Bishops’ Transcripts

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 …

Civil Registration: births, marriages and deaths

A guide to searching for information about births, marriages and deaths in Derbyshire after September 1837, including the information provided on a certificate and how to order a copy certificate.   Civil registration is the official recording of births, marriages and deaths. In England and Wales, the system was established in September 1837 and is …

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 …

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 …

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, …