Genealogy Chat

Whilst it does say It does actually say on a birth cert "Signature, description and residence of informant". it also says that it is a copy of the entry in the Register.

I have my original birth certificate and this doesn't bear my fathers signature.

There was an interesting thread on a similar topic regarding the signatures on marriage certificates a few months ago.

People were asked to comment with their own experiences on whether or not their own original certificates bore original signatures and whether copies obtained from Register Offices bore photocopies of original certs, or otherwise.

In the end it was all rather inconclusive with wide variations. Some original certs were signed, others were not, probably about half and half. When it came to copies, most were just typed or handwritten, with only a small handful being facsimiles with original signatures.

As suggested, you can but ask.

Unlike Kathleen, I did sign when I registered my twins' births in the 1970s, also in hospital. I remember it very well because the registrar was a bit peeved when I told him that both boys had three names. "You do realise I have to enter all that in triplicate!" He then sent me off to have my lunch and when I came back I checked and signed all six copies - three for each child.

It does actually say on a birth cert "Signature, description and residence of informant".

I certainly didn't sign anything when I registered the births of my two sons. The registrar at that time (1970's) came to the hospital and took everyone's details.

I agree with mgnv that the signature on your birth certificate would not be your father's especially if you ordered it from the GRO.

Kath. x

Look up the birth on FreeBMD, then click on the district name, then the more info "here" link. After all the villages and townships, there's a link usually saying Registers are now divided between... and click on the appropriate one. I think it might be:

The Register Office, The Old Vicarage, 106 Grove Road, Walthamstow, London, E17 9BY.
Tel: 020 8496 2716. Fax: 020 8509 1388.
E-mail: [email protected]

Give them a call and ask them if they can provide an image showing the mum's original signature - not all local ROs have the capability.

Re your dad's signature on your b.cert - the GRO hold no original BMDs from ENG/WAL, so it must have been copied by a clerk with writing like your dad's. (The only UK certs I have with genuine signatures are all Scottish.)

I'd always thought that until I ordered my own certificate from the GRO. (I'd only ever had the short one) When I received it, bold as anything, was my Fathers signature on it. (I'm 100% it is my Dads as he was practically illiterate) So it must have been a scan of the original.

It will have to wait as I'm off to work now :-(
I'm wondering were the original books from the now defunct RO's went to.

Think I'll give the GRO, LMA and Kew a call today.

Agree with Sylvia you only get the copy from the registrar that they put in their books. i have my original cert of 1937 and my mum registered me but its not her writing as the informant.

Do birth certificates have the mother's actual signature on????


You register the baby at the Registrar's Office .......... and receive a copy of what has been recorded in the Register Book.


Surely, if the mother signed anywhere, it would be in the book




sylvia

I am trying to obtain a copy of the original birth registration of a child born in the 1920's in North Leyton. I need one with the Mothers actual signature on not the copy that was sent to the GRO (I have this)

If anyone has any ideas, I'd be most grateful. I'm off to bed now but will check back tomorrow morning. (OH is whingeing)
Thank you