England and Wales Birth Registration Index - FamilySearch Historical Records
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| This article describes a collection of records at FamilySearch.org. | |
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| Record Description | |
| Record Type | Birth Registration Index |
| Collection years | 1837-2008 |
| FamilySearch Resources | |
| Related Websites | |
| Archive | |
| General Register Office | |
Contents
What is in This Collection?[edit | edit source]
The collection consists of an index to births registered in England and Wales beginning 1 July 1837 through 2008. The index is arranged in volumes by years with the entries listed alphabetically. These indexes can be used to order a copy of the actual certificate. Index courtesy of Findmypast.com.
Image Visibility[edit | edit source]
Whenever possible FamilySearch makes images and indexes available for all users. However, rights to view these data are limited by contract and subject to change. Because of this there may be limitations on where and how images and indexes are available or who can see them. Please be aware some collections consist only of partial information indexed from the records and do not contain any images.
For additional information about image restrictions see Restrictions for Viewing Images in FamilySearch Historical Record Collections.
What Can These Records Tell Me?[edit | edit source]
The following information may be found in these records:
- Name of the child
- Mother's maiden name (starting July 1911).
- Registration year and quarter
- Place of registration
- Volume and page
Collection Content[edit | edit source]
Sample image of an indexed record
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How Do I Search This Collection?[edit | edit source]
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
- Name of the person
- Approximate date of the event
If you do not know what registration district you need, find your location in: UK BMD Registration Districts In England and Wales.
Search the Index[edit | edit source]
Search by name on the Collection Details Page.- Fill in the search boxes in the Search Collection section with the information you know
- Click Search to show possible matches
How Do I Analyze the Results?[edit | edit source]
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.
What Do I Do Next?[edit | edit source]
I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?[edit | edit source]
- Add any new information to your records
- If possible, use what you know to find an image of the original record. The index contains only basic identifying information for a person; the original record therefore may contain more information not found in the index
- Copies of certificates can be obtained through the General Register Office for a fee
- Use the information to find the child and other family members in census records
- Collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you identify possible relations that can be verified by records
I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?[edit | edit source]
- The registration quarter could be different from the actual birth quarter
- Check for variations of given names and surnames. It was not uncommon for an individual to be listed under a nickname, middle name, or abbreviation of their given name
- Standard spelling of names typically did not exist during the periods our ancestors lived in. Try searching based on how the name may have been pronounced
- Search the records of nearby locations
Research Helps[edit | edit source]
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in England.
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Wales.
Citing This Collection[edit | edit source]
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.
| Collection Citation: The citation for this collection can be found on the Collection Details Page in the section Citing this Collection. |
| Record Citation: When looking at a record, the citation can be viewed by clicking the drop-down arrow next to Document Information. |
How Can I Contribute to the FamilySearch Wiki?[edit | edit source]
| We welcome user additions to FamilySearch Historical Records wiki articles. We are looking for additional information that will help readers understand the topic and better use the available records. We also need translations for collection titles and images in articles about records written in languages other than English. For specific needs, please visit WikiProject FamilySearch Historical Records/Guidelines for Articles. Please follow these guidelines as you make changes. Thank you for any contributions you may provide. |
