Genealogy Chat

Read all about it here: http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/registrars/5950.htm "How do I obtain a certificate for an historic stillbirth entry? Due to the sensitive nature of stillbirth registrations, the procedure for ordering copy certificates differs from other types of certificates. Apart from very recent events, the General Register Office holds records of all stillbirths registered in England and Wales since 1st July 1927. Certified copies of these records can only be obtained with the Registrar General's consent. The following conditions apply:- a certificate will only be issued to the mother or father of a stillborn child. siblings may apply if their mother and father are no longer alive. They should send details of their parents' dates of death with their application."

I have just telephoned my Aunt (in her eighties to ask about this boy). She tells me she does not recollect any sort of funeral service for him, so it seems that there may not be a registration after all. How sad.

As far as I am aware, a stillborn child was not registered at all but if the baby was alive at birth and died shortly after, it had to be registered as a birth and a death. I think this reason accounts for most of the male/female entries on the birth register and can be checked by looking in the death register for the same quarter.

Thanks Twinkle - just feel that the boy (my brother!) should be remembered in some way.

Heather, stillborn registers are not, as far as I know, open for just anyone to browse through. If you search for the thread 'stillbirth some answers' started by Maz or Max (can't remember who!) you'll find loads more information.

Actually, this made me think. My late mother often mentioned she had sadly had a stillborn boy (very much wanted) before my sis and I were born. I wonder if I could find his record just so I could add him to my tree. How would it best to look for him. I suppose just by Surname?

Hi Geoff, thats unbelievable isnt it. Surely the little soul should have had a proper burial, not just treated like the family's hamster.

There was no need to register stillbirths before 1926ish. It's quite possible that babies which died (very) soon after birth were not registered at all. As nearly all babies were born at home, it's quite likely that some were buried at home too.

Thats what I think might have happened in this case. It looks like there were twins born. The first was named Daniel Eatherton....then perhaps the second one popped out, quite unexpectedly, and the parents hadn't had time to think of a second name.

It should be registered as a death. But as I say, it may just be that they had not chosen a name or the transcriber couldnt make out a name.

Thanks for your reply Heather...any idea if the death would have to be registered or not if the baby did die..or would they assume that the baby never existed ??

Hi Im afraid it can mean the baby died shortly after birth. Although sometimes it was just the parents hadnt thought of a name.

On freebmd the first name is sometimes given as just "Male". Does anyone know what this usually means ? If I order the certificate do I expect to see the name Male given as the first name. Regards Martin