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My husband's mother, Nellie Brown nee Thubron, had a stillborn son on July 12th 1934 in East Boldon , Co. Durham , but I can't find either a birth or death record for him. We would like to find out if he was named or was he just "male child"? Can anyone better at research than I am give me some help? I would be very grateful.

Stillbirths are on a separate register and usually only accessable to the parents

This may help explain

https://www.uk-sands.org/sites/default/files/SANDS-TRACING-A-BABYS-GRAVE-OR-CREMATION%20RECORD_0.pdf

An older, but relevant post that might help:

http://www.genesreunited.co.uk/boards/board/genealogy_chat/thread/743987

Thank you for your replies. I had no idea that the details would not be in the usual registers.

Seems siblings can apply if the parents are deceased...

"How do I obtain a certificate for an historic stillbirth entry?

Due to the sensitive nature of stillbirth registrations, the procedure for ordering copy certificates differs from other types of certificates. Apart from very recent events, the General Register Office holds records of all stillbirths registered in England and Wales since 1st July 1927. Certified copies of these records can only be obtained with the Registrar General's consent. The following conditions apply:-

a certificate will only be issued to the mother or father of a stillborn child

siblings may apply if their mother and father are no longer alive. They should send details of their parents' dates of death with their application

stillbirth certificates can only be obtained from the General Register Office in Southport.

If you want more information telephone, write to or log on to the General Register Office website."
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To contact the GRO with this query:

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PR8 2JD

Hi,

I can say from experience that stillborn children was not given a christen name just know as a stillborn child. You may be able to find where the child is buried though the local cemetery or deceased on line site. I have in the last two years found my own stillborn child's grave (I wasn't allowed to have her buried myself the local council took care of it) and also the still born child of my mother in law's.

Wendy

Wendy,

Although some stillborn babies are not named, there are plenty more who are indeed named and you can find stillbirth areas in local cemeteries with headstones giving the child's name.

Kath. x

hi Kath Happy new year

Yes I'm sure there were, as I said from it was from my experience, when I went to register my baby's birth and death I wasn't allowed to name her although I had a name for her and it was the same for my mother in law. Lucky as I now know where she is buried and been able to put a plague there she now has her name.
Also the burials I found for still born children as I've look though cemetery records they had no names just down as still born child of and whoever the parents were.

The rules on still born children have changed over the last 30yrs or so and parents are now able to name and bury their still born children themselves now.

I just thought that if Alison looked for the child's burial she may find more info.

Wendy