Thread: Am I a twin or not??

Hi there



I have just started researching my family tree and really need some help.



Can I find out whether I was a twin without consulting one of my parents??



My mother has always said I was a twin but that my twin was stillborn sadly. I grew up with this knowledge but she refuses to discuss it at length with me. She gets very defensive. My mother and I have a very difficult relationship. She has been known to tell quite a few porkies for dramatic effect and often forgets what lies she has told!!



My parents divorced in 1983 and never spoke unless they had to and were very negative/hateful about each other. My father passed away in 2007 but before he passed away, I asked him about my 'stillborn' twin. He didn't have a clue what I was talking about!! but he responded with "ask your mother about your other brothers and sisters!" and left it at that.



I only have one sister. I don't know of any other brothers or sisters that died or lived.



Is there any way I can find out if my parents had any other children or if there is any truth to this stillborn story without seeking consent from my mother who just refuses to discuss it whatsoever?!



Thank you in advance



mrsdp

Hi mrsdp,



We all seem to have heard stories that may have little or no truth to them.

If you had a twin and it was still born, there may not be any record of it. Only babies that breath at birth are given death certificates. Have you got your own birth certificate ? There may or maynot be an indication on there. But if it is not mentioned it doesn't meen there wasn't another. As for other siblings, it may be possible to find them if they exsist. You will need to post another thread adding the names of your parents and approx year of marriage.

Hi Starlight



Many thanks for your reply.



My husband's family have just discovered all sorts of skeletons in the closet which has been quite upsetting so when it comes to my own family, and my mother's tall stories, I can understand how following a lead based on a parent's off the cuff remark which may have no substance could be a disappointing challenge.



However, I just have a 'hunch'. Something is 'nagging me' inside. Thank you for your advice. This is a great sight and I will certainly take your advice and post my name etc and just see what happens. You never know.....



Thank you



mrsdp

If you had a twin born alive the time of birth would be noted on your birth cert as well as your twin's.



If your mother had a stillborn child it would be entered on the stillbirth register. Only parents or siblings (if both parents are dead) have access to this register.



Information here: http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/stillbirths/