Genealogy Chat

My great Grandfather changed his name in late 19th Century.

He was Benjamin Walter Strong at birth and he ended up being known as James Broad

He wrote out on a piece of paper "I have been known as James Broad since my mother's second marriage." and signed it James Broad.

His children were born as surname Strong but eventually became surname Broad on later official records.

His death was registered as James Broad, by the way.

So question is - when he changed his name would he have had to do this officially? - say with a Commissioner of Oaths / Notary or could he simply choose to be known by any name if it suited him?

If it was done officially would I expect to find an official record of the name change somewhere?

You can chose to be known by any name you like as long as there is no intention to defraud, you do not have to do it officially.

If you do change your name by official means such as by deed poll, unless you pay extra to register this (90% go unregistered) then there will still be no record held other than the certificate issued at the time.

It may be worth searching the National Archives site or the London Gazette if it was after 1914, just on the off chance that he did register it.

Info can be found here: http://www.ukdps.co.uk/IsADeedPollRegisteredAnywhere.html

Sam x

Thanks Sam.

The change was almost certainly pre-1914.

But I am fascinated about the business of official certificates. Never seen one for him.

Seems the whole thing was and is rather casual. Easy way to "disappear"

A Deed Poll is nothing more than a signed declaration on a piece of paper stating that you wish to be known by another name. There is no official process as such, nor is any certificate issued.

Sam mentions registration, or more accurately enrollment. This tended only to be done by the rich or famous or those who wanted the details to be made public, as the process involves making an announcement in the London Gazette.