Were pre 1837 births registered ?

[peterbaker]

I cannot trace any record of the birth of my 3g grandfather. Census and other records indicate he was born about 1826 in St Pancras, London.
If he wasn't baptised or christened, would there be any other record of his birth? I am really trying to find out who his parents were. No sign of him in 1841 census, by 1851 he's married, but marriage cert not helpful!
Thanks ..  Peter

[CaroleW]

Hi

Civil registration was only introduced on 1.7.1837 and prior to that date - you are dependant on baptismal records and the availability of them

When you say "marriage cert not helpful"  is no father shown?  This would indicate he was illegitimate

Perhaps if you gave us his name we could have a look for you

[peterbaker]

He is Harry Rowland Berkeley.
On his marriage cert there is a dash where name of the father should appear.
Peter

[CaroleW]

Hi

I've checked London christenings and looked for him on the 1841 census without success

If his mother married after he was born - there is a possibility he could be shown under her married name on the 1841 but by then was old enough to be working and not living with his family

I see he married in Lincolnshire in 1849 so he may not have been living in London in 1841

What were the names of the witnesses on the marriage cert

[MissBea]

Hi
There is a record on the lds site, with the submitter being a Mr Norris, he just has the birth/christening as 1828 Middlesex, there is an address also if you wanted to get in touch?

[peterbaker]

Carole

Thanks for checking.

HRB's address on the marriage cert states Horncastle, as does his wife Maria's.

Interesting you should ask about witnesses. They are Mary Ann Wood and Mrs Barton.... Mrs Barton appears twice more :

1.  HRB's son, Harry John was born at 59 Bayham Street South, St Pancras, where George and Elizabeth Barton were visitors during the 1851 census. The head of household [no other rellies] was a Mary Sakker. Was this the Mrs Barton, witness at marriage?  Can’t find Elizabeth’s maiden name.
2.   In the 1881 census there is a Maria Berkely, age 52, b Horncastle [I'm 99% sure this is HRB's wife], visiting the same Elizabeth Barton.

[peterbaker]

Hi Solatium

Thanks for the info. I have been in contact with Roy Norris, but unfortunately he cannot help further.

[BumbleB]

There are marriage entries for George Barton and Elizabeth Sanders appearing on the same page -

December quarter 1837 - Marylebone, page 236

But then that wouldn't tie in with Berkeley, and there are no Barton/Berkeley marriages shown between September quarter 1837 and December quarter 1849 

BumbleB

 

[coombs]

I have had a few ancestors who were born or died weeks before the onset of registration. A couple married in May 1838 so luckily they got in quick and an ancestor married his second wife in November 1837.