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[[England|England]] | [[England Civil Registration|'''Civil Registration''']] | [[England Census|'''Census''']] | [[England Probate Records|'''Probate''']] <br> | [[England|England]] | [[England Civil Registration|'''Civil Registration''']] | [[England Census|'''Census''']] | [[England Probate Records|'''Probate''']] <br> | ||
== [[Image:Osmotherley3.jpg|thumb|right| | == [[Image:Osmotherley3.jpg|thumb|right|1618x1095px]]Introduction == | ||
Church records are the main source for identifying people prior to 1837 when civil registration began. It is also a main source after 1837 in conjunction with civil registration. The Church of England was 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. The governing of each parish created a group of records known as [[Parish Chest Records|parish chest records]]. The Church of England has dominated the religious scene in England; therefore it is likely that this is where you will find your ancestors. As time passes other religions began to organize and create records. Those that did not belong to the Church of England were referred to as [[England Church Records#Nonconformist_Church_Records|nonconformists or dissenters]]. The main influence of the nonconformist was in larger towns and cities. | Church records are the main source for identifying people prior to 1837 when civil registration began. It is also a main source after 1837 in conjunction with civil registration. The Church of England was 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. The governing of each parish created a group of records known as [[Parish Chest Records|parish chest records]]. The Church of England has dominated the religious scene in England; therefore it is likely that this is where you will find your ancestors. As time passes other religions began to organize and create records. Those that did not belong to the Church of England were referred to as [[England Church Records#Nonconformist_Church_Records|nonconformists or dissenters]]. The main influence of the nonconformist was in larger towns and cities. | ||
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. For Lincolnshire, many Bishop's transcripts began as early as 1561. Archdeacon transcripts exist for many Kent County as well; some as early 1560. | 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. For Lincolnshire, many Bishop's transcripts began as early as 1561. Archdeacon transcripts exist for many Kent County as well; some as early 1560. | ||
To view the most comprehensive and the largest database available on the Internet--for England church register transcripts, visit [https://www.familysearch.org/#form=advanced-records FamilySearch.org] (see "All Record Collections"). | |||
There is a [http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/mainpage.htm Norfolk Churches ]site that is worthwhile looking at to see photos, etc. | There is a [http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/mainpage.htm Norfolk Churches ]site that is worthwhile looking at to see photos, etc. | ||
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There were two ways to meet the requirements to marry. | There were two ways to meet the requirements to marry. | ||
'''By Banns. '''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. '''Note:''' Be aware that banns were only an intent to marry. The posting of banns doesn’t mean that a marriage took place after the reading of the banns.<br> | '''By Banns. '''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. '''Note:''' Be aware that banns were only an intent to marry. The posting of banns doesn’t mean that a marriage took place after the reading of the banns.<br> | ||
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: | 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: | ||
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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 {{FHL|682076|title-id|disp=942 K23b 1997}}.) | 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 {{FHL|682076|title-id|disp=942 K23b 1997}}.) | ||
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:<br> | 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:<br> | ||
ENGLAND, [COUNTY NAME] - CHURCH RECORDS | ENGLAND, [COUNTY NAME] - CHURCH RECORDS | ||
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Burial registers may mention infant children who were not christened including stillbirths. Christening records never record stillbirths. | Burial registers may mention infant children who were not christened including stillbirths. Christening records never record stillbirths. | ||
=== Bishop's Transcripts<br> | === Bishop's Transcripts<br> === | ||
'''Bishop’s Transcripts (BT's)'''. Beginning in 1598 each parish was supposed to send a copy of its registers to the bishop of its diocese. Most parishes complied. Bishop's transcripts should be an exact copy of the parish register but they often are not. This may be because: | '''Bishop’s Transcripts (BT's)'''. Beginning in 1598 each parish was supposed to send a copy of its registers to the bishop of its diocese. Most parishes complied. Bishop's transcripts should be an exact copy of the parish register but they often are not. This may be because: | ||
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Many bishop’s transcripts are on film at the Family History Library, listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under: | Many bishop’s transcripts are on film at the Family History Library, listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under: | ||
England, [county name], [parish name] - Church records<br> | England, [county name], [parish name] - Church records<br> | ||
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: | 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: | ||
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Archdeacon transcripts exist for many Kent County parishes--some as early as 1560. | Archdeacon transcripts exist for many Kent County parishes--some as early as 1560. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
=== Parish Chest Records === | === Parish Chest Records === | ||
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[[Image:The Parish Chest.jpg|thumb|right]] | [[Image:The Parish Chest.jpg|thumb|right]] | ||
Church records were kept in a chest (or strongbox) known as the [[Parish Chest Records|"parish chest." ]] Because the Church of England was ordered by the Crown to keep records on all their congregants, any recorded business other than the christenings, marriages and burials of the parishioners was kept in this chest and are known as "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. <br> | Church records were kept in a chest (or strongbox) known as the [[Parish Chest Records|"parish chest." ]] Because the Church of England was ordered by the Crown to keep records on all their congregants, any recorded business other than the christenings, marriages and burials of the parishioners was kept in this chest and are known as "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. <br> | ||
These records may include information regarding the care of the poor, settlement examinations, removal orders, apprenticeship indentures, militia certificates and workhouse accounts. And many give detailed information on individuals and families! For more information go to "[[England and Wales Poor Law Records Pre-1834|England and Wales Poor Law Records pre-1834]]" and "[[England and Wales Poor Law Records 1834-1948|England and Wales Poor Law Records 1834-1948]]". | These records may include information regarding the care of the poor, settlement examinations, removal orders, apprenticeship indentures, militia certificates and workhouse accounts. And many give detailed information on individuals and families! For more information go to "[[England and Wales Poor Law Records Pre-1834|England and Wales Poor Law Records pre-1834]]" and "[[England and Wales Poor Law Records 1834-1948|England and Wales Poor Law Records 1834-1948]]". | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
=== Watch a Video Presentation on Church Records === | === Watch a Video Presentation on Church Records === | ||
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To watch a video presentation on Church Records created by the staff at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, click [https://learning.familysearch.org/researchcourses here]. | To watch a video presentation on Church Records created by the staff at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, click [https://learning.familysearch.org/researchcourses here]. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== Indexes to Church Records == | == Indexes to Church Records == | ||
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Several Internet web sites also have indexes to church records: | Several Internet web sites also have indexes to church records: | ||
*[http://www.familysearch.org <font color="#800080">www.familysearch.org</font>] - over 125 million entries; some with images | |||
*[http://www.ancestry.co.uk/ <font color="#800080">Ancestry.co.uk</font>] - vast entries for Greater London and other regions of England - about 10 million entries. Includes Pallot's marriage index. | *[http://www.ancestry.co.uk/ <font color="#800080">Ancestry.co.uk</font>] - vast entries for Greater London and other regions of England - about 10 million entries. Includes Pallot's marriage index. | ||
*[http://www.bmdregisters.co.uk/ <font color="#0066cc">BMDRegister.co.uk</font>] - about 10 million entries | *[http://www.bmdregisters.co.uk/ <font color="#0066cc">BMDRegister.co.uk</font>] - about 10 million entries | ||
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*[http://www.fhlfavorites.info/Links/British/Start_%20Page/British_Frame_Page.htm <font color="#0066cc">FHLFavorites.com</font>]<font color="#0066cc">- millions of entries from many areas of England; many are at no cost</font> | *[http://www.fhlfavorites.info/Links/British/Start_%20Page/British_Frame_Page.htm <font color="#0066cc">FHLFavorites.com</font>]<font color="#0066cc">- millions of entries from many areas of England; many are at no cost</font> | ||
*[http://forest-of-dean.net/ <font color="#0066cc">forest-of-dean.net</font>]<font color="#0066cc"> - indexed and transcribed records for the Forest of Dean area in Gloucerstershire</font> | *[http://forest-of-dean.net/ <font color="#0066cc">forest-of-dean.net</font>]<font color="#0066cc"> - indexed and transcribed records for the Forest of Dean area in Gloucerstershire</font> | ||
*[http://freereg.rootsweb.com/ <font color="#0066cc">FreeReg.org.uk</font>] - about 10 million entries | *[http://freereg.rootsweb.com/ <font color="#0066cc">FreeReg.org.uk</font>] - about 10 million entries[http://www.onlineparishclerks.org.uk/ <font color="#0066cc">OnlineParishClerks.org.uk</font>] - millions(?) of entries | ||
*[http://www.origins.net/ <font color="#0066cc">OriginsNetwork.com</font>] - approximately 10 million marriages and other events | *[http://www.origins.net/ <font color="#0066cc">OriginsNetwork.com</font>] - approximately 10 million marriages and other events | ||
*[http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#r=1&p=allCollections RecordSearchPilot at FamilySearch.org] - nearly 30 million entries taken from many sources including Church of England parish records. | *[http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#r=1&p=allCollections RecordSearchPilot at FamilySearch.org] - nearly 30 million entries taken from many sources including Church of England parish records. | ||
*[http://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/nameindex/index.php?from=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegenealogist.co.uk%2Fuser%2Fsubscriptions.php TheGenealogist.co.uk] - has nonconformist as well as parish register entries; over 12 million | *[http://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/nameindex/index.php?from=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegenealogist.co.uk%2Fuser%2Fsubscriptions.php TheGenealogist.co.uk] - has nonconformist as well as parish register entries; over 12 million | ||
*[http://www.ukbmd.org.uk/ UKBMD.org.uk] - millions of entries throughout many (but not all) counties of England | *[http://www.ukbmd.org.uk/ UKBMD.org.uk] - millions of entries throughout many (but not all) counties of England | ||
* | * | ||
*[http://www.uk-genealogy.org.uk/Registers www.uk-genealogy.org.uk/Registers] hundreds of parish registers and other BMD transcripts in their collection, and they are working to put them all online. | *[http://www.uk-genealogy.org.uk/Registers www.uk-genealogy.org.uk/Registers] hundreds of parish registers and other BMD transcripts in their collection, and they are working to put them all online. | ||
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These include: | These include: | ||
*[[Image:All Saints Church Gresham, Norfolk.jpg|thumb|right| | *[[Image:All Saints Church Gresham, Norfolk.jpg|thumb|right|247x191px]]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 at the Family History Library on microfilm, on microfiche, and in paper form. Look in the Author/Title Search of the Family History Library Catalogue for library call numbers. | ||
You can find an explanation of this series in: | You can find an explanation of this series in: | ||
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Some county record offices and other repositories have indexes to church records, some of which are on film at the Family History Library. Read the [[England Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]] article for additional information, including addresses. | Some county record offices and other repositories have indexes to church records, some of which are on film at the Family History Library. Read the [[England Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]] article for additional information, including addresses. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== Archives == | == Archives == | ||
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Lambeth Palace Library is the historic library and record office of the Archbishops of Canterbury and the principal repository of the documentary history of the Church of England. | Lambeth Palace Library is the historic library and record office of the Archbishops of Canterbury and the principal repository of the documentary history of the Church of England. | ||
[[Image:Lambeth Palace Great Hall.jpg|thumb|right| | [[Image:Lambeth Palace Great Hall.jpg|thumb|right|300x156px]] | ||
The Library does hold some records relevant to genealogy, but it is unlikely to be the best starting point for such research. The Library holds very few parish registers, however it does hold records relating to those marriages where a licence was issued under the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Library has written a research guide on the family history records it holds, and a guide to the marriage records in its collections: | The Library does hold some records relevant to genealogy, but it is unlikely to be the best starting point for such research. The Library holds very few parish registers, however it does hold records relating to those marriages where a licence was issued under the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Library has written a research guide on the family history records it holds, and a guide to the marriage records in its collections: | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
http://www.lambethpalacelibrary.org/content/familyhistory http://www.lambethpalacelibrary.org/content/marriagerecords | http://www.lambethpalacelibrary.org/content/familyhistory http://www.lambethpalacelibrary.org/content/marriagerecords | ||
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For further information on the Library’s collections and services, please see its website: http://www.lambethpalacelibrary.org/ | For further information on the Library’s collections and services, please see its website: http://www.lambethpalacelibrary.org/ | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
=== County Record Offices === | === County Record Offices === | ||
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*[[England, Lancashire – Cheshire – Yorkshire Church of England Parish Registers (FamilySearch Historical Records)|England, Lancashire – Cheshire – Yorkshire Church of England Parish Registers (FamilySearch Historical Records)]] | *[[England, Lancashire – Cheshire – Yorkshire Church of England Parish Registers (FamilySearch Historical Records)|England, Lancashire – Cheshire – Yorkshire Church of England Parish Registers (FamilySearch Historical Records)]] | ||
*[[England Cheshire Non-Conformist Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|England, Cheshire Nonconformist Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)]] | *[[England Cheshire Non-Conformist Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|England, Cheshire Nonconformist Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)]] | ||
*[[England, Norfolk, Church of England Archdeacon’s Transcripts (FamilySearch Historical Records)|England, Norfolk, Church of England Archdeacon's Transcripts (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]<br> | *[[England, Norfolk, Church of England Archdeacon’s Transcripts (FamilySearch Historical Records)|England, Norfolk, Church of England Archdeacon's Transcripts (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]<br> | ||
*[[England Norfolk Marriage Bonds (FamilySearch Historical Records)|England Norfolk Marriage Bonds (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]<br> | *[[England Norfolk Marriage Bonds (FamilySearch Historical Records)|England Norfolk Marriage Bonds (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]<br> | ||
*[[England Norfolk Church of England Parish Registers and Bishops’ Transcripts|England, Norfolk, Church of England Parish Registers (FamilySearch Historical Records)]] | *[[England Norfolk Church of England Parish Registers and Bishops’ Transcripts|England, Norfolk, Church of England Parish Registers (FamilySearch Historical Records)]] | ||
*[[England Births and Christenings (FamilySearch Historical Records)]] | *[[England Births and Christenings (FamilySearch Historical Records)]] | ||