Sources:
England/Wales, Civil Registrations
| Abbreviation | England/Wales, Civil Registrations |
Narrative
Civil Registrations of births for England and Wales usually provide the child's name, sex, birth date, and birthplace; the parents' names (including the mother's maiden name); the father's occupation; and the informant's signature, residence, and "description" (often relationship). Most births were registered within 42 days of the birth.
Civil registrations of marriages provide the marriage date, place, and denomination (if a church marriage); the names of the bride and groom, whether they were single or widowed, and their ages, occupations, and residences at the time of marriage; the father's names and occupations (and whether they were deceased); and the signatures of the bride, groom, and witnesses. Marriages usually took place at the bride's residence. Marriages were to be reported immeidately after the ceremony.
Civil registrations of deaths provide the name; age; date, place, and cause of death; occupation; (sometimes the spouse's name) and signature, relationship, and residence of the informant. When a child died, the parents' names are often written in the space for "occupation."
Since Civil Registrations for deaths start in 1837, many people who would not be listed in the birth or marriage registers might have clues in the death register. Children might also be listed in the birth register which could provide clues on parents such as the parent's place of birth, so children's birth and marriage records should be requested. When "stuck" on a family, use the principle of coming forward in time and searching descendants since they usually provide the new sources and locations for research.