Bastardy Files

[Lochnagar]

 I noticed on the Aberdeenshire site this query about "Bastardy Files". Apparently they were files kept with parish records which basically named and shamed suspected fathers.
Has anyone heard of these, on the Aberdeenshire site there seemed to be some doubt as to their existence.
 What I want to know is are or were there such records, and were they common to all parishes, and if they did and how to access them. I have a gt gt grandfather who was illegitmate, and as he was born circa 1813, I only have a name for his mother. If her case was discussed in a parish session then I might have a better idea as to the father. Any suggestions or comments please!

[bleckie]

Hi Lochnagar

I would think your best bet is to have a look in the kirk session records for the parish concerned

I believe they are held in the NAS

Yours Aye
BruceL

[Lochnagar]

Hi thanks for that I'll give it a go see what comes up.

[Lochnagar]

Had a look in the NAS, but it seems they are available only in Edinburgh. I was hoping there were records on line, but if there are I cannot readily discern where they are.

[Isabel H]

They are not online yet, but should be sometime this year.

[Lochnagar]

Thanks Isobel H that will useful if they are put on line, Edinbugh is a bit of a haul to see the items in the flesh so to speak.

[Eleesavet]

Hi Lochnagar,

You can e-mail your query to enquiries {--at--} nas.gov.uk.

I contacted the NAS by e-mail asking if they would kindly check the Parish Records for Fowlis Wester and another two sets of records for different parishes in search of my illegitimate ancestor.  Unfortunately, they did not have these records for Fowlis Wester but they did search the other records and e-mailed their findings.

They didn't find what I was looking for but they returned by e-mail with details of their search and further advice.  I found the NAS very helpful.

If you can give your ancestor's name, date of birth, place, mother's name and OPR reference that should help them to narrow down the search.

Liz



Moderator Comment: e-mail edited, to avoid spamming and other abuses.
Please replace {--at--} with @

[Lochnagar]

Thanks for that Eleesavet, I'll give that a go as I am at the brick wall stage with that line, which unfortunately is the major one, i.e. my main paternal ancestor line. I have problems finding quite a few of my ancestors from my gt grandparents to the dim and distant past. I also tried the local registrar but even she had to admit defeat. However I soldier on..!

[LuRose]

Yes, I am having the same problem.  My "Bastard" line is from James II and Ms. Crichton.  The Wolf of Badenoch was so mean that he fathered many extra children.. So far, have been unsucessfull..