NONCONFORMIST REGISTERS

What are they?
They are the records of denominations that did not conform to the beliefs and practices of the Church of England, for example, Methodists, Baptists, and Quakers. Although nonconformists usually had their births, marriages and burials recorded in the Church of England parish registers, from the late 18th century onwards they often kept their own registers. From 1754 (Hardwicke's Marriage Act) to 1836, only marriages within the Church of England were legally valid, though Quakers and Jews were exempt from this legislation.


What information might they give?
Nonconformist records often contain more information than available on parish records. Births and deaths are recorded as well as baptisms and burials. There is often more information about parents including the mother's maiden name.


Where can they be found?
Most are to be found at local records offices. The local family history society may hold records for their area. Many nonconformist records are indexed on the IGI. There is some further coverage on the BVRI (British Vital Records Index) which is available on CD. Some records are held on microfilm at the National Archives. Some registers are now online at BMD Registers: The Official Non-Conformist and Non-Parochial BMDs Service


Uses and limitations
Nonconformist BMD records may contain more information than given in parish records and so can be invaluable to family historians. Many of the records have not survived. These congregations were often persecuted and at times may have been meeting illegally. They may have met secretly in houses rather than in churches. In these circumstances records were often patchy.

Written By Ancestry Aid Member: Gillian


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