Is it possible to view actual birth/marriage/death records other than GRO?

[Bernadette105]

I am wondering if there is a site for England records where you can pay to view actual records that would contain more information without having to order it directly from GRO.  For example, at scotlandspeople.gov.uk you can view the actual picture of the record taken for a smaller price and then request copy to be sent for higher price.

Thank you,
Bernadette

[lizdb]

You can only "view" certificates by buying them, either from the gro or local register office.

For events that took place in a C of E church, you can view the Parish records, usually at the Local Record office for the relevant county, though more recent ones may still be at the church, and of course some counties have them online. And for many you can buy a CD of parish records. 

[Bernadette105]

Thank you...I was pretty sure that was the case but wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. I know things change sometimes.

Bernadette

[jan57]

Ancestry   have   many parish  records from the LMA   on line ,  where  you  can see  the   images (London Area )    they  also   have some Surrey   records,  Liverpool , Manchester  and Warwickshire   also  also  West Riding   Yorkshire ,   as I've  got  info  re various   ancestors  from them ,  without   having  to  get the   certs  These are   of  church  records  of  course ,  not  registry  offices

[FionaO]

Checkout http://dustydocs.com/ - an invaluable website

Parish records are now held in the local county records office. (See above site for more info).

[jbml]

For post-1858 deaths, as long as there was a Grant you can get the date of death from the Probate calendars. These are free to view, although I am not sure if they are available to view online.

[LizzieW]

For post-1858 deaths, as long as there was a Grant you can get the date of death from the Probate calendars. These are free to view, although I am not sure if they are available to view online.

Lists of wills/administration are on Ancestry too.  They show the date of death and date of probate and who probate was given to.

[BumbleB]

And, I believe, that Ancestry is free to view this weekend    Doesn't affect me as I have a subscription.   

[Bernadette105]

Thank you all for your suggestions!  I've been trying to find brothers of my great great grandfather...whose name was Michael O'Brien...by comparing fathers names on wedding certificates.. needless to say there are many many O'Briens !  Common named ancestors don't make it easy!

Bernadette