Parish Registers
The Church of England Parish Registers of baptisms, marriages and burials provide the sources for much of the
genealogical research prior to the beginning of civil registration in 1837. Many of these records have been indexed and are available
on the Internet. There are however gaps in coverage and errors in indexing and transcription. Just occasionally the actual records
have additional information not included in the transcription.
Northern Roots can help by examining the original records, or microfilm
copies of them, at the County Record Offices. We can also usually obtain copies of these records.
If your ancestor was a Quaker, Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Congregationalist or a member of one of the many other religious congregations you will usually have more problems tracing your ancestry.
The records of non-conformist religions are generally less complete
and not so well indexed and transcribed. Dependent on the religion the archival records may be nationally held, or available at the
County Record Offices.
Northern Roots can help you address these problems and advise what is available in the northern county archives.
Monumental Inscriptions (Tombstones)
The burial records of the Parish will identify which of your ancestors were buried in the churchyard. Not all graves are marked by a tombstone, it all depends on the wealth of the deceased and, of course, whether the tombstone has survived. However many gravestones do exist, and they often have inscriptions describing other family members or other facets of their lives such as occupation or abode.
From the 19th century most people in urban areas were buried in cemeteries established by local government. Tracing a particular burial in these often huge cemeteries is challenging, but can also be rewarding. Once again only the relatively wealthy will have left a tombstone, but many of our clients appreciate at least a photograph of the burial location.
The parish also kept records on a range of administrative activities related to the church,
including records of the Parish Council (The Vestry Minutes) and the Churchwardens’ Account books. The Churchwardens were also responsible
for administering the Poor Law and the associated Poor Tax on every inhabitant and occupier of land. Because the church was such an
important institution in the community, their records provide a glimpse of village life, even if there are few, or even no references
to your ancestor.