A guide to finding Bishops' Transcripts for Derbyshire and how they can help family historians. What are Bishops’ Transcripts? In 1598, parishes were ordered to send an annual copy of all baptisms, marriages and burials for the year to the church authorities. These returns are known as ‘Bishop’s Transcripts’, or BTs for short, and continued to … Continue reading Bishops’ Transcripts
Church Registers
Church Registers
A guide to Derbyshire Anglican, Catholic and Non-Conformist church registers. Derbyshire Record Office is also the Derby Diocesan Record Office for the Church of England. Many non-conformist churches also deposit their records and registers. Catholic registers, however, are mostly held elsewhere (see below). Anglican (Church of England) Parish Registers Parish registers are the main source … Continue reading Church Registers
Beginner’s Latin
A guide for family historians using church registers before 1733 when Latin is the official language, identifying key words and phrases to help you make sense of the records. Although not the common spoken language in England, the official written language was Latin until 1733. Many priests did start using English before 1733, and it … Continue reading Beginner’s Latin
Derbyshire Parish Registers Online
A guide to accessing Derbyshire Anglican church registers from 1538 online via Ancestry. What are parish registers? Parish registers have been, and still are, created by all Anglican churches. They record ceremonies of baptism, marriage and burial. Between 1538 and 1753 all ceremonies were recorded in the same register, usually, though not always, … Continue reading Derbyshire Parish Registers Online
Family History – Getting Started
A guide to where to start with your family history and the main types of record to help you. The first thing to do, is to gather together as much information as you can from present day family members and any family documents you have at home. Record what you already know such as names, … Continue reading Family History – Getting Started
Dronfield 1917 (in 2017)
Last night, while others spending an evening at school may have been watching the typical (or less typical) Christmas nativity, I was privileged to attend Stonelow Junior School to see the year 6 give a dramatic presentation for Dronfield 2017: Stories from the First World War. For the last 12 months, the pupils have been researching … Continue reading Dronfield 1917 (in 2017)
Derbyshire Record Office 