Genealogy Chat

As far as I was aware, registeration of births did not become compulsory until 1875.

SHEILA POWELL Researching BMD 1837 onwards. I had a grandfather, Enoch Austin Harris on his death cert. and on two marriage certs. But I could not find his birth in 1867, so I had a researcher trace for me.I knew his parents names and the researcher came up with James Austin Harris in 1867 with the correct parents and occupation, and address that I had already. What happened in those days because there were a lot of deaths at birth they were given their names by the mother for registering in the hospital or at home straight at birth and when husband came in from work and objected it was too late to change,but still demaded that the child be called after himself or whoever from that day on. So whilst I was looking for Enoch Austin, my grandfathers record was actually James. Try and locate the date or month and parents name and occupations and go through all the male names of that time and check for parents identity.

I have been trying to track down my great-grandparents' father and mother. My greatgrandfather was born in 1835 and so I thought I would get this information via his siblings who, according to the family bible, were born in 1837 and 1839 [exact dates were given]but in researching I have given some latitude. Could anyone advise me how strict they were from 1837 onwards on the registering of births. Has anyone come across a relative in that era who was not registered and found out about them via other means? Before I do a further search could anyone advise me re the above or tell me what I have missed. I know the town where they were born. Thanks very much in anticipation of your help.