Letters 'PB' in parish baptism records

[Patches]

I've been looking through some parish baptism records and for some of my people the letters 'PB' or 'P+B' are in the left hand margin next to the record.

Is this something to do with infants death as I know one of mine died at age 1 close to baptism date.

Does anyone know what it means?

Thanx

[Sasha]

Hi,

It might stand for 'private baptism'.  I've come across this in my research - if a child was not expected to live long after birth the baptism could be carried out straight away, at home, by the medical attendant at the birth.

Regards,
Sasha.

[Patches]

Oh, that makes sense.

One I found was baptised 21 Apr 1875 with 'P+B' plus note saying 'received into church 19 July 1876'.  Don't know it this was date of death, not got that far yet.

Thanx

[Gardener]

I'm not entirely sure on this one but I think that after a home baptism the baby was "received" into the church at a later date (if they lived). I'm not sure if this was to be sure that things were done right or just an excuse for a party - no doubt someone out there knows!

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi there

Yes, PB does mean 'Private Baptism'

After the private baptism at home, if the child survived then it was received into church at a later date.  Baptisms usually took place within the first month of the babies life.

Chris in 1066Land