Genealogy Chat

I'm at a point where I need to begin locating parish records for BMD info. Are these generally held at the local RO's? Also what information regarding births and marriages can I expect to find in Parish records? Do they for instance include parents names etc? Can I get copies like we can with certs and does it cost the same amount? Ta Helen

Helen Parish records are held at county records offices, generally available on microfilm or microfiche. Records offices also often have transcripts. Many extracts are available on www.familysearch.org and some (check relevant county databases first as this is payperview) on www.familyhistoryonline.net The quality of the registers varies greatly and a lot depends upon how diligent - and how neat - the vicar/curate was. Before 1837 marriage entries are very basic - names of bride and groom, whether or not they are 'of this parish' and the witnesses and priest who conducted the ceremony. London registers may be a bit more detailed as regards address. Baptisms - usually just the name, father's first and surname and mother's first name, though sometimes mother's maiden name, father;'s occupation and family address are included. Burials. Name of person, which parish they were from, age at death, date of burial. Costs - if you want a photocopy of an entry and you know the date and the parish I think it would be just enough to cover the copying and postage. If you don't know and want a search, most ROs charge about £18 an hour. This may seem steep,but I've done this a few times and found that they are very efficient about searching and its certainly cheaper than the train fare! nell

Forgot to say - details of which parish records are held, dates etc plus information about copying charges etc should be on the website for the relevant records offices. Just google county name + records office or archives to find the sites you want. nell