When Were Births First Registered in Uk?

The official registration of births, deaths and marriages begins. A formal system of civil registration of birth, marriages and deaths came into force across England and Wales on this day in 1837.

When did registration of births become compulsory?

It was on the all-important date of 1 January 1875 that the Registration of Births and Deaths Act 1874 came into effect and registration became the responsibility of the parents, or the householder where the birth took place, on penalty of a £2 fine.

How far back do UK birth records go?

For vital record information before the nineteenth century, parish records (primarily baptisms, marriages and burials) are the best source. They can go as far back as 1538. Our England & Wales Birth, Marriage and Death (BMD) Index collections (1837 - 2005) provide the most complete resource available online.