GRO online orders

[LizzieW]

I usually copy the order and save it in my documents under GRO orders.  When all the certificates have arrived, I delete the appropriate order.

I found it very useful to have a copy of an order a few months ago, when I had to contact GRO about missing certificates.

Lizzie

ps.  Aulus, I know how much I've spent on certificates, I don't need a reminder.

[silvery]

That's the part I dont understand how can it be called freedom of information if they charge you??

Billa

They never said it was 'free' information    
There is a difference 

[suey]

I don't mind paying, what else can you do for £7.50 and without certain certificates my family history would be going no-where fast.

A death cert received recently has given me a link to otherwise unknown Military connections, something I'd never have known without that cert.  So, that particular one was worth every penny 

[shazs]

Hi,
Well I've been really impressed with the GRO. I emailed them with my problem and they've sorted it out and sent me a duplicate certificate.

Great service!

Sharon

[Tsu]

I've just started a spreadsheet, so thanks for that suggestion!

I have about 12 birth certificates for my Thomas Jones before I found the right one (turns out he wasn't Thomas Henry Jones, just plain Thomas Jones).

I am currently up to number six for his brother George and still haven't found him.

[sarahsean]

I`ve found the GRO to be very good. I live in Ireland but of British descent and have always received certs very quickly.
Regards
Sarah

[Aulus]

I've just started a spreadsheet, so thanks for that suggestion!

I have about 12 birth certificates for my Thomas Jones before I found the right one (turns out he wasn't Thomas Henry Jones, just plain Thomas Jones).

I am currently up to number six for his brother George and still haven't found him.

Umm ... you do know you can add in "reference checking" and that you could put in the names of the parents (if I'm doing that, I try to be fairly vague)?

You still pay, but if it doesn't match, then they will email you to say the certificate won't be produced because the field you specified doesn't match, and they'll refund you either £3 or £4 (I forget which).

That said, I'm up to four for Great Great-Aunt Florence (my avatar to the left).  Not only did she upset the family we know not why, but she's incredibly elusive.

[kerryb]

Well I've got some good news about the GRO for a change.

I ordered two certificates on Monday and they have just arrived on the proposed despatch date 

and for once they were actually helpful to my research.

Oh I am a happy bunny.

Kerry 

[Aulus]

I don't mind paying, what else can you do for £7.50 and without certain certificates my family history would be going no-where fast.

A death cert received recently has given me a link to otherwise unknown Military connections, something I'd never have known without that cert.  So, that particular one was worth every penny 

I'm bracing myself for getting death certificates for quite a few of my lot.  It feels a bit morbid, but it's quite nice to be able to "close someone off". 

I've been surprised how many of my lot, even in the 19th century died of cancer - either explicitly stated, or pretty obviously so from the description given.  I always thought of cancer as a 20th century disease (and have always had a pet suspicion that margarine had something to do with it), but it's been killing my family for generations.  Still, at least I know my fate.