GRO vs Church Records

[dawnsh]

Even the electronic ones on the new registrars systems contain mistakes that were created by the informants not checking the spellings at the time of registration, so many Geroge's, Willliams, and even a Freeeman in the death index.

They should be checked before the registrar pushes the final button.

[stanmapstone]

Just to say the "original marriage cerificate" given to the couple is actually a "certified copy" of the actual original entry in the Register Book of marriages of the Church.

Stan

[lisalucie]

Maybe not that relevant BUT when I got married the Priest copied down our details from the Banns...which were done 9 months before. So I'm actually written down for all posterity as marrying when aged a year younger than I was.
Thought Id add this because its another example of little errors that can occur on legal certificates etc

(Not that I mind knocking a year off!)

Lisa

[stanmapstone]

Maybe not that relevant BUT when I got married the Priest copied down our details from the Banns...which were done 9 months before.
Lisa

Banns have to be republished if the marriage is not solemnised within three months.
You must have your banns read out in church for three Sundays during the three months before the wedding. https://www.yourchurchwedding.org/article/reading-of-banns/

Stan

[lisalucie]

Maybe I've used the wrong word then Stan...apologies. The priest copied our details from what ever it is called that you fill out at the place you register births deaths and marriages. The place where they double check you actually know the person you are marrying lol. Either way my age is a year out on my marriage certificate.
Lisa.

[DmTomo]

When I need marriage certificates (post 1837) I always try to order them from the local registrar because their copy has the original signatures and they have in recent times provided scanned, or photocopied, copies.

[stanmapstone]

Not all Register Offices have the facility to photocopy the originals

Stan

[coombs]

I often note down the registration district then search FamilySearch or Anc to see what has been transcribed and if the entry comes up and if not, I then go to the local RO and look through the parish registers in the relevant district for the relevant quarter, and if I have the parish and date from IGI I can just go straight to the PR's for that village or town/city parish. Saves buying a cert unless they wed at a non conformist chapel or the local registry office, where you have to buy the GRO copy or inquire at the local RO.