Civil Registration of Births Marriages and deaths only started in 1837. So there arent any certificates beofre that!
You have to rely on Parish registers (if they have survived) recording Christenings (if your ancestor was christeend), marriages and burials.
These can be found at local record Offices. And it is great fun to visit and search through them!
But if that is difficult, then you may be lucky and find a Rootschatter who has access to particular parish records (you can buy CD's and things from Local History Societies) or who is visiting a partiicular Record Office.
So for Johns birth in about 1831 in Holme Norfolk - you will need to look for a christening in that parish or a neighbouring one to find parents.
Or - if he married AFTER 1837, his mariage cert will hopefully give his fathers name and occupation and so be a bit of a help in guiding you to the right people. Maybe to finding him as a child with his parents on censuses before his marriage.
AND dont forget that many parish registers are on the IGI at
www.familysearch.org - free to look at. Beware of those marked "submitted" they can be a load of rubbish! Ones marked "extracted" are usually more reliable, but always best to check them out yourself.
The films of the registers that are on the IGI can be ordered to look at at your local LatterDaySaints place , I beleive, but I personally have never tried that.
Hope there are a few pointers there - but as always on here - just ask if you are unsure or get stuck.
