Libraries and leisure

Parish Registers

Until civil registration began in 1837, parish registers are the only record of baptisms, marriages and burials throughout the United Kingdom (except for Jews and Quakers). Despite their earlier deficiencies and occasional gaps they form the principal source for genealogical information up to that time.

In Hertfordshire there were 132 ancient parishes, each keeping separate series of registers. In addition to the ancient churches there are many more of modern origin, formed as chapels of ease or district churches within the larger, more populous parishes, and each being licensed to varying degrees to maintain separate series of registers.

Read on to find out more about parish registers, and a list of the registers held at Archives & Local Studies and in libraries. An index to Hertfordshire marriage registers 1538 - 1837 is available through Hertfordshire Names Online. To search Hertfordshire Names Online click on the link on the right hand side.