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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Somerset => Topic started by: kevd on Monday 31 August 09 12:18 BST (UK)

Title: Bastardy order
Post by: kevd on Monday 31 August 09 12:18 BST (UK)

Hi

I've found a record of a bastardy order for my ancestor which is held at the Somerset Record Office. I've never come across bastardy orders until now.

Can anyone tell me what sort of information the record would contain and whether Somerset Record Office would send me a copy or if I'd need to go there for this? I'm in Wales so would be easier not to have to visit if possible.

Thanks

Kev

Title: Re: Bastardy order
Post by: stanmapstone on Monday 31 August 09 13:57 BST (UK)

Why not contect them?
By post
Somerset Record Office
Obridge Road
Taunton TA2 7PU
  By phone    01823 278805
  By fax    01823 325402
  By e-mail    archives[at]somerset.gov.uk

Stan

Title: Re: Bastardy order
Post by: stanmapstone on Monday 31 August 09 14:04 BST (UK)

Basically a Bastardy Order has the name of the Parish, the Date, Sex of child or children, name of the Mother, name of the Reputed Father, and the sum to be paid by the reputed father for the lying in of the mother and the weekly maintenance of the child or children.

Stan

Title: Re: Bastardy order
Post by: kevd on Monday 31 August 09 16:41 BST (UK)

That's great, thanks! I'll contact them.

Title: Re: Bastardy order
Post by: Redroger on Monday 31 August 09 18:20 BST (UK)

You're lucky Kevd, The woman I believe to have been my 3X great grandmother had at least 6 children all bastards, and never claimed for one of them, hence no documentation.This also in Somerset.