Cheapest English certificates?

[Beppy]

I've managed to not order any English certificates for many years but now think it is time, there is no alternative. I've noticed it is not possible to get transcriptions of English certificates at a cheaper price. Which web site is the best and cheapest on which to order just now?

OR can I subscribe to a database? I have a subscription to Ancestry but need parents names etc.

Thanks
Beppy in sunny Sydney

[silvery]

You get certificates direct from the General Register Office (GRO) £7.  Don't pay any more anywhere else.

http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/

some areas have their on on-line sites, for example Cheshire, Lancashire (go to UKBMD for more information).  These will give you different and local reference numbers to order certs from,  but they are still £7.

[silvery]

For the GRO ordering when you have the index reference number

Register/sign in
Tick yes for the question  - 'Is the General Register Office Index known?'
Complete delivery details page
Particulars page, complete only the sections with a red star by them.

[GeoffE]

If you need a marriage certificate, you may find that the local County Records Office will provide you with a photocopy of the register for less than £1.  You will probably need to know in which church the marriage was conducted.

[charlotteCH]

Geoff,
That's an amazing piece of info .  Do you know if you have to apply in person over the counter  and take the photocopy to save them  postage or can one apply via the net and use a credit card?
Of course I'll bet my lot lived in areas not covered by such kind CROs.

charlotte

[JenB]

Do you know if you have to apply in person over the counter and take the photocopy to save them postage or can one apply via the net and use a credit card?
Of course I'll bet my lot lived in areas not covered by such kind CROs.

I think this must depend very much on each individual CRO. And as Geoff says, you would need to know the exact name of the church involved and the date of the marriage - the GRO Reference would be of no use at all.

As an example here is what is available at Durham Record Office http://www.rootschat.com/links/02wt/


Jennifer

[Ruskie]

For pre 1837 some libraries will send photocopies of marriage/birth entries. Charges depend on the library.

I think Birmingham charged £3, Surrey charged something like £4 for up to 3 entries, and some charge £0! And that £0 includes postage to Australia! Yes, you DO need to know the names, date and church, however with one of my Birmingham ones I just had name and date and the correct entry was found for me. (I've had great service from the libraries).

For post 1837 I use the GRO - £7 includes postage to Australia (! ) so not a bad deal. Costs more to buy Aus certs! If you know you have the correct b,d or m, you never regret that £7 investment!

[kerryb]

For post 1837 you have to be very careful some counties, my local one included charge up to £11 for certificates, I just simply use GRO, same price every county and cheaper than some!

Kerry

[KathMc]

Thanks for starting this thread Beppy and for all the great advice. I too am getting ready to order some for the first time, when I get back to my martin line, and this information is wonderful for me.

Kath