Still Born.

[stanmapstone]

I am well aware that you don't have to be baptised to have a name, however the date was said to be 1807, and the only probable source of the entry would be from a parish register, when it was most likely a child would be baptised, obviously by 1907 this would not be the case.

Stan

[Maiden Stone]

I've looked at burials in unconsecrated ground in Bacup cemetery, Lancashire 1860s-1890s on Lancashire OPC. Burials of stillborn children were recorded without a 1st name. e.g. "stillborn Duckworth, child of James Duckworth". Some were buried in family graves. Others had XX instead of a grave number; most of these were "4th class graves" which I think denoted a common grave. From memory of looking at this register previously, a common grave in that cemetery normally held 6 people. For all the burials of stillborn babies there was a note "No ceremony". The mother of one Duckworth stillborn baby was interred in the same grave 3 weeks later. A high proportion of the stillborn babies seemed to be children of single mothers. I've heard that stillborn babies were sometimes placed in the coffin of a woman, if there was a woman due to be buried but I don't know if that was common.

[Guy Etchells]

Yes it was relatively common for infants to be buried with an adult in the past, it seems this was done for two reasons.
One was simply the cost and the other was the thought or belief the adult could guide and protect the infant on the journey through the underworld.
This was thought to be a comfort to some.

However the burial was required to be registered as with all burials in a churchyard or chapel.

Still-borns were also buried in the body of the church in the past not just in the graveyard for example
London, St James Clerkenwell, 1654 October 12, Two Stillborn childn of Mr Tho. Harlington, in the Chancell
London, All Hallows, Bread St, 1633 August 10, A Stillborne childe of John Pymmes woollen Drap [of this parish, in the church in the middle yle under the foottstolle against the 9 pewe. 4s]
London, St Mildred Bread St, 1683/4 February 9, An abortive male son of Owen & Mary Buckingham, bur. undr ye 3d Pew on ye North side. A.

Chester, 1599/60 Jan 13, master Edw. Kitchen a femall child Still borne bu. 13 Jan. in her mothers pew.

It was even acknowledged the infants buried in the churchyard  were not christened
London, St Michael, Cornhill, 1851/2 February 26, A woman-child, Stillborn, dau. of Harrye Richardson, & not christened

Cheers
Guy

[rot1927]

Thank you all for your input, a very interesting topic I think with some good knowledge on the subject.

cheers.

[cristeen]

My maternal grandparents' first son was stillborn in 1938 (no birth certificate) He was named and buried in the family plot. I guess there is a possibility he was baptised, being buried on consecrated ground, also my grandfather was a Congregational Minister?

[stanmapstone]

My maternal grandparents' first son was stillborn in 1938 (no birth certificate) He was named and buried in the family plot. I guess there is a possibility he was baptised, being buried on consecrated ground, also my grandfather was a Congregational Minister?

A dead person/child can not be baptised

Stan

[Geoff-E]

My maternal grandparents' first son was stillborn in 1938 (no birth certificate)

Although I have no particular knowledge of it, there is a register of still births (since 1927). https://www.gov.uk/register-stillbirth

I believe certificates can be obtained by close relatives (and no-one else).

[KGarrad]

My maternal grandparents' first son was stillborn in 1938 (no birth certificate)

Although I have no particular knowledge of it, there is a register of still births (since 1927). https://www.gov.uk/register-stillbirth

I believe certificates can be obtained by close relatives (and no-one else).

That is correct.
You have to apply to GRO Southport (I did it by phone) and they will send you a form to fill in.
Your relationship to the stillborn has to be stated, and your reasons for wanting the details.
Once approved, they will send you the Stillbirth Certificate (very similar to a Birth Certificate, but not identical).

I went through the process for my mum's twin sister.

[Guy Etchells]

Although I have no particular knowledge of it, there is a register of still births (since 1927). https://www.gov.uk/register-stillbirth

I believe certificates can be obtained by close relatives (and no-one else).

Yes you can apply through the GRO I think it is £15 if I can remember correctly.

Incidentally although the parents of the stillborn and siblings if the parents are dead have an automatic right to apply for a stillbirth certificate anyone in the world whether related or not can also apply for any stillbirth certificate and give reasons or offer an explanation why they want it.
The Registrar General then considers the application and either supplies the certificate or refuses the request.
The Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1953 puts it this way-
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01l6a/

Searches and Certificates
30.-(3) The foregoing provisions of this section shall not apply to certified copies of entries in registers of still-births, but the Registrar General may, if he sees fit in any particular case and on payment of as aforesaid of the appropriate fee aforesaid, cause a search to be made for, and allow any person to have a certified copy of any entry in any such certified copies or in any filled register of still-births which has been forwarded to him.

Cheers
Guy

PS a redacted stillbirth certificate may be seen here
http://anguline.co.uk/cert/birth.html