Genealogy Chat

I've found some entries for my husbands family members on 1837online but do not know the exact dates of birth. Will I have to go to the FRO and search for the birth certificates/entries or is there some way of ordering them without the exact d.o.b? I have tried ordering them on line but it has asked me for d.o.b which I cannot provide. Any advice please! Thanks Eleanorx

Hi Eleanor If you can get an approximate date of birth, try your local reference library [nearest main town]. Most have a research section where you can check the GRO indexes for free. Take your approx dates and work 5 years either side to start with, moving further if no joy. These will give you a GRO index which will enable you to order a cert from the NRA. Better, check under "Superindent Registrars" column, which will indicate wheere birth took place [library staff will assist in deciphering area code]. They can also give you the current registrars address, from which you can order your cert - they will need the quarter and year in which birth registered, with [obviously] the name. Cheaper than the National Records Office, and usually faster. Hope this is of help Badger Bill Worthing

Hi, You don't actually need an exact dob. All you need is the "district", "vol" and "page" which you find next to the entry of the name. I have ordered several birth certs from the GRO and in all of them I didn't have a dob. If you look further down the application form, there is a section which you can add this info in. Hope this helps, Regards, Mike

Yes, I have never had a d.o.b or parents details, but as long as you fill in the correct gro reference place, vol and page they send it to you. if the name doesn't match they charge £3 to look and tell you you have the wrong details by e-mail and refund you £4.00 direc to your credit card. KIM

All I've had in the past is the GRO reference number - obviously if you have found this on 1837 you will know the year and quarter too. I now always order my certs from the GRO as you get a photocopy of the original. And I always ring rather than order online as I prefer to speak to a human being! The telephone number is on the GRO website. They ask for the GRO ref no and the quarter and then if you know them the names of the parents. The certs are a little bit more expensive at 8.50. Jeanette

Thanks Bill, Mike, Kim and Jeanette. I'll send off and see what happens! Four of those names I am looking for appear to be my hubbies 1/2 sisters, one of whom I am fascinated by as she is the only one of all his eight 1/2 siblings who was born in London (as he was - the rest were all born in Birkenhead). What's more, she was born less than a year before him so who knows they may even have the same father! Thanks again Eleanor xx