Genealogy Chat

What is the best way to search for births before 1837? I've heard people mention the parish records Do you have to actually go to the parish concerned? Are these records likely to be on-line? What about the local FHS would they be able to help? This is uncharted territory and would appreciate some pointers. Thanks Shelli

Shelli, Ring your local library or record office and ask what parish records they have. They will advise you on booking a microfilm reader etc. too. The staff are usually very helpful. Not many parishes hold old registers now although some perhaps still do. Have a look at the links on the Genuki site for the place you are interested in and check under Church Records. Should tell you where they are held and what dates they cover. You will only get the baptism record from the register but sometimes it does give the birth date and baptism date if you are lucky. Beryl, Darlington

Beryl, The records I need are not local to me, so I phone the library local to the event is that right? Must agree with you my local library is great for local records but I'm in Sth London & need birth details for Kent Shelli

Shelli, Try the Genuki website and click the Kent link. You can access the link for Kent County Council Archives and Local Studies which might help. There are also links for Medway district and others. Give it a try and see what you come up with. Where in Kent are you interested in? Beryl

Various areas but all in same region. Knockholt, Stone, Shoreham, Cudham and Keston all areas just north-west of sevenoaks, although Keston is nearer to Bromley. Some certs are registered at Sevenoaks, others at Bromley. They're not that far from me but I don't drive so am struggling

Yvonne, won't cost ought to ask will it? will ask next time am in library Shelli

Yvonne/Shelli Not sure about that one but will be interested to hear what Shelli finds out. My FHS isn't meeting now until September. Beryl

Yvonne, I think some libraries are more helpful than others! I can't fault mine in Darlington. They also have all the GRO BMD index on microfilm. My problem at the moment is actually getting there because of family commitments and although it's within walking distance it might as well be miles away. When I do get the opportunity though I'll be booking in for the day!! I do understand Shelli's difficulty as I don't drive either. Beryl Darlington DUR

Shelli I could help you with any look-ups at Bromley Central Library. Or I could drive you there, and collect you later. Where in South London do you live? Also, there is an LDS library in Orpington. I haven't been there yet, but William seems to think they have a lot on microfiche at these places.