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<span>Church records are an excellent source for accurate information on names and dates and on places of births, marriages, and deaths. Most people who lived in England have information recorded about them in a church record. Since civil authorities did not begin registering vital statistics until July 1837, church records are the best source for family information before that date.</span> | <span>Church records are an excellent source for accurate information on names and dates and on places of births, marriages, and deaths. Most people who lived in England have information recorded about them in a church record. Since civil authorities did not begin registering vital statistics until July 1837, church records are the best source for family information before that date.</span> | ||
<span>In the 1530s King Henry VIII severed ties with the Pope and declared himself the head of the Church of England. This church became known as the state church and was also known as the Established | <span>In the 1530s King Henry VIII severed ties with the Pope and declared himself the head of the Church of England. This church became known as the state church and was also known as the Established or Anglican Church. In Scotland the Anglican Church was also known as the Episcopal Church. In the 17th Century, there began to be dissension within the Church of England and other religions began to spring up. These other religions are referred to as "nonconformists." or "dissenters" Nonconformists are discussed further on in this section under the name of each denomination.</span> | ||
<span>Some church | <span>Some church records have been destroyed by fire, lost, stolen, defaced, or damaged by dampness or aging. To protect their records, most parishes have deposited their early registers in county record offices. Addresses of the county record offices are given 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> | ||
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== '''Church of England Records''' == | == '''Church of England Records''' == | ||
<span>Are | <span>Are a primary source for family history research in England for the period prior to 1st July 1837 (date of civil registration in England); though registration was not compulsory until 1875.</span> | ||
<span>The records of baptisms (christenings), marriages, and burials were kept by the local Church of England parishes. | <span>The records of baptisms (christenings), marriages, and burials were kept by the local Church of England parishes. 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>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>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" | <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 branches), which often keep their own records.</span> | ||
<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.</span> | <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.</span> | ||
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<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 | <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> | ||
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<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> | ||
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<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 | <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> | ||
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''<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 | <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> | ||
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<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 | <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> | ||
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<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 | <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 | <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> | ||
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<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 | <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> | ||
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<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 | <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> | ||
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<span>These religions evolved from 16th century Puritanism. The records of these religions are similar to those of the Church of England. The Baptists, however, practiced adult baptism and recorded births in birth registers, not baptism registers. The Independent Church is also known as the Congregational Church.</span> | <span>These religions evolved from 16th century Puritanism. The records of these religions are similar to those of the Church of England. The Baptists, however, practiced adult baptism and recorded births in birth registers, not baptism registers. The Independent Church is also known as the Congregational Church.</span> | ||
<span>Many congregations did not keep consistent records. In January 1743 officials formed a central registry for births for all three denominations, called [[Dr. Williams- Library |<u>Dr. Williams’ Library</u>]].</span> | <span>Many congregations did not keep consistent records. In January 1743 officials formed a central registry for births for all three denominations, called [[Dr. Williams- Library|<u>Dr. Williams’ Library</u>]].</span> | ||
<span>This registry contains about 50,000 birth records. Information recorded includes the child’s name, parents’ names, birth date, address, names of witnesses, registration information, and sometimes the grandparents’ names.</span> | <span>This registry contains about 50,000 birth records. Information recorded includes the child’s name, parents’ names, birth date, address, names of witnesses, registration information, and sometimes the grandparents’ names.</span> | ||
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<span>For information or history about Baptists, contact:</span> | <span>For information or history about Baptists, contact:</span> | ||
'''<span>Baptist Historical Society</span>''''''<span></span>'''<span>15 Fenshurst Gardens | '''<span>Baptist Historical Society</span>''''''<span></span>'''<span>15 Fenshurst Gardens | ||
Long Ashton, Bristol BS18 9AU | |||
England | |||
Internet: [http://www.baptisthistory.org.uk/basicpage.php?contents=publications&page_title=Publications <u>http://www.baptisthistory.org.uk/basicpage.php?contents=publications&page_title=Publications</u>]</span> | |||
<span>The Family History Library filmed pre-1837 Presbyterian records from the Presbyterian Historical Society. The Presbyterian and Congregational churches are now combined. For information or history about either denomination, contact:</span> | <span>The Family History Library filmed pre-1837 Presbyterian records from the Presbyterian Historical Society. The Presbyterian and Congregational churches are now combined. For information or history about either denomination, contact:</span> | ||
'''<span>United Reformed Church History Society</span>''''''<span></span>'''<span>86 Tavistock Place</span><br | '''<span>United Reformed Church History Society</span>''''''<span></span>'''<span>86 Tavistock Place</span><br><span>London</span><span>WC1H 9RT | ||
England</span><span> | |||
Internet: [http://www.urc.org.uk/history_soc/ <u>http://www.urc.org.uk/history_soc/</u>] </span> | |||
<span>For information on Presbyterians, see:</span> | <span>For information on Presbyterians, see:</span> | ||
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== '''Methodists''' == | == '''Methodists''' == | ||
<span>There | <span>There are many forms of Methodists Societies in England: Wesleyan, Primitive, New Connexion, and so on. The Wesleyan group was the largest. They were all united under the United Methodist Church in 1932. Some groups recorded their baptisms and burials in the Church of England until the 19th century. For historical material, contact:</span> | ||
'''<span>The Methodist Archives and Research Centre | '''<span>The Methodist Archives and Research Centre | ||
<span>John</span><span>Rylands University</span><span>Library | |||
Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH | |||
England | |||
Internet:</span></span>'''<span>[http://rylibweb.man.ac.uk/data1/dg/methodist/methlink.html <u>http://rylibweb.man.ac.uk/data1/dg/methodist/methlink.html</u>]</span> | |||
<span>To find the location of the birth and burial records, contact:</span> | <span>To find the location of the birth and burial records, contact:</span> | ||
'''<span>Wesley Historical Society</span>''''''<span></span>'''<span>34 Spiceland Road</span><span> | '''<span>Wesley Historical Society</span>''''''<span></span>'''<span>34 Spiceland Road</span><span> | ||
Northfield</span><span>, Birmingham B31 1NJ | |||
England | |||
Internet: [http://www.wesleyhistoricalsociety.org.uk/BRANCHES.htm <u>http://www.wesleyhistoricalsociety.org.uk/BRANCHES.htm</u>]</span> | |||
<span>A useful guide for tracing Methodist ancestors is:</span> | <span>A useful guide for tracing Methodist ancestors is:</span> | ||
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<span>Catholic priests usually did not keep registers before 1778 and many registers were written in Latin. Baptism registers usually include the names of the child’s sponsors or godparents.</span> | <span>Catholic priests usually did not keep registers before 1778 and many registers were written in Latin. Baptism registers usually include the names of the child’s sponsors or godparents.</span> | ||
<span>Some registers have been published by the Catholic Record Society. The Family History Library has most of these published registers, which are listed in | <span>Some registers have been published by the Catholic Record Society. The Family History Library has most of these published registers, which are listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under one of the following:</span> | ||
<span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - CHURCH RECORDS</span> | <span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - CHURCH RECORDS</span> | ||
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<span>For information on records not available at the library, contact the society at:</span> | <span>For information on records not available at the library, contact the society at:</span> | ||
'''<span>The Catholic Record Society</span>''''''<span></span>'''<span>c/o 114 Mount Street | '''<span>The Catholic Record Society</span>''''''<span></span>'''<span>c/o 114 Mount Street | ||
London W2Y 6AH | |||
England | |||
Internet: [http://www.catholic-history.org.uk/crs/ <u>http://www.catholic-history.org.uk/crs/</u>]</span> | |||
== '''Jews''' == | == '''Jews''' == | ||
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<span>Most synagogues have retained their own records. For historical information, contact:</span> | <span>Most synagogues have retained their own records. For historical information, contact:</span> | ||
'''<span>Jewish Historical Society</span>''''''<span></span>'''<span>c/o Mocatta Library | '''<span>Jewish Historical Society</span>''''''<span></span>'''<span>c/o Mocatta Library | ||
University College, Gower Street | |||
London WC1E 6BT | |||
England | |||
Internet: [http://www.jhse.dircon.co.uk/ <u>http://www.jhse.dircon.co.uk/</u>]</span> | |||
<span>Isabel Mordy collected and indexed a group of English Jewish records. This is now available in the Family History Library, listed in | <span>Isabel Mordy collected and indexed a group of English Jewish records. This is now available in the Family History Library, listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | ||
<span>ENGLAND</span><span>, LONDON - JEWISH RECORDS</span> | <span>ENGLAND</span><span>, LONDON - JEWISH RECORDS</span> | ||
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<span>Until 1754 Huguenots often recorded their marriages in both Huguenot and Church of England registers. None were recorded in Huguenot registers after that date. The Huguenot Society has transcribed and published most of their original church records. You may write to them at the following address:</span> | <span>Until 1754 Huguenots often recorded their marriages in both Huguenot and Church of England registers. None were recorded in Huguenot registers after that date. The Huguenot Society has transcribed and published most of their original church records. You may write to them at the following address:</span> | ||
'''<span>Huguenot Society</span>''''''<span></span>'''<span>c/o University College, Gower Street | '''<span>Huguenot Society</span>''''''<span></span>'''<span>c/o University College, Gower Street | ||
London WC1E 6BT | |||
England | |||
Internet: [http://www.huguenotsociety.org.uk/history/ <u>http://www.huguenotsociety.org.uk/history/</u>]</span> | |||
<span>The best way to locate published Huguenot records at the Family History Library is to look in the Author/Title Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | <span>The best way to locate published Huguenot records at the Family History Library is to look in the Author/Title Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under:</span> | ||
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== '''Locating Church Records''' == | == '''Locating Church Records''' == | ||
<span>To find an ancestor in church records, you should know his religion and the parish where he lived. The Locality Search of the Family History Library Catalogue usually uses the parish names as given in The Imperial Gazetteer. | <span>To find an ancestor in church records, you should know his religion and the parish where he lived. The Locality Search of the Family History Library Catalogue usually uses the parish names as given in The Imperial Gazetteer. See [[England Gazetteers]] for this source and for other help in finding a parish.</span> | ||
<span>Local residents sometimes referred to their parish by the name of the parish patron saint (such as St. John) rather than by the location of the parish. In cities where there is more than one parish, the Family History Library Catalogue uses the patron saint’s name with the name of the city to identify records of different parishes.</span> | <span>Local residents sometimes referred to their parish by the name of the parish patron saint (such as St. John) rather than by the location of the parish. In cities where there is more than one parish, the Family History Library Catalogue uses the patron saint’s name with the name of the city to identify records of different parishes.</span> | ||
<span>Many parishes had "chapelries" that served a small area within the parish boundaries. Chapelries kept separate registers. Their records are usually listed in | <span>Many parishes had "chapelries" that served a small area within the parish boundaries. Chapelries kept separate registers. Their records are usually listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalogue under the parish with which the chapelry is associated.</span> | ||
<span>Some sources that describe the location or survival of church records are:</span> | <span>Some sources that describe the location or survival of church records are:</span> | ||
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<span>The Family History Library has many church records. The most common are:</span> | <span>The Family History Library has many church records. The most common are:</span> | ||
* <span>Parish registers from their beginning up to the nineteenth century or later </span> | * <span>Parish registers from their beginning up to the nineteenth century or later</span> | ||
* <span>Bishops’ transcripts from 1598 up to the mid- 19th century </span> | * <span>Bishops’ transcripts from 1598 up to the mid- 19th century</span> | ||
* <span>Transcripts of parish registers </span> | * <span>Transcripts of parish registers</span> | ||
* <span>Parish chest records </span> | * <span>Parish chest records</span> | ||
* <span>Registers of nonconformist churches to 1837 (sometimes later) </span> | * <span>Registers of nonconformist churches to 1837 (sometimes later)</span> | ||
<span>You can determine whether the library has records, denominational histories, or religious society journals from your ancestor’s parish by looking in | <span>You can determine whether the library has records, denominational histories, or religious society journals from your ancestor’s parish by looking 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> | ||
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<span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY] - CHURCH HISTORY</span> | <span>ENGLAND</span><span>, [COUNTY] - CHURCH HISTORY</span> | ||
<span>ENGLAND</span><span> - CHURCH HISTORY</span> | <span>ENGLAND</span><span>- CHURCH HISTORY</span> | ||
<span>ENGLAND</span><span> - PERIODICALS</span> | <span>ENGLAND</span><span>- PERIODICALS</span> | ||
<span>The Family History Library is always adding records to its collection. The catalo is updated periodically. If you need a record that is not at the library, you may write to the minister or to a repository to request a search.</span> | <span>The Family History Library is always adding records to its collection. The catalo is updated periodically. If you need a record that is not at the library, you may write to the minister or to a repository to request a search.</span> | ||
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<span>The following types of repositories often answer mail requests for information:</span> | <span>The following types of repositories often answer mail requests for information:</span> | ||
'''<span>County record office.</span>'''<span> Contact the county record office to determine the procedure for searching records.</span> | '''<span>County record office.</span>'''<span>Contact the county record office to determine the procedure for searching records.</span> | ||
'''<span>Local parish.</span>'''<span> Parishes will generally answer correspondence when a small donation is enclosed. Ask that your request be forwarded if the records are now in a repository. To find parish addresses, consult a church directory (see the "[[England Church Directories|<u>Church Directories</u>]]" section of this outline).</span> | '''<span>Local parish.</span>'''<span>Parishes will generally answer correspondence when a small donation is enclosed. Ask that your request be forwarded if the records are now in a repository. To find parish addresses, consult a church directory (see the "[[England Church Directories|<u>Church Directories</u>]]" section of this outline).</span> | ||
'''<span>Other archives.</span>'''<span> Some church records are in libraries, museums, or other repositories.</span> | '''<span>Other archives.</span>'''<span>Some church records are in libraries, museums, or other repositories.</span> | ||
<span>When writing to England for genealogical information, be as concise as possible. Do not add unnecessary history about the family you are researching. If staff members at the archive cannot look up the requested information, ask them to send you a list of recommended researchers. Send the following with your request:</span> | <span>When writing to England for genealogical information, be as concise as possible. Do not add unnecessary history about the family you are researching. If staff members at the archive cannot look up the requested information, ask them to send you a list of recommended researchers. Send the following with your request:</span> | ||
* <span>An international money order for the search fee and postage or a donation to the church </span> | * <span>An international money order for the search fee and postage or a donation to the church</span> | ||
* <span>The full name and sex of the person sought </span> | * <span>The full name and sex of the person sought</span> | ||
* <span>The names of the parents, if known </span> | * <span>The names of the parents, if known</span> | ||
* <span>The event you are looking for, with approximate date and place </span> | * <span>The event you are looking for, with approximate date and place</span> | ||
* <span>Request for a complete copy (or photocopy) of the original record </span> | * <span>Request for a complete copy (or photocopy) of the original record</span> | ||
<span>If your request is not answered, write to the local family history society and ask if one of their members would do the search for you (see the "[[England Societies|<u>Societies</u>]]" section of this outline).</span> | <span>If your request is not answered, write to the local family history society and ask if one of their members would do the search for you (see the "[[England Societies|<u>Societies</u>]]" section of this outline).</span> | ||
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<span>Another way to access some church records and indexes is through the Internet. On the Internet there are lists of people who volunteer to search various types of records for certain areas free of charge. You can locate these lists through the GENUKI Web site at:</span> | <span>Another way to access some church records and indexes is through the Internet. On the Internet there are lists of people who volunteer to search various types of records for certain areas free of charge. You can locate these lists through the GENUKI Web site at:</span> | ||
<span>[http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng <u>www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng</u>] | <span>[http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng <u>www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng</u>] </span> | ||
<span>From the above site:</span> | <span>From the above site:</span> | ||
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<span>Click '''Genealogy.'''</span> | <span>Click '''Genealogy.'''</span> | ||
<span>Click '''Look-up Exchange'''. | <span>Click '''Look-up Exchange'''. </span> | ||
=== Search Strategies === | === Search Strategies === | ||
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<span>As you search church records, use the following strategies:</span> | <span>As you search church records, use the following strategies:</span> | ||
* <span>Search parish registers, bishops’ transcripts, and all other available records for the time period. </span> | * <span>Search parish registers, bishops’ transcripts, and all other available records for the time period.</span> | ||
* <span>Note all entries (including burials) in the parish registers for the surname (unless the name is very common). </span> | * <span>Note all entries (including burials) in the parish registers for the surname (unless the name is very common).</span> | ||
* <span>Note gaps or missing pages in the record. (This may suggest that you should search alternative records for that time period.) </span> | * <span>Note gaps or missing pages in the record. (This may suggest that you should search alternative records for that time period.)</span> | ||
* <span>If the church records do not contain enough information, search for hints (residence, occupation, and so on) that suggest other records to search. </span> | * <span>If the church records do not contain enough information, search for hints (residence, occupation, and so on) that suggest other records to search.</span> | ||
* <span>If you find little or no mention of your family in parish records, search neighbouring parishes and nonconformist records. </span> | * <span>If you find little or no mention of your family in parish records, search neighbouring parishes and nonconformist records.</span> | ||
* <span>If you do not find your ancestor in church records, use the "Records Selection Table" at the beginning of this outline to find another record to search. </span> | * <span>If you do not find your ancestor in church records, use the "Records Selection Table" at the beginning of this outline to find another record to search.</span> | ||
* <span>Search both parish registers and bishops’ transcripts, as either may contain entries missing from the other. </span> | * <span>Search both parish registers and bishops’ transcripts, as either may contain entries missing from the other.</span> | ||
=== Web Sites === | === Web Sites === | ||
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<span>[http://www.coraweb.com.au/ukbdm.htm <u>http://www.coraweb.com.au/ukbdm.htm</u>]</span> | <span>[http://www.coraweb.com.au/ukbdm.htm <u>http://www.coraweb.com.au/ukbdm.htm</u>]</span> | ||
[[Category:England]]<br> | |||