Genealogy Chat

Hi all, can anyone tell me when passports were first intoduced and would you have needed one just before and after the 2nd world war or would I.D cards and papers still have been the norm. Thanks Jelly

Jelly I dont know if this helps, from google..... Passport History Safe Conduct documents, usually notes signed by the monarch, were issued to foreigners as well as English subjects in medieval times. They were first mentioned in an Act of Parliament in 1414. Between 1540 and 1685, the Privy Council issued passports although they were still signed by the monarch until the reign of Charles II when the Secretary of State could sign them instead. The Secretary of State signed all passports in place of the monarch from 1794 onwards, at which time formal records started to be kept[1]. Passports were written in Latin or English until 1772 when French was used instead. From 1858, English was used, with some sections translated into French until 1921. In 1858, passports became a standard document issued solely to British nationals. Until 1915, they were a simple single-sheet paper document and included a photograph of the holder. The British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act 1914 was passed on the outbreak of the First World War. At this time a new format was introduced, a single sheet folded into eight and containing a cardboard cover. It included a description of the holder as well as a photograph, and had to be renewed after two years. Georgina.

Hi Georgina, Thanks for reply Jelly