Bradford Local Studies Library Parish and Nonconformist Registers: Leaflet 3 Non-conformist Registers Family History Society Publications Copies in Bradford Local Studies Library on microfiche Margaret McMillan Tower, Princes Way, Bradford, BD1 1NN 01274 433688 [email protected] https://bradfordlocalstudies.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/BradfordLocalStudies/ Page 1 of 14 Non-CONFORMIST REGISTERS Family History Society Publications Copies held in Bradford Local Studies Library on microfilm. What are Parish Registers? In 1538, Thomas Cromwell, ordered that every baptism, marriage and burial be recorded. The first records were written on paper, then on parchment and eventually all entries were made in a book and kept in a Parish Chest for safety. In 1753 with Hardwicke’s Marriage Act, marriages had to be written in a separate book from baptisms and burials. In 1812 under Rose’s Act separate pre-printed books were used for all three events. Be aware that before 1733 the entries are likely to be in Latin. Parish registers continue to the present day. However, it is very unlikely that a complete record from 1538 to the present date exists for any one church. During the English Civil War entries were spasmodic and in 1653 civil registration replaced the parish registers. Therefore few survive from this time. What can be found in the Registers? Before 1813 information provided is variable and depended on the incumbent of the Parish. Some incumbents added useful notes at the side of the entry, such as birth date; cause of death; or religious conviction. After 1813 (1837 for marriages) and pre-printed stationary the following details should be available: Baptisms - Date of Baptism; Name; Parent’s names; Parent’s place of residence; Father’s occupation; Person officiating. Marriages – Date of Marriage; Names, marital status, occupation and place of residence of the bride and groom; Both Fathers’ names and occupation; whether married by banns or license; Person officiating; Signatures of the bridal couple Burials – Date of Burial; Name; Place of residence/occupation; Age; Person officiating. Sometimes the parent’s name and marital status will be included. ------------------------------------- Bradford Local Studies Library holds microfiche for the old Church of England dioceses of Bradford, Wakefield and Ripon - both for Church of England churches and Non-Conformists chapels. Bradford Diocese included the area around Bradford, Ilkey, Keighley and towards Skipton. Ripon Diocese included Wetherby, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Barnard Castle, Catterick, Ripon, Ingleton. Wakefield Diocese included – Castleford, Pontefract, Barnsley, Wakefield. Below is a list of those registers for non-conformist churches. The dates given are outside dates only and there maybe gaps in some registers and the Bishops’ Transcripts.