Birth, marriage and death records are the backbone of family history research and with the ever increasing interest in family history they are essential and heavily used sources. It is true that guides to family sources abound, but this book takes a new approach. Besides offering clear guidance on accessing and using the records, the book tells the story behind their compilation and history. As such, it is different from others.
The authors are well-placed to tell this story. Both have considerable experience working at the National Archives, David Annal is a professional family history researcher and Audrey Collins has conducted extensive research into the history of the General Register Office. The story starts with the establishment of the Church of England in 1538 and the legal requirement that every parish needed to record every christening, wedding and burial. By the early 19th century, it was clear that the system was no longer working and accordingly in 1837 the newly established General Register Office was responsible for the compulsory civil registration of births, marriages and deaths in England and Wales.
Considerable detail is provided about the way in which registration was implemented. Much of this is illuminating and fascinating, such as the descriptions of 18th century clandestine marriages. Registrars were paid by results so that some paid agents to trace newborn children who might have escaped registration. Details about changes in legislation are given. For instance, the 1875 Act meant that a certificate from a doctor was required to register a death. These changes influence the amount of information that searchers will find.
Although over half the book is devoted to parish registers and civil registration in England and Wales, the remainder looks at other sources. By 1800, over a quarter of the population belonged to nonconformist churches, so their records are vitally important. Likewise the records of those who were born, married or died overseas or at sea, military records for those who died in action or whose children were born while they were serving abroad are important. A full discussion of Scottish, Irish and the Channel Islands and Isle of Man is given. Adoption and divorce records are examined and the chapter on unexpected sources covers probate records, burial registers, school registers, poor relief and naturalization records among others.
The final chapter clearly outlines ways of accessing the records. An Appendix summarizes the most important legislation. References are given to the full texts and a short but informative bibliography follows.
Throughout the authors adopt a lightness of touch enlivening the story with human detail about the personalities behind the legislation. Illustrations are apt and enliven the text. This is no dry as dust work, but an essentially readable and approachable book which provides a wealth of useful information to ensure users gain the maximum benefit from the sources.
