Genealogy Chat

No one could find a record of my husband's great-grandfather's birth in 1866, until we discovered that he was registered as Charles Albert McCarthy and not Charles Albert Carter, which was his name in later life. Even he didn't seem to know this when he applied for a copy of his cert in 1936, though I have found that one of his brothers remained a McCarthy until he died. nell

It's also worth mentioning that I am aware of several definite name-spelling errors in the index... I've seen a Parish Register page where the bride's signature is elegantly clearly Ashpool (consistent with the censuses), but the clergyman - and GRO - have her as ASHPOLE. My g-g-father had middle name Charles, but is in the index with Charlee. My own marriage.. I couldn't find it, until I looked under my husband's name. My father was the local Rector and took the service - and therefore filled out the Registers) had flamboyant handwriting, and the ROs obviously couldn't read it. That's three I can think of immediately. Christine

Thanks Helen

Aimee It's possible, depending on the date, that some births didn't get registered. Its possible that copies of the certs got lost between the local register office and the GRO - I am fairly certain that's what happened to a marriage cert I am trying to trace. Its possible that a birth you want is registered late, or in a different district from the one you expected, or in a different name - or no name, hence all the male and female entries. nell

So sorry for delay in replying. Son having bad dream. Thank you all once again for your replies. I had a conversation with a friend who said it was possible, but ever the cynic, I didn't believe her, seems she was right after all. Thanks for that info. I am sure that will come in useful in the future.

Yes indeed, many times - Manchester area, 1860s is a particular hot spot for births which never got to the GRO, and a few marriages and deaths, too, which are nestling coyly in the local RO. OC

It certainly does happen, though I haven't experienced it myself! Merry

whose birth are you looking for and where and when?

Has anybody come across a situation whereby there is no record of a relatives birth anywhere on the BMD, but have successfully found it in the records office from the place they were born? Many thanks.