Here is a timeline which gives you a summary of how Parish Registers began, and how they have changed over time.
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1538 |
Cromwell, from the court of Henry VIII, ordered that every wedding, baptism and burial was to be recorded. |
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1553 |
There may be gaps in Parish Registers between 1553 and 1558 and the Catholic Mary Tudor was on the throne. |
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1558 |
Although early records were made on paper, in 1558 parchment was used, and the older records were supposed to have been copied (although some never were and have been lost). |
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1597 |
A second copy of the records had to be made and sent to the Bishop. |
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1642 |
There may be gaps in the records during the English Civil War and Commonwealth (1642-1660), as records were poorly kept or hidden, and some have been lost. |
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1678 |
Between 1678 and 1814 an affidavit was required to be sworn that when buried, the deceased was buried in wool or a fine of £5 was given. |
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1751 |
Calender changes - One calendar year became Jan 1st to 31st December, rather than having each year start on March 25th. |
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1783 |
A stamp duty of 3 pence was imposed on every entry, although paupers were exempt. Tax evasion naturally occured, and the Act was repealed in 1794, and declared unsuccessful. |
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1812 |
Baptisms, marriages and burials were entered in seperate, specially printed books, eight entries per page and including more information. |
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1837 |
Civil registration is introduced. |
