The parish registers contain key local information.
Key dates
1538
Thomas Cromwell’s injunction establishing the registration of baptisms, marriages and burials.
1598
Entries are to be written into parchment registers and copies (Bishops transcripts) to be deposited with the Diocesan Registrar.
1653
Civil registration of births, marriages and deaths during the Commonwealth begins.
1678
The Burial in Woollen Act, stating that corpses had to be buried in shrouds of pure wool only. Repealed 1814.
1754
Hardwicke’s Act, to prevent secret marriages. Introduced printed marriage registers.
1812
Rose’s Act. Introduced printed register for baptisms and burials.
1837
Civil registration of birth, marriages and deaths. A new form of marriage register issued.
Information contained in registers
Baptisms
Most registers all periods
Date of baptism; child’s name [sometimes: parents’ names; father’s occupation; date of birth].
Additionally from 1813
Parents’ names; father’s occupation (mother’s if the child is illegitimate); abode [sometimes: date of birth].
Burials
Most registers all periods
Date of burial; name of deceased [sometimes: age; occupation (in the case of a child) names of parents; cause of death; marital status; biographical details].
Additionally from 1813
Abode; age [sometimes: cause of death].
Marriages
Most registers all periods
Date of marriage; names of parties [sometimes: whether the marriage was by licence or banns; name of parish, if one party was from another parish].
Additionally 1754-1812
Parish of both parties; whether the marriage was by licence or banns; signatures or marks of the parties; signatures or marks
1754-1812 of the witnesses; signature of the minister officiating [sometimes: whether the parties are bachelor or spinster; that the marriage is with the consent of parents or guardians].
Additionally from 1837
Age (sometimes only “full” or “minor”); condition (bachelor or spinster); occupation of parties; names and occupations of fathers.
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