Genealogy Chat

Does anyone know where I can trace births from before 1837? I've looked for IGI records on familysearch.org, but the births I'm looking for aren't listed. Thanks Tracey

You can check out parish registers, but I think you will have to put some legwork in as they are not online. Liz x

If you have an LDS Family History Centre near you (check for nearest one on www.familysearch.org), then you can order parish records on film for a few pounds, and they will keep them at your local centre for about a month so that you can view them. You obviously have to know which parish the births took place in though. Kath. x

Thanks Vicky, but they are in Hampshire.

Thanks Kathleen. I know they were in Hampshire, but I don't know the actual Parish. I'm not sure how I could find that out?

If you find them on an early census, that should give you their place of birth. Sam x

Thanks. When did census' start? The earliest I can find online is 1841. I'm looking for births from around 1770, so they may not be on the 1841 census.

If the surnames are unusual, it might be worth looking at familyhistoryonline. They don't have Hampshire births there, but they should have most of the pre 1837 burials. This might suggest at least whether there is a concentration of names in the area. Another guide to where a surname comes from, again if it is rare, is to get hold of the Surname Atlas. This cd maps 1881 surnames onto a map of England. It won't be infallible, but it is a good guide.

Thanks