Prior to 1855, information was held in church records, principally the Old Parish Records (OPRs)
In 1855, civil registration commenced, and in the first year, the registrar was required to record a huge amount of information, which proved to be too elaborate. Between 1856 and 1860 inclusive, less was recorded, and from then to the present, a balance was re-established.
Name and sex
When and where born
Name and occupation of father
Name and Maiden name of mother
Date and place of marriage of parents (except 1856-1860)
Name and relationship of the informant and address if not present.
When and where registered and name of registrar
Other children of parents (1855 only)
Parents’ ages and place of birth (1855 only)
When and where married
Denomination of church
Names and occupations of groom and bride, marital status and relationship, if any
Ages of groom and bride (birthplace, where and when registered 1855 only)
Usual residence
Names of both sets of parents, occupations of fathers and maiden surnames of mothers, and whether living or dead
Names of minister, registrar, and witnesses
When and where registered
Number of children by any other marriage (1855 only)
Name age and address of the deceased and marital status
When and where died
Age and occupation
Names of parents, father’s occupation and mother’s maiden name, and whether living or dead.
Cause of death and name of certifying doctor
Name and relationship and residence of informant (name only 1855)
When and where registered and signature of registrar
Place of
birth and length of time in district (1855 only)
Spouse’s name if married (omitted 1856-1860)
Children in order of birth, names and ages (1855 only)
Burial place and name of undertaker (1855-60 only)
Note that occasionally, an entry will be made in pen in the left-hand border of the certificate. This may, in the case of a birth certificate, refer to disputed parentage, or, for a death certificate, to a fatal accident enquiry (FAI). Naturally, these should be followed up.
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