Birth certificates are an essential document that records a person's birth, date, and place of birth, parents' names, and other relevant information. The presence of this document is essential for various official matters, such as acquiring a passport, enrolling in educational institutions, and entering into marriage. But when did birth certificates start, and how did they come into existence?
Birth Registration in the UK Before 1837
Prior to the introduction of birth certificates in England and Wales in 1837, there was no standardized system for recording births. The responsibility for recording births lay with the parish churches, which kept records of christenings and baptisms. However, not all parents chose to have their children baptized, and as a result, many births went unrecorded. This lack of record-keeping made it challenging to establish a person's identity, especially when it came to legal matters.
The Introduction of Birth Certificates
The Births and Deaths Registration Act of 1836 established a national system of civil registration in England and Wales, which required the registration of all births, deaths, and marriages. The act also created the General Register Office (GRO), which is responsible for maintaining the national database of birth, death, and marriage records. The first birth certificates were issued in July 1837 and were written by hand on vellum or parchment. The certificates included the child's name, date and place of birth, and the names and occupations of the parents. In 1874, the certificates started being printed on paper, and in 1911 the design was changed to the format still in use today.
What Information is Included on a Birth Certificate?
Today, birth certificates in the UK include the following information:
· Full name of the child · Date and place of birth · Gender · Name, surname, and occupation of the father · Maiden name, occupation, and address of the mother · Name and address of the informant · Date of registration · Signature of the registrar
How to Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate
If you need a copy of a birth certificate, you can order one here.
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