Genealogy Chat

I have got the the point where the GRO cannot help and have to look in Parish Records. All my ancestors seem to be in the London/Middlesex area. Where do I go to look up particular church records. Is there one Council record office in London or more. Some of the churches no longer exist. How do I find out where there records are kept. I am really at a loss as quite new to this. I received a lot of help of this message board with a previous query and so am hoping this will get similar response. Georgina Clements

Hi, I'm there too!! We need to go to the London Metropolitan Archives, there is some info on this website. Maybe see you there!!! http://www(.)cityoflondon(.)gov(.)uk/applications/family-research/index(.)htm Maz. XX

Hi, The LMA is a treasure trove of information although the first time you go you'll probably be slow as you'll need to work out where everything is. The staff are very friendly and helpful - just ask if you're stuck! Each borough has its own folders listing what is available: all the churches are listed along with records of which baptisms, marriages and burials (and their dates) are held. Most have been filmed but some are originals which you have to order (takes about 20-30 minutes). There are also old maps, street indexes - including street name changes, electoral registers, school admissions etc. The lockers are £1 (returnable) and there's a hot drinks machine, but take your own food. Hope you enjoy yourselves. Janice

Janice and Marion, Thanks for that information. You have helped me so much. Do I have to book an appointment and are they only open in the week. Georgina

Meant't to say where are the archives and do they have a phone number. Georgina

You don't need to book and they are open every day - late on Thursdays ( I think). The place is a short walk from the Family Records Centre so you'll be able to move between the two if you want to. They have been opening once a month on Saturdays too. Check the website for dates.

I am in same position as yourself. Very helpful information. Thanks

I have recently written to 'The Parish Priest' c/o a number of churches and asked them to search their registers for a name. I always enclose a SAE but I have had 100% response i.e. they all replied. This has helped me to find one ancestor who was elusive. So if the churches still exist, it can be done remotely, without travelling to London. Good Luck, Hilary

Thanks Janice for some useful info. Maz. XX

Hi, Thanks for all your help this has put me on the right road. I did not realise that if you added a message your original message moved up the list I thought that you just disappeared when you got to page 12 or whatever. Because of that if any of you have any help re my next query I have just posted another question entitled Do I go to the LMA or Guildhall Library. Thanks again. Georgina

I believe the LMA are closed for stocktaking until the 17th November. Kathy

Hi Georgina, The best place is the LMA, or alternatively you could go to the main library of the London Borough where the event took place. They will most probably have the parish records on microfilm for that particular borough of London and you could get a copy of the record for a few pence. Regards Kathy

Georgina. Just seen your query. The L.M.A. is an Aladdins Cave of information if your ancestors were born in London. You view the original parish registers on microfische and can then photocopy. It has been invaluable to me. It is closed for stocktaking until 17.11.2003. If you go onto its web site you can find out in the London Generations database what churches it covers, electoral rolls, etc. so you can prepare for a visit in advance. Good luck. Jean.

Hi Jean, Thanks for that information. I only found this message site in the last week and it has been invaluable. Once I got past the General Records Office I have been at a loss but with everyones help I have got on the right path. I have learnt a lesson of not being fully prepared when you go to these places and you need to know exactly what you want to look up rather than stabbing around in the dark. A friend of mine who is very well up on family history went to a Fair for Family History and she said that she too had made the same mistake of not having all her details with her etc. Thanks again. Georgina

Kathleen, Thanks for that information. As so many of the areas in London have changed do you go to the Borough the area was in or the area it is in now. I am also having this trouble between Middlesex and London. Georgina

Hi Georgina, You go to the Borough it is in now. Most of London was Middlesex at one time anyway. The old London was only around the City of London and parts of South London over London Bridge - i.e., Southwark. My ancestors came from Stepney, Bow, Bethnal Green, Mile End, etc. which used to be Middlesex and all of these areas are now covered by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. There is a brilliant library at 277 Bancroft Road, London E1 (Stepney Green) which covers Tower Hamlets Local History with Censuses and Parish Records on microfilm. Photocopies only cost a few pence. Let me know if you need anymore info about this. Kathy

I sometimes go to Southwark Archives (near Borough tube station) but they don't have the parish records. These are stored at the LMA.

Kathleen, can you let me have your e-mail addresss as you seem to hav so much knowledge. It would be nice to talk to you when the message dissapears. My e-mail address is [email protected]. georgina