Handwriting on certificates...

[alllegs]

Hi everyone,

Just a little question about certificates.

I always assumed that certificates were written by a registrar then signed (or X'd) by the bride/groom/witnesses/mother of child etc so there would be different handwriting on the page.

All the certificates I have (originals and photocopies of originals) all seem to have just one persons handwriting including the signatures on marriage certs.  I can see no variation in the handwriting at all.  I was always really excited about having a 'part' of my ancestors, ie their signatures but having looked more closely at the writing I'm now not sure....
Maybe I'm reading to much into this, I would assume that the same pen would have been used by all, maybe thats why the writing all looks so similar.

Thanks for any thoughts you have
Love
Legs
xxxx

[PB_Bear]

The only way to see certificates in the participants' own hand would be to look at the PARISH records.

Everything else is a manuscript copy of what was done at the local registry office. Registry offices do not (usually) take fascimile (sp?) copies of the original when you order.

PB

[SandraC]

Hi Legs

This is still the case.  The copy I was given of our marriage certificate was completely written by the Registrar, including the signatures of my husband, myself & our witnesses.  The original with the original signatures is in the BIG book that the registrars keep.

SandraC

[alllegs]

Thank you both,

You can tell that I've not married yet can't you!!

Thanks again
Love
Legs
xxxx