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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Lancashire => Topic started by: jkitchin on Thursday 14 February 08 11:40 GMT (UK)

Title: St Nicholas Liverpool Parish Records
Post by: jkitchin on Thursday 14 February 08 11:40 GMT (UK)
Hi, Is anyone familiar with the records from St Nicholas? I want to establish the parents of Elizabeth Lowe who married Richard Scarisbrick on 15/08/1836 at this church. I know some churches list the bridegroom/brides parents for a marriage and some don't. I'm trying to save myself a wasted journey to the records office if someone tells me that ithe parent information is not inclded in St Nicholas records.
Many thanks

Jean
Title: Re: St Nicholas Liverpool Parish Records
Post by: andrewalston on Thursday 14 February 08 12:55 GMT (UK)
Parents' names only became compulsory with civil registration in 1837.

In 1836, most churches would be using pre-printed registration books, especially in a busy place like Liverpool. Because there was no requirement for it, space for naming parents was not provided.

What you commonly find, though, is that one or more of the witnesses was a sibling - still common today. Using a sibling can give you a good idea which are the likely parents from the pool of baptisms.

It was the bride and groom who were deemed important, so sometimes you get occupations noted. This would help cross-check with later census info - and don't forget that sons often followed their father's trade.