change of surname

[kitman64]

I am trying to find a change of surname for a James Donovan/Turner between 1911 and 1916 born Pontypool Monmouthshire 1892 registered at birth as Donovan, "mothers maiden name".

His mother margaret donovan marries his father william turner June 1895 James seems to be registered twice June 11a 178, and Dec 11a 165; 1891 census he's turner, 1911 census he's Donovan. James marries Ethel Gill June 1916 under his father name Turner. 

Would this have been an illegal marriage without legal change of surname. Any help in locating change of name would be appreciated

kitman

[rosie99]

In the UK you can call yourself what you like.  A change of surname does not have to be done formally.

[AntonyMMM]

James seems to be registered twice June 11a 178, and Dec 11a 165;

Do you have both those certificates to confirm it is the same person ? The June one has a maiden name of Cooke, the Dec one has no maiden name shown.

As far as the marriage goes, a person is married in the name they use, or are known by, at the time of the marriage - it doesn't have to be the same as their birth certificate. Perfectly legal and valid.

[rosie99]

You can view the entries on GRO website https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/Login.asp
DONOVAN, JAMES  JOHN     mothers maiden name COOKE     
1892  June Quarter in PONTYPOOL  Volume 11A  Page 178   

DONOVAN, JAMES  JOHN     -  No mothers maiden name listed so probably illegitimate   
1892  Dec Quarter in PONTYPOOL  Volume 11A  Page 165

Beat me to it AntonyMMM 

[kitman64]

Learn something every day,  :)thanks for that
i should been more thourough in checking info no i have no certs for him
kitman