10,814
edits
removed outdated info
mNo edit summary |
(removed outdated info) |
||
| Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
=== General Historical Background === | === General Historical Background === | ||
Before 1837 only churches recorded birth, marriage, and death information in England (see the "[[England Church Records|Church Records]]" section of this outline). In the early 1800s, Parliament recognized the need for accurate records for voting, planning, and defense purposes. | Before 1837 only churches recorded birth, marriage, and death information in England (see the "[[England Church Records|Church Records]]" section of this outline). In the early 1800s, Parliament recognized the need for accurate records for voting, planning, and defense purposes. Legislation was passed to create civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths for England and Wales, which began on 1 July 1837. | ||
The basis of civil registration is the registration district. Each county is divided into districts. Each district has a superintendent registrar. | The jurisdictional basis of civil registration is the registration district. Each county is divided into districts. Each district has a superintendent registrar. He (or she) registers the births and deaths reported by informants. | ||
Copies of marriages performed by Church of England ministers are sent quarterly to the district and to the Office for National Statistics (formerly Registrar General). The ministers keep the original marriage registers in the parish chest. | An officiating minister or other responsible official registers marriages. Copies of marriages performed by Church of England ministers are sent quarterly to the district and to the Office for National Statistics (formerly Registrar General). The ministers keep the original marriage registers in the parish chest. Quaker and Jewish marriages are registered by their own representatives directly with the Office for National Statistics. | ||
Quaker and Jewish marriages are registered by their own representatives directly with the Office for National Statistics. | |||
Each quarter superintendent registrars forward copies of their district’s registrations to the Office for National Statistics in London. The original birth and death records (and those marriages recorded by the registrar) remain in the district. | Each quarter superintendent registrars forward copies of their district’s registrations to the Office for National Statistics in London. The original birth and death records (and those marriages recorded by the registrar) remain in the district. | ||
| Line 17: | Line 15: | ||
Beginning in July 1837 all births and deaths were to be reported to the registrar. An estimated 90 to 95 percent of births and nearly all deaths and marriages were reported. However, until 1874 no penalty was imposed for failure to register. By 1875, 99 percent of all births, marriages, and deaths were being recorded. | Beginning in July 1837 all births and deaths were to be reported to the registrar. An estimated 90 to 95 percent of births and nearly all deaths and marriages were reported. However, until 1874 no penalty was imposed for failure to register. By 1875, 99 percent of all births, marriages, and deaths were being recorded. | ||
If you cannot find a civil birth, marriage, or death certificate, search church records. A church record may verify known details or give additional information. | If you cannot find a civil birth, marriage, or death certificate, search church records. A church record may verify known details or give additional information. | ||
=== Information Recorded in Civil Registers === | === Information Recorded in Civil Registers === | ||