Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland Genealogy: Difference between revisions

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'''Parish #685-1'''  
'''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.
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|[[Image:Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat.jpg|right|300px|Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat]]
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== History ==


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>
{{Infobox Scotland Parishes
<br><br>
| image = Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat.jpg
History of the Cannongate section of the city is available on [http://www.royal-mile.com/history/history-canongate-p2.html Royal-Mile.com].
| caption = Arthur's Seat from Edinburgh
<br><br>
| Type = [[Scotland Jurisdictions#Quoad Omnia Parish|Quoad Omnia Parish]]
[http://edina.ac.uk/stat-acc-scot/ The Statistical Accounts of Scotland, 1791-1845] at Edina, University of Edinburgh, are reports, generally written by parish ministers, which offer 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. <br>
| ParishNo = 685<sup>1</sup>
*''The Statistical Account of Scotland, 1791-1799.'' Ed. by John Sinclair. Wakerfield, England: EP Publishing Limited, [197?]. {{FSC|941 B4sa|disp=FamilySearch Library books 941 B4sa}}; {{FSC|6026527|film|disp=FamilySearch Library films, 6026527-6026545}}(*) - images. '''''Online at:''''' [https://www.electricscotland.com/history/statistical/oldndx.htm Electric Scotland].
| Historic County = Midlothian
*''The New Statistical Account of Scotland, 1834-1845.'' Edinburgh, Scotland: William Blackwood and Sons, 1845. '''''Online at:''''' {{FSC|202128|item|disp=FamilySearch Digital Library, Vols. 1-15}}.
| Burgh =
*Mather, Alexander S., ed. ''The Third Statistical Account of Scotland.'' Glasgow, Scotland: Collins of Glasgow, 1987. {{FSC|941 B4sa|disp=FamilySearch Library books 941 B4sa}} - 3rd Series
| Council Area = City of Edinburgh
| Registration District = Colinton
| PRbegin = 1645
| KSbegin = 1651
| Presbytery = Edinburgh
| Synod = Lothian & Tweeddale
| Sheriff Court = Edinburgh and Leith
| Commissary Court = Edinburgh
}}


==[http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/ Scotlands People: An Important Online Source]==
==History==


[http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/ ScotlandsPeople] is one of the largest online sources of original genealogical information. If you are researching UK genealogy, your Scottish ancestry or building your Scottish family tree, they have more than 100 million records to look through.
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>


The comprehensive choice of Scottish records includes:
History of the Cannongate section of the city is available on [http://www.royal-mile.com/history/history-canongate-p2.html Royal-Mile.com].
{|
|-
|
:*Statutory Registers
:*Old Parish Registers
:*Catholic Parish Registers


|
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}}).
:*CPR Others
:*Census
:*Valuation Rolls
|
:*Soldiers’ Wills
:*Wills & Testaments
:*Coats of Arms
|}
For more detail on exact record availability, see [http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/Content/Help/index.aspx?r=554&413 Availability.] For examples of the records available, see [http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/Content/Help/index.aspx?r=554&408 Record Types and Examples.] More information on the site, its contents, and instructions for using it can be found in the [[ScotlandsPeople|ScotlandsPeople Wiki article]]. Indexes may be searched for free, and there is a small pay per view fee to see the actual digitized record.


== Census Records ==
==Census Records==
*[http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/ Scotlands People], index, images, free index, pay per view ($)
Scottish Censuses were taken every 10 years beginning in 1801. Beginning with the 1841 Census, each individual in the nation was enumerated at the location they slept on a particular day. For more information, including which day each census was taken, read about [[Scotland_Census|Scottish Census Records]].
*{{RecordSearch|2016000|Scotland Census, 1841}}, no images. Also at [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10322/1841-scotland-census-extract?s=218489221 MyHeritage], index ($). Also at [http://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/1841-england-wales-and-scotland-census findmypast], index ($). Also at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1004 Ancestry.com], index ($).
*{{RecordSearch|2028673|Scotland Census, 1851}}, no images. Also at [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10323/1851-scotland-census-extract?s=218489221 MyHeritage], index ($). Also at [http://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/1851-england-wales-and-scotland-census findmypast], index ($). Also at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1076 Ancestry.com], index ($).
*{{RecordSearch|2028677|Scotland Census, 1861}}, no images. Also at [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10324/1861-scotland-census-extract?s=218489221], index ($). Also at [http://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/1861-england-wales-and-scotland-census findmypast], index ($).  Also at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1080 Ancestry.com], index ($).
*{{RecordSearch|2028678|Scotland Census, 1871}}, no images. Also at [http://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/1871-england-wales-and-scotland-census findmypast], index ($). Also at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1104 Ancestry.com], index ($).
*{{RecordSearch|2046756|Scotland Census, 1881}}, no images. Also at [http://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/1881-england-wales-and-scotland-census findmypast], index ($). Also at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1119 Ancestry.com], index ($).
*{{RecordSearch|2046943|Scotland Census, 1891}}, no images. Also at [http://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/1891-england-wales-and-scotland-census findmypast], index ($). Also at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1108 Ancestry.com], index ($).
*[http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/ Scotland Census, 1901], index & images ($). Also at [http://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/1901-england-wales-and-scotland-census findmypast], index ($). Also at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1101 Ancestry.com], index ($).
*[http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/ Scotland Census, 1911], index & images ($).  


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.<br>
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.


== Church Records ==
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.


The Established Church of Scotland was Presbyterian. Read more about [[Scotland Church Records|church records]].<br>
==Church Records==
From early times, Scotland became a Christian Country. However the type of Christianity practiced was much more rigorous than was practiced south of the border; Calvinism and Presbyterianism. In 1638, King Charles the First's attempt to introduce Anglican church forms in Scotland encountered stiff Presbyterian opposition culminating in the conflicts of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Subsequent Scottish support for Charles Stuart's restoration to the throne of England resulted in Edinburgh's occupation by Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth of England forces – the New Model Army – in 1650. Today complete religious freedom is practiced albeit with still a large measure of Calvinism. The Church of Scotland claims the largest membership of any single religious denomination in Edinburgh as evidenced by a religion census of 2010.  
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  ===
=== Established Church—Old Parochial Registers  ===
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'''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.
'''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 ===
===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.
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: '''<br>  
'''Here is a list of the surviving Kirk session records for this parish: '''<br>  
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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 ===
===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]].
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.]]  


Click [[Edinburgh Nonconformist Church Records|here]] to see a list of the pre-1855 nonconformist churches and their records for the various parishes
Click [[Edinburgh Nonconformist Church Records|here]] to see a list of the pre-1855 nonconformist churches and their records for the various parishes
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*[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 ($)
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/scotland-edinburgh-and-lothian-death-and-burial-index Scotland, Edinburgh & Lothian Death and Burial Index] at Findmypast.com - index ($)


== Civil Registration Records ==
==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]].
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|Scotland Civil Registration]] for more information and to access the records.
 
'''National Records of Scotland'''<br>Ladywell House<br>Ladywell Rd<br>Edinburgh EH12 7TF, UK<br>Phone: +44 131 334 0380<br>[https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/ Website]<br><br>
'''Scottish Registrars Office - Edinburgh'''<br>Leith Library<br>28-30 Ferry Rd<br>Edinburgh EH6 4AE, UK<br>Phone: +44 131 529 5520<br>[http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/registrars Website]<br>


== Directories  ==
== Directories  ==
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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.  
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===
===Societies===


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*[https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/ West Lothian County Council]<br>
*[https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/ West Lothian County Council]<br>


== References ==
==References==
 
{{reflist}}  
{{reflist}}


<br>Return to the [[Midlothian (Edinburghshire), Scotland Parishes|Midlothian]] Parish list
Return to [[Midlothian (Edinburghshire), Scotland Genealogy#Parishes|Midlothian Parishes]].


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