Confused about St Osburgs, Coventry

[rebekahm28]

We are presuming our ancestors children were baptised as Catholics at St Osburgs in Coventry. The church was the nearest to the family home, and the parents were Irish Catholics. Years later, themother married for a 2nd time at St Osburgs.  However, the baptisms would have taken place between 1834 and 1849, if the children were baptised as babies. But Ive just discovered the church wasnt at its present site until 1852! Does anyone know where it was before then? Ive tracked down St Osburgs baptisms to St Chads cathedral in Birmingham where they are stored for safe keeping, so Im hoping if I travel to view them I wont be disappointed. Now my husband has just pointed out that Catholics dont baptise their children as babies like the C of E do, they have a first communion at around 8 yrs of age. Aaargh! Would this have been the ONLY baptism/communion they had?

[Tricia_2]

Roman Catholic babies were usually Christened quite early ~ as far as I know.
My Mum's family is RC and all Christenings, that I know of were when they were young babies.

First Holy Communion came later and ~ I think later still  ~  confirmation, when they took an additional confirmation name.

[rebekahm28]

Thankyou Tricia! I may find the baby baptisms yet, then!   

[Tricia_2]

I would guess so, though a few of my ancestors were christened late for various reasons.

Good luck!

[Graham Whitehead]

Thankyou Tricia! I may find the baby baptisms yet, then!   

St. Osburg was finally finished iin 1845.   The baptismal and confirmation registers are at St Chad's Cathedral.  I have seen them myself as my Brooks/Pickard ancestors were baptised there.   You may find it best to contact the Cathedral archivist before your visit.  I expect they now have a website and info etc.  Best wishes for your research.

I have found today 12 Oct 2009 a superb history of St Osburg's parish from it's foundation in Historic Coventry by Bob Orland. Do have a look.