Genealogy Chat

I emailed the Windsor registrar, to ask about finding a death cert, which wasn't listed on the GRO but I knew that the date and place of death. I was amazed when I got a reply saying that she had found it and asking for payment. That is service! Lynn

All the local register offices I've used have been helpful and prompt, but problems arise with London as many of their register offices don't supply certificates for genealogy purposes. nell

I've always found the local ROs very helpful, and the certs come quicker than using the 'on-line' system. If I order more than one cert, I put in separate cheques, then if one doesn't refer, I get the cheque back. Also, on some occaisions it is at another RO, so they send on the request and the cheque to the appropriate RO. Anne

Kate To answer your question, if you put your phone number on the letter, very often they will phone you to check! I order most of my certs from local ROs (some have an on-line ordering facility) but quite often, if I am unsure, or have vague info, I send them an email first. I have never been charged for this and I can often rule out the wrong cert without paying for it. OC

Hmm, lovely idea, but death certificates don't always give the wife's name, so I wonder what they will do in that case? Kate.

Yes - a scanned one is nicer to have. Local Register Office - very rarely do I apply to the GR0 ... :-) Just typing one now - for instance, standard sort of wording in my letter:- 'Superintendent Registrar The Register Office ........... etc Dear Sir / Madam I wish to obtain a copy of a death certificate which I believe is detailed in your registers: for John ....., husband of Mary, whose death was registered in ............ in the ........ quarter of .... . I enclose my cheque for £7. If you cannot trace the record as detailed, please return it to me. With grateful thanks, Yours faithfully Enc: cheque, SAE'

Joy do you mean the local register office or the GRO?

I try to remember to say in the letter words to the effect of - the son / daughter of, or widow of, as appropriate ... ' and enclose my cheque for £7 and stamped addressed envelope. If you cannot trace the record as detailed, please return the cheque to me.' Goodness!! apart from giving a nudge now and then to my ongoing tips threads ie Irish, military etc, that's my first serious tip for while!... :-)

... as I do nine times out of ten, for a birth or death certificate

Edited - current cost is £9.25 from the GRO