Genealogy Chat

How do I find out about an adoption of Ethel Betts,born 1893, adopted by James and Margaret Jeary in Norwich.?

There was no legal process for adoption until 1927, so you are very unlikely to find any documents. Was it her birth parents you were trying to find? Merry

yes but maybe it could perhaps be an illigitimate grandchild?Grandparents did that then.There are daughters but no one called Betts.Long shot really, thanks...

I've just seen her on the census. I would say it is very likely she is some sort of relation, but might be more complex than you are hoping! (ie more difficult to work out!!) Having a look around................. Merry

Might this be her birth reg?: Name: Ethel May Betts Year of Registration: 1892 Quarter of Registration: Jul-Aug-Sep District: Norwich County: Norfolk Volume: 4b Page: 183 Merry

She is on the 1901 census, with my grandad and the rest of the family.

Thank you, will that have both parents on? will send the Norwich cousins out to look !!!!!!!!

Well, it should have a mother's name on it!! But as to whether there is a father named??? If the couple were married then it's 99.9% likely, if they were not, then it's doubtful, but still possible! Merry

I should say, that isn't the only Ethel Betts registered in Norwich close to 1892/93, but it's the only one who would have been 8 years of age in 1901.........so a lot depends upon the age being accurate on the 1901.......................... Here's the full list 1891-1894 inc: Births Jun 1891 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Betts Ethel Maude Norwich 4b 159 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Births Sep 1892 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Betts Ethel May Norwich 4b 183 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Births Sep 1894 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Betts Ethel Maud Norwich 4b 150 Merry

Thank you Merry, don't know where I would be without you lot out there.............Gets me off the general board wasting time..........

Hi Sandra I read this recently on BAAF's www.adoptionsearchreunion.org.uk Q: I was adopted before 1927 so can this site still help me find some information? A: Adoptions were first made legal in the UK with the passing of the Adoption Act 1926. However before that time permanent placements were made by Guardians of the Poor or Public Assistance bodies. The county record offices are now the main holders of this information. Record offices are archives run by the local authorities to hold historic documents and there is free public access to all of them. Many record offices have provided details for the database of what they hold in these categories and you can search for Guardians of the Poor or for Public Assistance as welfare organisations. If there are records for the district in which you are interested, you will then find contact details for the appropriate archive. Record offices will appreciate it if you email or write in the first place and they can then tell you about the kind of information that is in their records and about what arrangements you need to make if you want to view them. Records with personal information in them are guarded very carefully by those that store them and it may be necessary for a third party to view them on your behalf. This might be an adoption worker in a local authority, a voluntary adoption agency or an adoption support agency. You can find out more about agencies that can help you and find an agency that can help you on this website. Hope this helps. Gerry Brindle