Genealogy Chat

Thought you might like to know that Birmingham RO did a search for me between years 1905-1908 on the child's first name (Miriam) using the the mother's married name (TEA) and maiden surname (WRIGHT) as reference points but came up with nothing in the Registration District I had given him (Kings Norton). He suggested that the birth might have been registered (a) outside the area and/or (b) under the father's surname (who was a man the mother was not married to but subsequently went off with after having the child I'm searching for). He suggested requesting a 3-year nationwide search at GRO with mother's married/maiden surname, but I had already checked 1837online before I contacted him, so knew there wasn't a match. As I know Miriam turned up in N Wales with her mother (Ann TEA nee WRIGHT) in the 1930s, the genealogist at the RO suggested I do a trawl through Electoral Registers for the relevant town (Rhyl) to see if I can spot them - although of course they could have been living under the name of the man Ann went off with and whose name I don't know! So that will be fun. I feel the resident genealogist at Birmingham RO was really helpful with all this, and it has certainly clarified that the child was not registered in the area I expected under her mother's married or maiden name. So I'm thinking of taking a short break in North Wales..... Barbara

Hi Barbara I always specify some additional information regarding the parents when requesting a birth cert from the reg office and on occasion just the mum's name and maiden name if necessary. Usually though, I have provided the year and quarter. It may be a bit more difficult for you wanting a 2 year search but why not ring and ask? Eileen

I do know that if I had the GRO volume and page numbers I could order direct, but as I don't have the father's surname, I can't get the volume/page numbers. (Child is not registered under mother's married or maiden name). This was a child born outside of the marriage to the mother, by another man. I have the mother's married surname and her maiden name; the child's first name, and know the area (and Registration District) the birth would be in. Also know the birth took place between 1905 and 1908. Also know that the ROs don't use the GRO Volume and page numbers. So really need a direct search of Birth Registers looking for the child and mother (without knowing the father's name). The mother's married name is unusual (TEA). Child's name is Miriam and Reg District is Kings Norton - she's not there, Keith - have already looked under TEA and mother's maiden name of WRIGHT. Have now emailed the relevant RO to ask if they will do a search on the details I have supplied to them. Will let you know what they say. Thanks for your replies. Barbara

Local register offices don't use the GRO year and quarter, but if you know them you can order from GRO direct.

Hello Barbara. Your best approach is to get the Regn Vol and Page from 1837. Send me details and I'll look it up for you. Regards. Keith

I think the mother's name alone would suffice, especially if it is uncommon. No harm in asking them.

Is it possible to request a search for a birth cert from a local Register Office where the child's first name is known and the mother's married and maiden name, but not the child's father's surname? (I know the Registration District of the birth, and the time period within 2 years). Would they search on this information? (It's Worcester RO if that makes any difference). Does anyone know if this is worth a go? Barbara