrar's office, with large cities having several. Over time, districts merged and split due to changing populations and technological advancements. The system has largely stayed the same over time, with records being created by local registrars and copies sent to the General Register Office in Edinburgh. Initially annual indexes were published, but now these indexes are available online as soon as an event is registered. Many of these records are only available on [https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk ScotlandsPeople] ($), however the years 1855-1875, 1881, and 1891 are {{FSC|79310|item|disp=available through FamilySearch}}(*). For more information, read about [[Scotland_Civil_Registration|Scottish Statutory Registers]].
 
== Directories  ==
 
Courtesy of the <u>National Library of Scotland</u>, ''Post Office Directories'' are avilable online. The directories available for Portobello are:
[http://www.nls.uk/family-history/directories/post-office/index.cfm?place=Portobello 1889-1895]: These are available in either PDF format or viewable online.
 
Edinburgh:
[http://www.nls.uk/family-history/directories/post-office/index.cfm?place=Edinburgh 1773-1912]: These are available in either PDF format or viewable online. (Some years are missing)
 
Poorhouse Records
 
There are six poorhouses in Midlothian:
*Edinburgh [http://www.workhouses.org.uk/ Edinburgh/]
*Dalkeith Combination [http://www.workhouses.org.uk/ Dalkeith/]
*Inveresk Combination [http://www.workhouses.org.uk/ Inveresk/]
*North Leith [http://www.workhouses.org.uk /Leith/]
*South Leith [http://www.workhouses.org.uk/ Leith/]
*St. Cuthbert's Combination (Edinburgh) [http://www.workhouses.org.uk/ StCuthberts/]
 
==Local Histories==
 
*[http://www.edinburgh-history.co.uk/ Edinburgh History]<br>
*[http://www.localhistories.org/edinburgh.html Local Histories; Edinburgh]<br>
 
== Probate Records  ==
 
Edinburgh was under the probate jurisdiction of the Commissary Court of Edinburgh until 1823, and since then has been under the Sheriff's Court of Edinburgh. Probate records for 1513- 1901 are indexed online at [http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/?gclid=CLKJyYGQ4ZUCFQQCagod1gp0Ww www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk.] You must register on the website but use of the index to probate records, called 'Wills &amp; Testaments,' is free. You may then purchase a copy of the document or, if the document is before 1823, it will be on microfilm at the FamilySearch Library. To find the microfilm numbers, search in the library [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog catalog] for the 'Place-names' of Midlothian and the subject of 'Probate records.' Then click on the link to the records of the Commissariat of Edinburgh.<br><br>The library also has some post-1823 probate records for Midlothian. Look in the library [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog catalog] for the 'Place-names' of Midlothian and the subjects of 'Probate Records' and 'Probate Records - Indexes.' <br><br>Read more about [[Scotland Probate Records|Scotland Probate Records.]]
 
== Maps ==
 
*1885 Scottish Burgh Maps
**[http://www.londonancestor.com/maps/bc-zedin-e-th.htm Edinburgh Eastern Section]
**[http://www.londonancestor.com/maps/bc-zaber-w-th.htm Edinburgh Western Section]
*[http://maps.nls.uk/townplans/edinburgh500_sw.html Ordnance Survey Maps of Edinburgh] for 1893-1894 available at [[Www.nls.uk|National LIbrary of Scotland]].
*[http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/map/google_map_Edinburgh.htm Google One World map of Edinburgh]<br>
*[http://www.oldmapsonline.org/en/Edinburgh Old Maps of Edinburgh]<br>
*[http://www.touristpublications.co.uk/edinburgh/city-maps-of-edinburgh/ Edinburgh street map]<br>
*[http://digital.nls.uk/gazetteers-of-scotland-1803-1901/pageturner.cfm?id=97491608 National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh Gazetteer]<br>
*[http://www.scottish-places.info/ Scottish Places Gazetteer]<br>
 
== Newspapers  ==
 
*'''1759-1760''' - ''The Edinburgh Chronicle'' at [http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=sJRvXmEhuqoC Google News] - free.
*'''1772-1829''' - ''The Edinburgh Advertiser'' at [http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=VoB_afVdn6EC Google News] - free.
*'''1801-1808''' - ''Edinburgh Weekly Journal'' at [http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P0sSKRC7TM0C Google News] - free.
*'''1867-1869''' - ''The Edinburgh Evening Courant'' at [http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=jhmUvTrEinIC Google News] - free.
*'''1884''' - ''Edinburgh Courant'' at [http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8Rip7PbZ7AYC Google News] - free.
Current day newspapers:
*[http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/ Edinburgh Evening News]<br>
*[http://www.scotsman.com/ The Scotsman]<br>
*[http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/all-about/edinburgh Edinburgh Daily Record]<br>
*[https://www.thegazette.co.uk/ Edinburgh Gazette]<br>
 
== Voting ==
 
*'''1832-1966''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61486/ Edinburgh, Scotland, Electoral Registers, 1832-1966] at Ancestry, index & images ($)
 
==Occupations==
 
Edinburgh has the strongest economy of any city in the United Kingdom outside London and the highest percentage of professionals in the UK with 43% of the population holding a degree-level or professional qualification.
 
As the Capital of Scotland, a large part of the economy is made up of government services and bureaucracies.  This has increased considerably since the close vote on exiting the United Kingdom in 2013.  The Government in London made many concessions to keep Scotland in the Kingdom, and these added many economic and educational benefits for Scotland that the rest of the UK does not have.  Obviously this has added a considerable number of positions in Government.<ref>Wikipedia contributors,"Edinburgh" in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia",
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh, accessed 9 April 2017.</ref><br>
 
In the 19th century, Edinburgh's economy was known for banking, publishing and brewing. Today, its economy is based mainly on financial services, scientific research, higher education, and tourism.  Banking accounts for about 21,000 positions, Insurance and Pensions about 8,000 positions, and Asset Management and Servicing, close to 8,500 positions.  The digital economy has increased tremendously in recent years, contributing about 17,500 jobs to the economy.<ref>Invest in Edinburgh,https://http://www.investinedinburgh.com/industry-strengths/financial-services/, accessed 10 April 2017.</ref><br>
 
Tourism is also an important element in the city's economy. As a World Heritage Site, tourists visit historical sites such as Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyrood house and the Old and New Towns. Their numbers are augmented in August each year during the Edinburgh Festivals, which attracts 4.4 million visitors.
 
==Repositories==
===Societies===


*[http://www.scotsgenealogy.com/ Scots Genealogy] <br>
== Nonconformist Church Records  ==
*[http://www.genealogy-of-uk.com/Scotland/Midlothian/genealogy.htm Midlothian Genealogy] <br>
*[http://www.whatsonscotland.com/blog/the-scottish-genealogy-society- Scottish Genealogy] <br>
*[http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/sct/MLN/Edinburgh/index.html Edinburgh Genuki] <br>
*[https://www.ancestry.com/?hl=Discover+more+about+Edinburgh+genealogy.&s_kwcid=edinburgh+in+genealogy&gclid=CjwKEAjwlKLHBRDztKr6wMnRthMSJAALcT-s_w0aDHqU2xAncxEfDCr3CFSUaWMMYMeIbZ02M-wHJhoCnWjw_wcB&o_xid=21837&o_lid=21837&o_sch=Paid+Search+Non+Brand Ancestry.com; Edinburgh]<br>


===Archives===
A nonconformist church is any church that is not the Established church. Read more about nonconformity in Scotland in the article on the [[Scotland Church Records Union Lists|Scotland Church Records Union List.]]


*[http://webarchive.nrscotland.gov.uk/20170106021747/http://www.nas.gov.uk/ National Archives of Scotland]<br>
Click [[Edinburgh Nonconformist Church Records|here]] to see a list of the pre-1855 nonconformist churches and their records for the various parishes of Edinburgh.  
*[http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20249/edinburgh_city_archives Edinburgh City Archives]<br>
*[http://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/library-museum-gallery/crc/collections/archives University of Edinburgh Archives]<br>
'''The National Records of Scotland'''<br>H.M. General Register House<br>2 Princes Street<br>Edinburgh, EH1 3YY<br>


===Websites===
= Civil Registration Records<br>  =


*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh Wikipedia: Edinburgh]<br>
Government or civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths (also called statutory records) began on January 1, 1855 in Scotland. Each parish has a registrar's office and large cities have several. The records are created by the registrars and copies are sent to the General Register Office in Edinburgh. Annual indexes are then created for the records for the whole country. <br>See the article on [[Scotland Civil Registration- Vital Records|Scotland Civil Registration]] for more information and to access the records.  
*[http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/ The City of Edinburgh Council]<br>
*[http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/ East Lothian County Council]<br>
*[https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/ West Lothian County Council]<br>


==References==
= Probate Records<br>  =
{{reflist}}


Return to [[Midlothian (Edinburghshire), Scotland Genealogy#Parishes|Midlothian Parishes]].
Edinburgh was under the probate jurisdiction of the Commissary Court of Edinburgh until 1823, and since then has been under the Sheriff's Court of Edinburgh. Probate records for 1513- 1901 are indexed online at [http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/?gclid=CLKJyYGQ4ZUCFQQCagod1gp0Ww www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk.] You must register on the website but use of the index to probate records, called 'Wills &amp; Testaments,' is free. You may then purchase a copy of the document or, if the document is before 1823, it will be on microfilm at the Family History Library. To find the microfilm numbers, search in the library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=localitysearch&columns=*,0,0 catalog] for the 'Place' of Midlothian and the subject of 'Probate records.' Then click on the link to the records of the Commissariat of Edinburgh.<br> <br> The library also has some post-1823 probate records for Midlothian. Look in the library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=localitysearch&columns=*,0,0 catalog] for the 'Place' of Midlothian and the subjects of 'Probate Records' and 'Probate Records - Indexes.' <br> <br> Read more about [[Scotland Probate Records|Scotland Probate Records.]]<br> Return to the [[Midlothian (Edinburghshire), Scotland Parishes|Midlothian]] Parish list


[[Category:Midlothian Parishes]]
[[Category:Midlothian]]

Revision as of 21:03, 17 July 2009

Parish #685-1

This is a guide to the history and major genealogical records of Scotland as they pertain to the parish of Edinburgh. To learn more about how to use these records to search for your ancestors, go to the Scotland: Research Strategies.

History[edit | edit source]

The New Statistical Account of Scotland (pub. 1834-45) offers uniquely rich and detailed parish reports for the whole of Scotland, covering a vast range of topics including history, agriculture, education, trades, religion and social customs. The reports, written by the parish ministers, are available online at http://edina.ac.uk/stat-acc-scot/. Click on ‘Browse scanned pages’ then search the parish reports for your parish of interest. Also available at the Family History Library.

Census Records
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A census is a count and description of the population, taken by the government, arranged by locality and by household. Read more about census records.

Here is a list of the Family History Library microfilm numbers for the census records of Edinburgh as well as the library numbers for any surname indexes available

The 1901 census of Scotland is indexed on www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk. To use it, you must register and pay a small access fee. All available censuses, 1841-1901, are indexed on this website. It may be easier for you to pay to use the website rather than access the separate indexes through the library.

Church Records
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The Established Church of Scotland was Presbyterian. Read more about church records.
Here are the pre-1855 records that exist for this parish.

Established Church—Old Parochial Registers[edit | edit source]

Click here to go to the Family History Library Catalog entry for the Established Church records for the Edinburgh parishes, covering the years 1595-1854.

Condition of Original Registers—[edit | edit source]

Index: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index on computer at the Family History Library and family history centers.  Some records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index.  

Births: From December 1731–January 1759, the record has not been extended, but a draft or scroll record exists, in twelve volumes (18–29, inclusive), embracing the period January 1729–December 1758. Otherwise the register has been very carefully kept throughout. Except in entries of illegitimate births, mothers’ names are not recorded until January 1608. There are indexes to the record from 1759.
Marriages: There are no entries July 1694–January 1696. Prior to the former date, most of the entries contain merely the names of the parties and the trade or profession of the bridegroom. After January 1696, the name and designation of the bride’s father are usually recorded. March 1729–January 1759, the record is only in draft or scroll, in two volumes (47, 48). There is a copy of the portion January 1820–March 1821 and there are indexes to the record from January 1759.
Deaths: The records of the Greyfriars’ Burying Ground for 1658–1854 are in the custody of the recorder of the Ground. The records of Dean Cemetery for 1846–1854 are in the custody of the registrar of St. George’s District. [For the records of the Calton Burying Ground, 1719–1854, see the parish of South Leith in this binder.]
Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records[edit | edit source]

The Kirk session was the court of the parish. The session was made up of the minister and the land owners and business men of the parish, chosen to serve on the session. The Kirk session dealt with moral issues, minor criminal cases, matters of the poor and education, matters of discipline, and the general concerns of the parish. Kirk session records may also mention births, marriages, and deaths.

Here is a list of the surviving Kirk session records for this parish:

Click here to see a list of the kirk session records for the various Edinburgh parishes.

Nonconformist Church Records[edit | edit source]

A nonconformist church is any church that is not the Established church. Read more about nonconformity in Scotland in the article on the Scotland Church Records Union List.

Click here to see a list of the pre-1855 nonconformist churches and their records for the various parishes of Edinburgh.

Civil Registration Records
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Government or civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths (also called statutory records) began on January 1, 1855 in Scotland. Each parish has a registrar's office and large cities have several. The records are created by the registrars and copies are sent to the General Register Office in Edinburgh. Annual indexes are then created for the records for the whole country.
See the article on Scotland Civil Registration for more information and to access the records.

Probate Records
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Edinburgh was under the probate jurisdiction of the Commissary Court of Edinburgh until 1823, and since then has been under the Sheriff's Court of Edinburgh. Probate records for 1513- 1901 are indexed online at www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk. You must register on the website but use of the index to probate records, called 'Wills & Testaments,' is free. You may then purchase a copy of the document or, if the document is before 1823, it will be on microfilm at the Family History Library. To find the microfilm numbers, search in the library catalog for the 'Place' of Midlothian and the subject of 'Probate records.' Then click on the link to the records of the Commissariat of Edinburgh.

The library also has some post-1823 probate records for Midlothian. Look in the library catalog for the 'Place' of Midlothian and the subjects of 'Probate Records' and 'Probate Records - Indexes.'

Read more about Scotland Probate Records.
Return to the Midlothian Parish list

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