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Hello

i was just wondering if anyone has a marriage certificate from around 1844.  I am thinking of ordering one but i would like to know the detail it may have on it before ordering. Back then were the fathers names and occupations included, or was this a later addition? Also what else may be on it?

With birth certificates my mother's from 1951 has very little detail on it - not even her parents name. Is this the case back in the 1850-1900, were they this thoughtless to their descendents want of tracing their family, or was there more detail on the birth record back then.


Also does county make a difference to the detail on the certificate. Im looking south england: essex, sussex, london.

thanks
Tara

Hi Tara

Information on a Marriage Certificate is:
Number of Certificate
Date Married
Names & Surnames of each party
Ages
Condition (e.g. Bachelor or Spinster)
Rank or Orofession
Residence at time of Marriage
Both Father names & Surnames
Rank or Profession of both Father
Place of Marriage, by whom performed, whether after banns, licence or certificate
Signatures of parties who were married
Signatures of witnesses

Information on a Birth Certificate
Number
When & Where born
Names if any
Sex
Name and Surname of Father
Name, Surname and maiden name of mother
Occupation of Father
Signature, description and Residence of informant
When registered
Signature of Registrar
Name entered after Registration

 It sounds as though you have the 'free' short version of the birth certificate - a full certificate had to be paid for.  Parents were allowed 42 days to register the birth free of charge, after which a fee (fine) was payable.  Certificates were standard from 1837 onwards all over the country, but scotland included extra details on the birth certificate such as Date and place of parents marriage froom 1861 onwards.

Hope that helps

Chris in 1066Land