Parish registers of baptisms, marriages and burials are one of the most important sources of information to the family history researcher. 

Essential for research earlier than 1837, when civil registration of births, deaths, and marriages began, later parish registers can be invaluable when civil records cannot be found.

Parish Registers were the records of the Church of England: From 1538 the parish minister was supposed to record all baptisms, marriages and burials of all those in his parish, though many did not record events relating to non-conformists, and others were slow to respond to the requirements for keeping records. Not all parish records have survived, particularly the earlier ones, and some have survived but are in poor condition.

Most Parish registers can be found today at the relevant County Record Office, although a small number remain with individual churches. Some registers have been transcribed or indexed, and the International Genealogical Index (www.familysearch.org) can be a useful finding aid, though it is important to see the original register, or a copy, to ensure full and accurate information, and to eliminate other possible individuals from your research - there may be others of the same name and age in the same parish.

Parish Registers