Genealogy Chat

Couple of thoughts 1] There is a coverage page on FreeBMD which gives a good idea of the %ge transcribed for each year. 2] some of the Local ROs have searchable sites (see the list of links on http://www.ukbmd.org.uk/. They also have gaps, but they can be different ones from the FreeBMD ones. The refs are quite different from the GRO refs because the filing system is different. GRO is a quarterly transcription of all the Local info (an opportunity for mistranscription or data to go astray). You can search for couples getting married - and it often tells you precisely where they were married. If you order from the local RO, the fees are the same as from GRO; the service is at least as good. Christine

as Richard said, I don't think one can be sure that one has the correct people without a certificate. Several people's names could be on the same page no vol no etc . Joy

Hi Pamela The Ancestry BMD database is supplied by FreeBMD. Therefore, you won't find anything there that isn't on FreeBMD. FreeBMD are concentrating on the pre-1910 events, so the 20th century ones will likely be years away. Incidentally, without the certificates, how can you be sure that you have the right references, and therefore that you're following the right families? There isn't really enough info in the index alone to be sure in most cases. Richard

As has been said, ancestry use the FreeBMD site info so I guess we are talking years as that info is double transcribed by volunteers. Of course, to speed it up a bit, you could volunteer to do some. Just check out their website.

Hi, it's Pam again. I'm not so much searching for names after 1906 to order certificates from the GRO. But on Ancestry it shows a marriage with both names, date, place and index number which can be printed out. I have folders for each of these to file for future reference. My hope is that one day I will have the birth dates, marriages and deaths (where appropriate) of most people in my tree, and until its all printed on Ancestry I won't be able to do that. Does anyone know if its going to take months or even years to complete? PAM

Thanks for your replies and will take note. I don't think my local library would do the microfiche so maybe I'll pop along to Canterbury when I can drag myself from this PC. Take Care......Pam

Apparently, this new site (www.familyrelatives.org) has a complete transcription of BMD from 1866 to 1920. I say "apparently", as I tried to purchase units today but it didn't accept it. It's pay per view, like 1837online, except fully searchable (assuming that you can actually buy some units!!)

I'm afraid, Jeanette, we tend to use the computer so much nowadays that we haven't been to a records office or main library or the FRC for ages!! :) Joy

Do you know Joy, nine times out of ten I always forget about that. Probably cos my butt is permanantly glued to this chair! lol Jeanette x

can you get to your nearest main library that has them on microfiche to search them? Joy

Hi Pamela The info on Ancestry is more or less what's on FreeBMD - so not complete yet. The 1837 site is complete but it is pay per view. Jeanette x

I NEED SOME ADVICE PLEASE. EVERYTIME I SEARCH FOR SOMEONES NAME ON BIRTHS, MARRIAGES OR DEATHS, NOTHING SEEMS TO SHOW FOR THE DATES AFTER 1906. I'VE BEEN SEARCHING ON ANCESTRY. ANY THOUGHTS ON THIS PLEASE? PAM