Genealogy Chat

Could anyone tell me how you find the maiden name of someone's wife as one only sees her Christian names on the Census Forms under that of her husband. I would be v v grateful for any help

If they are on 1881 census onwards with children born after 1875 you should be able to get one of the children's birth certs which will give mums maiden name
Prior to 1875 it wasnt compulsory to reg births so you may or may not find a child's birth Reg

Re Island's post - that's not the way to do it. Use FreeBMD - that bit's right.
However, enter both the husband's names and the wife's forename. Then click on the page number to see the two couples whose name appears on that page in the register. One doesn't know how they are paired up, so your Elizabeth might not have married John Smith - she migh have married the David Jones whose name also appears on that page.

If you can find the couple on the next census, the wife's christian name should be a clue as to who married who.
Liz

Or if you want to post details, I will have a look for you and let know how I did it.

Ann