Naturalization..probably a daft question.

[Sheila Whittingham]

Is there any way Naturalisation papers can be ordered from Kew by post if exact date is not known? I have name and birth date, and marriage date in England , occupation etc. but do not know if or when my German ancestor became a British Citizen.It would have been around 1850-1865. I believe there is a surname index which would at least tell me if my ancestor did become a British Citizen
It is not possible for me to visit Kew.
Any advice most welcome.
Thankyou. Sheila

[Biker]

Hi,  not a daft question at all!  We're all learning as we go along 

If you haven't already, first stop online is to check the national archives here: http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/default.asp

If you have an unusual 'foreign' name I would suggest trying different spellings.

p.s. I have German born ancestors who were never naturalised it seems, so don't be surprised if you do not find them on the NA catalogue as many people didn't bother I think.  It might be useful to check the spouse's name too.

Good luck
Jonathan

[Berlin-Bob]

I found it was enough just to go to the home page: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
and just enter "yourname AND naturalisation" in the search box (capital AND !)

my german g-grandfather didn't get naturalised either, at least not under the name he adopted in England, COLEMAN, so don't be too disappointed if you don't find him

[Sheila Whittingham]

Thanks folks,
Will try and get back.
Sheila.

[Sheila Whittingham]

Have just search catalogue without success.Does this mean catalogue incomplete, or he didn't become a BS ?
I was thinkting of employing a researcher, but now dont know whether to risk the money.
Sheila.

[Berlin-Bob]

My guess is that he didn't become a british citizen !

I put some more thoughts about this on this thread:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=28126.msg103026#msg103026

[Sheila Whittingham]

Thanks Bob,
I only thought he may have become a B.S. because he was in business, and I thought that may have been to his advantage.On the 1861 census it gives only Frankfurt, Germany as birth.I cant find a trace of him on the 1871 census, but on the 1881 census I am 99% sure I have found him , name mis-transcribed , age, occupation first name and birth place are the same, and scribbled in one corner of his birth place column is what looks like B.S. and another letter which I cant make out. On the 1881 census printout on the LDS site it has B.S.against his name, so someone made the same assumption as myself.
Oh well... Thankyou folks for your efforts.I was hoping naturalisation papers would tell me more about his extrodinary life.
Thankyou all, and have a great new year.
Sheila.