Hi Bel,
I knew my father was adopted, so applied for what I thought would give me more details other than family rumour.
What I got was a 'Certified copy of an entry in the Adopted Children Register', which is maintained at the GRO. This I applied for from GRO. It is NOT the adoption papers, as I thought. These papers are only available to the adopted child.
The certificate I have gives the date of the adoption, childs first name (no mention of the name he/she might have been registered in at birth) full name of the adopting couple, address and occupation. The date of birth of the child, date of adoption order and place.
Hope this helps,
Jane