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England Church Records: Difference between revisions
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<span>Parish maps can help you determine which parish to search. Maps will reveal neighbouring parishes to search if your ancestor is not listed in the parish where you expected him or her to be. See [[England Maps]] for more information.</span> | <span>Parish maps can help you determine which parish to search. Maps will reveal neighbouring parishes to search if your ancestor is not listed in the parish where you expected him or her to be. See [[England Maps]] for more information.</span> | ||
== '''Church of England Records''' == | == '''Church of England Records''' == | ||
<span>The Church of England was the government-sponsored and predominant religion to which the vast majority of England's populace belonged. Created in 1536, after King Henry VIII severed all ties to the church in | <span>The Church of England was the government-sponsored and predominant religion to which the vast majority of England's populace belonged. Created in 1536, after King Henry VIII severed all ties to the church in Rome, he directed that each local parish be responsible to register all marriages, baptisms and burials. These records are the primary source for family history research in England for the period prior to 1st July 1837 (date of civil registration in England).</span> | ||
<span>Although a nationwide order was given in 1538 that each parish keep a register of records, many parishes did not start to keep registers until some years later and some records have since been lost or destroyed. Beginning in 1598, copies of entries from many parishes were copied and sent annually to the bishop for the diocese for that area and these copies are known as Bishop’s Transcripts.</span> | <span>Although a nationwide order was given in 1538 that each parish keep a register of records, many parishes did not start to keep registers until some years later and some records have since been lost or destroyed. Beginning in 1598, copies of entries from many parishes were copied and sent annually to the bishop for the diocese for that area and these copies are known as Bishop’s Transcripts.</span> | ||
<span>Since the legibility of the early records varies and since some years may be missing in the Bishop’s Transcript copy of the parish registers, many researchers prefer to use the microfilms of both the original parish registers and of the Bishop’s Transcript copy of these records, if both are available. </span> | <span>Since the legibility of the early records varies and since some years may be missing in the Bishop’s Transcript copy of the parish registers, many researchers prefer to use the microfilms of both the original parish registers and of the Bishop’s Transcript copy of these records, if both are available. </span> | ||
'''<span>Parish.</span>'''<span>Each local parish keeps records. A "parish" is the jurisdictional unit that governs church affairs within its boundaries. Small villages often do not have their own parishes but are part of a parish headquartered in another town. A parish may have one or more "chapelries" (dependent district churches or chapels of ease), which often keep their own records.</span> | '''<span>Parish.</span>'''<span>Each local parish keeps records. A "parish" is the jurisdictional unit that governs church affairs within its boundaries. Small villages often do not have their own parishes but are part of a parish headquartered in another town. A parish may have one or more "chapelries" (dependent district churches or chapels of ease), which often keep their own records.</span> | ||
'''<span>Chapelry.</span>'''<span>A small parochial division of a large, populated parish. Most chapels or chapelries kept their own registers of baptisms and burials, and where authorization was granted, marriage registers were also kept. Many parishes throughout Lancashire, Cheshire, and several other counties comprised of numerous chapelries, i.e. Prestbury, Cheshire--some of them of ancient origin with 32 chapels.</span> | '''<span>Chapelry.</span>'''<span>A small parochial division of a large, populated parish. Most chapels or chapelries kept their own registers of baptisms and burials, and where authorization was granted, marriage registers were also kept. Many parishes throughout Lancashire, Cheshire, and several other counties comprised of numerous chapelries, i.e. Prestbury, Cheshire--some of them of ancient origin with 32 chapels.</span> | ||
Many parishes are grouped together under the jurisdiction of a bishop. A bishop heads a "diocese." Some dioceses include one or more archdeaconries" (administered by an archdeacon), which may be divided into "rural deaneries" (headed by a "rural dean"). Each deanery consists of several parishes. | Many parishes are grouped together under the jurisdiction of a bishop. A bishop heads a "diocese." Some dioceses include one or more archdeaconries" (administered by an archdeacon), which may be divided into "rural deaneries" (headed by a "rural dean"). Each deanery consists of several parishes. | ||
<span>The registers kept by the parish record christenings, marriages, and burials performed in that parish. The parish was also used by the government for taking care of the poor, the physical well-being of the parish, law enforcement, taxation and military conscription during the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. These functions required that the parish keep other records beside the registers. These other records are often called "parish chest records" (see the subheading "Parish Chest Records" in this section).</span> | <span>The registers kept by the parish record christenings, marriages, and burials performed in that parish. The parish was also used by the government for taking care of the poor, the physical well-being of the parish, law enforcement, taxation and military conscription during the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. These functions required that the parish keep other records beside the registers. These other records are often called "parish chest records" (see the subheading "Parish Chest Records" in this section).</span> | ||
<span>Earlier registers often contained christenings, marriages, and burials in one book, called a general register. In 1754 a law was passed that required marriages to be kept in a separate register. In 1813 parishes were required to use pre-printed registers. There were separate registers for christenings, marriages, and burials.</span> | <span>Earlier registers often contained christenings, marriages, and burials in one book, called a general register. In 1754 a law was passed that required marriages to be kept in a separate register. In 1813 parishes were required to use pre-printed registers. There were separate registers for christenings, marriages, and burials.</span> | ||
<span>The amount of information recorded varies from parish to parish. Later records are usually more complete than earlier ones. However, content often changed when a new minister began keeping the records.</span> | <span>The amount of information recorded varies from parish to parish. Later records are usually more complete than earlier ones. However, content often changed when a new minister began keeping the records.</span> | ||
<span>Some pre-1733 parish registers are in Latin and even records in English may contain some Latin words. Local dialects may have affected the spelling of some family names or places.</span> | <span>Some pre-1733 parish registers are in Latin and even records in English may contain some Latin words. Local dialects may have affected the spelling of some family names or places.</span> | ||
=== Christenings (Baptisms) === | === Christenings (Baptisms) === | ||
<span>Children were usually christened within a few weeks of birth, though christenings of some older children or adults were recorded. The parish registers give at least the infant’s name and the christening (baptismal) date. Additional information may include the father’s name and occupation, the mother’s first name, the child’s birth date and legitimacy, and the family’s place of residence. In larger cities the family’s street address is given.</span> | <span>Children were usually christened within a few weeks of birth, though christenings of some older children or adults were recorded. The parish registers give at least the infant’s name and the christening (baptismal) date. Additional information may include the father’s name and occupation, the mother’s first name, the child’s birth date and legitimacy, and the family’s place of residence. In larger cities the family’s street address is given.</span> | ||
<span>The pre-printed forms introduced in 1813 called for the child’s christening date and given names, both parents’ given names, family surname, residence, father’s occupation, and minister’s signature. The birth date was sometimes added.</span> | <span>The pre-printed forms introduced in 1813 called for the child’s christening date and given names, both parents’ given names, family surname, residence, father’s occupation, and minister’s signature. The birth date was sometimes added.</span> | ||
=== Marriages === | === Marriages === | ||
<span>Parish registers often record only the marriage date and the names of the bride and groom. The records may also include the marital status and the parish of residence of both parties, the groom’s occupation, signatures of witnesses, and the minister’s name especially after 1754.</span> | <span>Parish registers often record only the marriage date and the names of the bride and groom. The records may also include the marital status and the parish of residence of both parties, the groom’s occupation, signatures of witnesses, and the minister’s name especially after 1754.</span> | ||
<span>Starting 1 July 1837(Start of Civil Registration) all parishes were required to use a new form. This form called for the bride and groom’s ages, residences, and occupations and the names and occupations of their fathers.</span> | <span>Starting 1 July 1837(Start of Civil Registration) all parishes were required to use a new form. This form called for the bride and groom’s ages, residences, and occupations and the names and occupations of their fathers.</span> | ||
<span>Couples usually married in the bride’s parish. Typically, the English married in their 20s.</span> | <span>Couples usually married in the bride’s parish. Typically, the English married in their 20s.</span> | ||
<span>You may find records that show a couple’s "intent to marry" in addition to the records of the actual marriage. Sometimes, however, the couple registered their intent to marry but never married.</span> | <span>You may find records that show a couple’s "intent to marry" in addition to the records of the actual marriage. Sometimes, however, the couple registered their intent to marry but never married.</span> | ||
<span>There were two ways to meet the requirements to marry.</span> | <span>There were two ways to meet the requirements to marry.</span> | ||
'''<span>By Banns.</span>'''<span>A law required couples to have the minister announce or post notice of their intent to marry for three consecutive Sundays unless they obtained a license. This gave others the opportunity to object to the marriage. Beginning in 1754 officials recorded banns in separate registers. Banns registers contain information almost identical to marriage registers, but banns usually do not list the witnesses or marriage date.</span> | '''<span>By Banns.</span>'''<span>A law required couples to have the minister announce or post notice of their intent to marry for three consecutive Sundays unless they obtained a license. This gave others the opportunity to object to the marriage. Beginning in 1754 officials recorded banns in separate registers. Banns registers contain information almost identical to marriage registers, but banns usually do not list the witnesses or marriage date.</span> | ||
<span>If you believe a marriage took place but cannot find a record of it, search the banns register (if available). The banns should have been recorded in both the bride’s and the groom’s parish. The marriage is usually recorded only in the parish where it took place. For banns registers, look in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | <span>If you believe a marriage took place but cannot find a record of it, search the banns register (if available). The banns should have been recorded in both the bride’s and the groom’s parish. The marriage is usually recorded only in the parish where it took place. For banns registers, look in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | ||
<span>Beware banns were only an intent to marry, it doesn’t mean that because they were read that the marriage ceremony took place.</span> | <span>Beware banns were only an intent to marry, it doesn’t mean that because they were read that the marriage ceremony took place.</span> | ||
<span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - CHURCH RECORDS</span> | <span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - CHURCH RECORDS</span> | ||
'''<span>By License.</span>'''<span>A couple applied to the proper church authority, usually the bishop, for a license when:</span> | '''<span>By License.</span>'''<span>A couple applied to the proper church authority, usually the bishop, for a license when:</span> | ||
* <span>Circumstances made it desirable to marry without waiting the three weeks required for the proclamation of banns.</span> | *<span>Circumstances made it desirable to marry without waiting the three weeks required for the proclamation of banns.</span> | ||
* <span>The bride and groom lived in different dioceses.</span> | *<span>The bride and groom lived in different dioceses.</span> | ||
* <span>A couple preferred not to subject themselves to publication of banns (common among upper classes and nonconformists).</span> | *<span>A couple preferred not to subject themselves to publication of banns (common among upper classes and nonconformists).</span> | ||
<span>Marriage licenses could be granted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, bishops, and archdeacons, or their surrogates within their respective jurisdictions. The licensing process created three types of documents, which may provide additional information to what the marriage record itself contains:</span> | <span>Marriage licenses could be granted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, bishops, and archdeacons, or their surrogates within their respective jurisdictions. The licensing process created three types of documents, which may provide additional information to what the marriage record itself contains:</span> | ||
'''<span>Marriage bond.</span>'''<span>A written guarantee made by the groom and another person swearing to the legality of the planned marriage. The bond usually lists occupations.</span> | '''<span>Marriage bond.</span>'''<span>A written guarantee made by the groom and another person swearing to the legality of the planned marriage. The bond usually lists occupations.</span> | ||
'''<span>Marriage allegation.</span>'''<span>A statement filed by the couple in support of their license application. It records the couple’s names, ages, and parish of residence. The allegation sometimes lists where the marriage was to take place or gives a parent’s name or signature.</span> | '''<span>Marriage allegation.</span>'''<span>A statement filed by the couple in support of their license application. It records the couple’s names, ages, and parish of residence. The allegation sometimes lists where the marriage was to take place or gives a parent’s name or signature.</span> | ||
'''<span>Marriage license.</span>'''<span>The actual document given to the couple to present to the minister. This document seldom survives but is sometimes found in family papers.</span> | '''<span>Marriage license.</span>'''<span>The actual document given to the couple to present to the minister. This document seldom survives but is sometimes found in family papers.</span> | ||
<span>If a couple married by license but the bond or allegation cannot be found in the records for the diocese, check the records of the Vicar General and the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, which had a higher level of jurisdiction.</span> | <span>If a couple married by license but the bond or allegation cannot be found in the records for the diocese, check the records of the Vicar General and the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, which had a higher level of jurisdiction.</span> | ||
<span>The current location of original marriage license documents is given in:</span> | <span>The current location of original marriage license documents is given in:</span> | ||
<span>Gibson, J. S. W. Bishops’ ''Transcripts and Marriage Licences, Bonds and Allegations''. Fourth Edition. Birmingham, England: Federation of Family History Societies Publications, Limited, 1997. (FHL book 942 K23b 1997.)</span> | <span>Gibson, J. S. W. Bishops’ ''Transcripts and Marriage Licences, Bonds and Allegations''. Fourth Edition. Birmingham, England: Federation of Family History Societies Publications, Limited, 1997. (FHL book 942 K23b 1997.)</span> | ||
<span>Many license records are in county record offices. The Family History Library also has a good collection, usually listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | <span>Many license records are in county record offices. The Family History Library also has a good collection, usually listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | ||
<span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY] - CHURCH RECORDS</span> | <span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY] - CHURCH RECORDS</span> | ||
=== '''Indexes to marriages. ''' === | === '''Indexes to marriages. ''' === | ||
<span>Boyd, Percival. Boyd’s ''Marriage Index''. Bound typescript. N.p., n.d. This work is an index to marriages in 4,375 parishes throughout England. It is available on microfilm, on microfiche, and as a book. Look in the Author/Title Search of the Family History Library Catalogue for library call numbers.</span> | <span>Boyd, Percival. Boyd’s ''Marriage Index''. Bound typescript. N.p., n.d. This work is an index to marriages in 4,375 parishes throughout England. It is available on microfilm, on microfiche, and as a book. Look in the Author/Title Search of the Family History Library Catalogue for library call numbers.</span> | ||
<span>You can find an explanation of this series in:</span> | <span>You can find an explanation of this series in:</span> | ||
<span>Wells, Claire T. Wells, comp. ''A Key to the Parishes Included in Boyd’s Marriage Index''. Second Edition. Salt Lake City, Utah: Family History Library, 1988. (FHL book 942 K22b 1988; fiche 6035667.)</span> | <span>Wells, Claire T. Wells, comp. ''A Key to the Parishes Included in Boyd’s Marriage Index''. Second Edition. Salt Lake City, Utah: Family History Library, 1988. (FHL book 942 K22b 1988; fiche 6035667.)</span> | ||
<span>A list of parishes is also given in:</span> | <span>A list of parishes is also given in:</span> | ||
''<span>A List of Parishes in Boyd’s Marriage Index</span>''<span>. London, England: Society of Genealogists, 1994. (FHL book 942 K22l 1994.)</span> | ''<span>A List of Parishes in Boyd’s Marriage Index</span>''<span>. London, England: Society of Genealogists, 1994. (FHL book 942 K22l 1994.)</span> | ||
<span>Some county record offices and other repositories have indexes to church records, some of which are on film at the Family History Library (see the "[[England Archives and Libraries|<u>Archives and Libraries</u>]]" section of this outline for addresses).</span> | <span>Some county record offices and other repositories have indexes to church records, some of which are on film at the Family History Library (see the "[[England Archives and Libraries|<u>Archives and Libraries</u>]]" section of this outline for addresses).</span> | ||
<span>Privately held marriage indexes for most counties are available by correspondence at either of the following two sources. Many indexes are listed with the addresses of where to write in:</span> | <span>Privately held marriage indexes for most counties are available by correspondence at either of the following two sources. Many indexes are listed with the addresses of where to write in:</span> | ||
<span>Humphery-Smith, Cecil R., ''The Phillimore Atlas and Index of Parish Registers''. Second Edition. Chichester, Sussex: Phillimore & Company, 1995. (FHL book 942 E7pa 1995.)</span> | <span>Humphery-Smith, Cecil R., ''The Phillimore Atlas and Index of Parish Registers''. Second Edition. Chichester, Sussex: Phillimore & Company, 1995. (FHL book 942 E7pa 1995.)</span> | ||
<span>Gibson, Jeremy, and Elizabeth Hampson, Editors. ''Marriage and Census Indexes for Family Historians''. Seventh Edition. Birmingham, England: Federation of Family History Societies Publications, Limited, 1998. (FHL book 942 D27gjh.)</span> | <span>Gibson, Jeremy, and Elizabeth Hampson, Editors. ''Marriage and Census Indexes for Family Historians''. Seventh Edition. Birmingham, England: Federation of Family History Societies Publications, Limited, 1998. (FHL book 942 D27gjh.)</span> | ||
<span>A few marriage indexes are on film at the Family History Library; look in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | <span>A few marriage indexes are on film at the Family History Library; look in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | ||
<span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY] - CHURCH RECORDS - INDEXES</span> | <span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY] - CHURCH RECORDS - INDEXES</span> | ||
=== Burials === | === Burials === | ||
<span>A burial usually took place in the deceased’s parish a few days after the death. Pre-1813 burial records list the deceased’s name and burial date and sometimes mention the age, place of residence, cause of death, or occupation. The husband’s name is sometimes given on the wife’s burial entry. The father’s name may be on the record for a deceased child. After 1813 the forms called for the name, age, abode, burial date, and minister’s signature.</span> | <span>A burial usually took place in the deceased’s parish a few days after the death. Pre-1813 burial records list the deceased’s name and burial date and sometimes mention the age, place of residence, cause of death, or occupation. The husband’s name is sometimes given on the wife’s burial entry. The father’s name may be on the record for a deceased child. After 1813 the forms called for the name, age, abode, burial date, and minister’s signature.</span> | ||
<span>Burial registers may mention infant children who were not christened including stillbirths. Christening records never record stillbirths.</span> | <span>Burial registers may mention infant children who were not christened including stillbirths. Christening records never record stillbirths.</span> | ||
=== Copies of Parish Registers === | === Copies of Parish Registers === | ||
<span>Copies of parish registers may be available in manuscript or published form. These copies include transcripts and abstracts that may have errors or omissions. Compare the transcript to the original parish register, if available.</span> | <span>Copies of parish registers may be available in manuscript or published form. These copies include transcripts and abstracts that may have errors or omissions. Compare the transcript to the original parish register, if available.</span> | ||
<span>Individuals and societies collect and compile copies of parish registers. Both the Society of Genealogists in London and the Family History Library has major collections of such records.</span> | <span>Individuals and societies collect and compile copies of parish registers. Both the Society of Genealogists in London and the Family History Library has major collections of such records.</span> | ||
'''<span>Bishop’s Transcripts</span>'''<span>. Beginning in 1598 each parish was supposed to send a copy of its registers to the bishop of its diocese. Most parishes complied.</span> | '''<span>Bishop’s Transcripts</span>'''<span>. Beginning in 1598 each parish was supposed to send a copy of its registers to the bishop of its diocese. Most parishes complied.</span> | ||
<span>The current location of original bishop’s transcripts is given in:</span> | <span>The current location of original bishop’s transcripts is given in:</span> | ||
<span>Gibson, J. S. W. Bishops’ ''Transcripts and Marriage Licences, Bonds and Allegations.'' Fourth Edition. Birmingham, England: Federation of Family History Societies Publications, Limited, 1997. (FHL book 942 K23b 1997.)</span> | <span>Gibson, J. S. W. Bishops’ ''Transcripts and Marriage Licences, Bonds and Allegations.'' Fourth Edition. Birmingham, England: Federation of Family History Societies Publications, Limited, 1997. (FHL book 942 K23b 1997.)</span> | ||
<span>Many bishop’s transcripts are on film at the Family History Library, listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | <span>Many bishop’s transcripts are on film at the Family History Library, listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | ||
<span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - CHURCH RECORDS</span> | <span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - CHURCH RECORDS</span> | ||
<span>Most films contain all the years for one parish on one film. However, some are arranged by deanery and year. Those arranged by year and then by deanery are listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | <span>Most films contain all the years for one parish on one film. However, some are arranged by deanery and year. Those arranged by year and then by deanery are listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | ||
<span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY] - CHURCH RECORDS</span> | <span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY] - CHURCH RECORDS</span> | ||
=== Indexes to Church Records === | === Indexes to Church Records === | ||
<span>The International Genealogical Index (see the "[[England Genealogy|<u>Genealogy</u>]]" section of this outline for more information) is the most comprehensive surname index of English parish registers. Other indexes to parish registers exist. Many of these indexes have been published by family history societies in England (see the "[[England Societies|<u>Societies</u>]]" section of this outline for more information).</span> | <span>The International Genealogical Index (see the "[[England Genealogy|<u>Genealogy</u>]]" section of this outline for more information) is the most comprehensive surname index of English parish registers. Other indexes to parish registers exist. Many of these indexes have been published by family history societies in England (see the "[[England Societies|<u>Societies</u>]]" section of this outline for more information).</span> | ||
<span>To see what indexes to parish registers are available at the Family History Library, look in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | <span>To see what indexes to parish registers are available at the Family History Library, look in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | ||
<span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY] - CHURCH RECORDS - INDEXES</span> | <span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY] - CHURCH RECORDS - INDEXES</span> | ||
=== Parish Chest Records === | === Parish Chest Records === | ||
<span>Church records were kept in a chest (or strongbox) known as the "parish chest." Records other than the parish registers were called "parish chest records." Some of these records still exist from the 16th century, but many do not begin until the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century.</span> | <span>Church records were kept in a chest (or strongbox) known as the "parish chest." Records other than the parish registers were called "parish chest records." Some of these records still exist from the 16th century, but many do not begin until the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century.</span> | ||
<span>Many parish chest records are available at county record offices. Parish chest records include:</span> | <span>Many parish chest records are available at county record offices. Parish chest records include:</span> | ||
'''<span>Vestry Minutes.</span>'''<span>A vestry is a parish’s presiding council. Minutes of vestry meetings often mention individuals, appointments of parish officers, and other affairs (such as agreements for the care of illegitimate children and lists of apprentices, parish newcomers, officials, and men eligible to serve as parish officers).</span> | '''<span>Vestry Minutes.</span>'''<span>A vestry is a parish’s presiding council. Minutes of vestry meetings often mention individuals, appointments of parish officers, and other affairs (such as agreements for the care of illegitimate children and lists of apprentices, parish newcomers, officials, and men eligible to serve as parish officers).</span> | ||
'''<span>Poor and Other Rates.</span>'''<span>Parishes recorded payments made to the poor and rates, or taxes, assessed to meet welfare needs. Parishes also charged rates for things such as night watch, lighting, highway, pest control, constable expenses, sewer, and victim’s or soldier’s relief. They kept records of assessment, receipt, and disbursement.</span> | '''<span>Poor and Other Rates.</span>'''<span>Parishes recorded payments made to the poor and rates, or taxes, assessed to meet welfare needs. Parishes also charged rates for things such as night watch, lighting, highway, pest control, constable expenses, sewer, and victim’s or soldier’s relief. They kept records of assessment, receipt, and disbursement.</span> | ||
'''<span>Bastardy Bonds.</span>'''<span>When an unmarried woman was expecting a child, parish officials pressured her to reveal the father’s name so the father, not the parish, had financial responsibility for the child’s care. A "bond of indemnification," also known as a "bastardy bond," was the father’s guarantee of responsibility for the child. Bastardy bonds or records of the mother’s examination may still exist in the parish chest records or among quarter session records. (See the "[[England Court Records|<u>Court Records</u>]]" section of this outline.) Churchwardens (church officials) sometimes bypassed the bond with a gentlemen’s agreement, records of which are among churchwardens’ accounts or vestry minutes.</span> | '''<span>Bastardy Bonds.</span>'''<span>When an unmarried woman was expecting a child, parish officials pressured her to reveal the father’s name so the father, not the parish, had financial responsibility for the child’s care. A "bond of indemnification," also known as a "bastardy bond," was the father’s guarantee of responsibility for the child. Bastardy bonds or records of the mother’s examination may still exist in the parish chest records or among quarter session records. (See the "[[England Court Records|<u>Court Records</u>]]" section of this outline.) Churchwardens (church officials) sometimes bypassed the bond with a gentlemen’s agreement, records of which are among churchwardens’ accounts or vestry minutes.</span> | ||
'''<span>Churchwardens Accounts.</span>'''<span>Churchwardens, generally appointed at the Easter vestry meetings, were responsible to the bishop or magistrate to present any wrongdoings at quarter sessions, including failure to provide for the poor, failure to attend church, drunkenness, or other undesirable behaviour. They were to report misbehaviour of the vicar or other vestry members as well. Churchwarden records often list men qualified to serve as churchwardens.</span> | '''<span>Churchwardens Accounts.</span>'''<span>Churchwardens, generally appointed at the Easter vestry meetings, were responsible to the bishop or magistrate to present any wrongdoings at quarter sessions, including failure to provide for the poor, failure to attend church, drunkenness, or other undesirable behaviour. They were to report misbehaviour of the vicar or other vestry members as well. Churchwarden records often list men qualified to serve as churchwardens.</span> | ||
'''<span>Settlement and Removal Records.</span>'''<span>Settlement records relate to a person’s legal place of settlement, as determined by a set of rules. The parish of settlement was responsible for the welfare and old-age care of family members. Parish officials often aggressively denied settlement. When a family sought parish welfare, officials determined the family’s legal settlement. A "removal order" was a document directing the constable to transport the family back to their parish of settlement.</span> | '''<span>Settlement and Removal Records.</span>'''<span>Settlement records relate to a person’s legal place of settlement, as determined by a set of rules. The parish of settlement was responsible for the welfare and old-age care of family members. Parish officials often aggressively denied settlement. When a family sought parish welfare, officials determined the family’s legal settlement. A "removal order" was a document directing the constable to transport the family back to their parish of settlement.</span> | ||
'''<span>Apprenticeship Records.</span>'''<span>These records often list the apprentice’s father, his master, the length of the apprenticeship, and the occupation. A child’s father often arranged the apprenticeship, but the parish "put out" many pauper children, since it was cheaper to pay for an apprenticeship than to raise a child. The child’s name may also be in vestry minutes when the vestry decided to put the child out as an apprentice. You may also find apprenticeships in other sources (see the "[[England Occupations|<u>Occupations</u>]]" section of this outline).</span> | '''<span>Apprenticeship Records.</span>'''<span>These records often list the apprentice’s father, his master, the length of the apprenticeship, and the occupation. A child’s father often arranged the apprenticeship, but the parish "put out" many pauper children, since it was cheaper to pay for an apprenticeship than to raise a child. The child’s name may also be in vestry minutes when the vestry decided to put the child out as an apprentice. You may also find apprenticeships in other sources (see the "[[England Occupations|<u>Occupations</u>]]" section of this outline).</span> | ||
<span>Parish chest records are listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | <span>Parish chest records are listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | ||
<span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - CHURCH RECORDS</span> | <span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - CHURCH RECORDS</span> | ||
<span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - POORHOUSES, POOR LAW</span> | <span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - POORHOUSES, POOR LAW</span> | ||
<span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - TAXATION</span> | <span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - TAXATION</span> | ||
<span>For further information on parish chest material, see:</span> | <span>For further information on parish chest material, see:</span> | ||
<span>McLaughlin, Eve. ''Annals of the Poor.'' Third Edition. Solihull, England: Federation of Family History Societies Publications, Limited, 1986. (FHL Book 942 H6mev.)</span> | <span>McLaughlin, Eve. ''Annals of the Poor.'' Third Edition. Solihull, England: Federation of Family History Societies Publications, Limited, 1986. (FHL Book 942 H6mev.)</span> | ||
<span>Tate, W. E. ''The Parish Chest''. Third Edition. Chichester, Sussex, England: Phillimore, 1969. (FHL book 942 K2t.)</span> | <span>Tate, W. E. ''The Parish Chest''. Third Edition. Chichester, Sussex, England: Phillimore, 1969. (FHL book 942 K2t.)</span> <!--{12082014397340} --> | ||
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== '''Nonconformist Church Records''' == | == '''Nonconformist Church Records''' == | ||